Recipes
Pro chef shares the secret to make perfect fluffy pancakes every time
This makes all the difference.
Sasha Alonzo
03.24.23

There are some recipes that everyone makes.

But does everyone make them the right way?

When it comes to recipes, the folks at America’s Test Kitchen DO NOT mess around.

They recreate recipes over and over again “until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.”

So, you know you have a good recipe on your hands if it comes from these guys.

America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

America’s Test Kitchen was not only looking to perfect their pancake recipe but create a pancake recipe that was as easy as possible.

That’s because when it’s time to make pancakes, you need it to be easy.

It’s morning and you’re usually up against a table full of immediately voracious family members who want pancakes in their belly as soon as possible.

And dragging out a mixer before your cup of coffee kicks in is out of the question.

America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

“We wanted tender, fluffy, flavorful pancakes that are simple to make using pantry-friendly ingredients and basic kitchen tools (no appliances),” America’s Test Kitchen explains.

They knew they wanted their pancakes tall and fluffy, and the key to this is making a thick batter.

That means using a small amount of liquid, lots of baking powder, and a minimal amount of mixing.

A bit of sugar, vanilla, and baking soda are added for the perfect flavor.

Here’s how to make the easiest and most delicious pancakes you’ve ever had.

America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of flour
  • 3 tbs. of sugar
  • 4 tsp. of baking powder
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • 1/2 tsp of baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/2 tsp. of vanilla
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

Instructions:

Step 1) Pour two cups of flour into a large bowl.

Step 2) Add in your dry ingredients: 3 tbsp. of sugar, 4 tsp. of baking powder, 1 tsp. of salt, and 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Whisk this all together so it is blended.

America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

Step 3) In a separate bowl, place your two eggs and mix with your 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.

Step 4) Once your eggs and oil are well blended, pour in your 1 1/2 cup of milk , then 1/2 of vanilla. Whisk everything together until it is fully combined.

America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

Step 4) Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients.

Step 5) Mix but DO NOT over mix. Your batter should be thick and lumpy. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes.

Step 6) After 10 minutes, your batter should still be clumpy and thick.

America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

Step 7) Pour 1/2 tsp. of oil onto a griddle and wipe it so that the entire surface of the griddle is covered in oil. Heat your griddle to 350°F. You can also use a pan if you don’t have a griddle.

Step 8) Pour your batter onto your griddle using a portion scoop or ice cream scooper or just measure 1/4 cup of batter. Spread out your batter to make 4″ circles.

America's Test Kitchen - YouTube
Source:
America's Test Kitchen - YouTube

Step 9) Heat your pancakes for two to three minutes on the first side before flipping them. Keep your spatula low to the griddle or plan when you’re flipping to ensure minimal dripping. Let them cook for one to two minutes on the second side.

Step 10) If you want everyone to eat at once and not just serve them as they come off the griddle, heat your oven to 200 °F. Place your pancakes on a wire rack and place them in the oven to stay warm until you’re ready to serve.

Step 11) Enjoy your golden delicious, super tall, and fluffy pancakes.

Watch the full demonstration in the video below and try them out for yourself at home!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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