How to Make Pancakes

The funny thing about pancakes, much like many great things in life, is that they are deceptively simple when done well. Pancakes are one of the foods, similar to baked potatoes, that are best cooked at home with friends and family gathered around. They are also quite nostalgic as they can often remind us of our school days or just special memories of loved ones past and present.

For the British, it's all about Pancake Days and when we taste them with just a sprinkling of sugar and a squeeze of lemon they are simply divine. Americans love a rather more robust, thicker pancake and usually add maple syrup to the mix. Whatever your favourite topping, they are always best served warm and fresh out of the pan!

How to make the Best Pancakes

Here we will guide you through our own step-by-step guide to making the perfect pancake!

Our Classic Recipe:

The thing is, once you have whisked up your batter and are ready, they are fun to fry and if you are brave enough then it's time to flip! 

First of all, make sure you have all your ingredients at hand and so here is a quick checklist below to avoid disappointment.

Pancake ingredients list for approximately 10 pancakes:

  • 2 whole eggs
  • 100 grams plain white flour
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or similar
  • 300ml milk
  • One Lemon
  • Plain sugar

Perfect Pancake Cooking Method:

  1. Sift all the dry ingredients through a fine sieve into a large bowl.
  2. Now, with your hands, make a well with the flour and then add all the wet ingredients.
  3. Whisk together all the eggs, flour and milk into a lovely smooth batter. Add a pinch of salt to this. You may leave this to rest for 20 mins if you have time or just jump straight in if you'd prefer!
  4. It's nearly time for the fun part! Use a medium-sized non-stick frying pan or crêpe pan, heat and add a drop of oil.
  5. With a ladle or large spoon pour the batter mix into the hot pan and cook the first side for a minute or so.
  6. Finally! The fun bit! Now flip your pancakes over! This part is a great way to inspire and get your kids involved In the kitchen.

Flipping Tips

One of the secrets of a successful flip is to position the pancake to hang slightly over the front end of the pan and then flip the pancake towards yourself with a nice sharp wrist action.

Obviously, you can do this carefully with a silicon or metal flipper but where's the fun in that?

Toppings

As mentioned previously, the classic British-style pancake is simply served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar. However, why not add a dollop of natural yoghurt and a few dark berries? Or what about trying them with blueberries or maple syrup? You could even go savoury and add finely chopped cabbage, grated carrot and onion in small quantities, then add sausages or bacon for a great breakfast alternative.

New World Pancakes

One great divide in the pancake world is 'baking powder'! Adding a pinch can make the pancakes lighter and have the desired fluffy effect. A 'New York' diner-style pancake utilises baking powder and is thicker and smaller but because of this addition is not too heavy on the stomach! Just grab a cup of freshly ground coffee, and the day is yours

No Waste No Way!

If for any reason you have any left over batter, you can easily keep this in a fridge for a few days. When you next need it just give it a stir and you are good to go!