How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Pancakes from Scratch

Who doesn't love a good stack of fluffy pancakes on a lazy weekend morning? Making pancakes from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but it's easier than you might think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make perfectly fluffy pancakes every time.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.
3. Add the melted butter to the milk mixture and stir until well mixed.
4. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Heat a non-stick griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the heated pan using a ladle or measuring cup.
7. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake and the edges begin to look set. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
8. Using a spatula, flip the pancake and cook for another minute or so until golden brown.
9. Repeat with the remaining batter.
10. Serve the pancakes with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, butter, and fresh berries.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Pancakes

1. Use Buttermilk

Buttermilk is an acidic liquid that reacts with the baking powder in the pancake batter to create carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles help to make the pancakes light and airy. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

2. Don't Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the pancake batter will cause the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in tough and chewy pancakes. Be sure to whisk the batter just until the ingredients are combined and no lumps remain. It's okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.

3. Let the Batter Rest

Letting the pancake batter rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in tender and fluffy pancakes. The batter will also thicken slightly during this time, which will help the pancakes to hold their shape.

4. Use a Non-Stick Pan

Using a non-stick pan or griddle will ensure that your pancakes don't stick and burn. If you don't have a non-stick pan, be sure to grease the pan or griddle with a bit of butter or oil before adding the batter.

5. Keep the Heat Even

Cook the pancakes over medium-high heat to ensure that they cook evenly and don't burn. If the heat is too low, the pancakes will take longer to cook and may become dense and chewy. If the heat is too high, the pancakes will burn on the outside and be undercooked on the inside.

6. Don't Press Down on the Pancakes

Resist the temptation to press down on the pancakes with a spatula while they are cooking. This will compress the cake and remove the air bubbles, resulting in dense and heavy pancakes.

Conclusion

Making perfect fluffy pancakes is easy when you have the right ingredients and follow a few simple tips. Remember to use buttermilk, don't overmix the batter, let the batter rest, use a non-stick pan, keep the heat even, and don't press down on the pancakes. With practice, you'll be able to create the perfect stack of pancakes every time. So go ahead, whip up a batch of batter, grab your syrup, and enjoy a delicious breakfast that's sure to start your day off on the right foot.