She Strengthens

Homemade Pancakes: A Game-Changer for Breakfast

Ditch the boxed mix and treat yourself to a stack of fluffy, flavorful pancakes made from scratch. Not only are they easier to make than you think, but they’re also cheaper and taste infinitely better. Plus, you can prep the batter ahead of time, making mornings a breeze.

The Benefits of Homemade Pancakes

When you make pancakes from scratch, you’re in control of the ingredients, which means you can choose healthier options and avoid preservatives. You’ll also save money in the long run, as a batch of homemade pancakes costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a boxed mix.

The Recipe

This simple recipe yields 5 large or 10 small pancakes and can be ready in just 25 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk or buttermilk
• 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit, butter, and maple syrup for serving

Prepping the Batter

To make the batter, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, oil or butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until the eggs are foamy and the sugar has dissolved. Add the flour mixture to the milk mixture and stir until just combined – the batter should still be slightly lumpy.

Cooking the Pancakes

Heat a large cast-iron skillet, frying pan, or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, ladle in 1/2 cup of batter for large pancakes or 1/4 cup for smaller ones. Cook until bubbles cover the top, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make the batter ahead of time. Simply refrigerate it for up to 12 hours, then stir before using. This will result in denser, cakier pancakes, but they’re still delicious.

Tips and Tricks

• To ensure your pancakes cook evenly, make sure the pan is hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of cold water onto it. If the water bounces and sputters, it’s ready to go.
• Use a paper towel to rub the pan with oil or butter before cooking the pancakes.
• Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the remaining batter.

With this simple recipe, you’ll be enjoying fluffy, flavorful homemade pancakes in no time. So ditch the boxed mix and give scratch a try – your taste buds will thank you!