Baking powder is optional, but will produce fluffier pancakes that rise better during the cooking process.
Add the milk slowly and gradually while you stir. If the batter comes out thicker than you like, you can always add another ounce. If you use too much, however, you’ll have to add more flour, which will throw the recipe off. Some people also like to add about a teaspoon of oil to the batter itself. This can help the ingredients hold together better once they’ve been mixed.
Be careful not to overmix your batter. This can make the pancakes slightly tough and rubbery after they’re cooked. [4] X Research source
Resting the batter gives the starches time to relax after whisking them together so that the pancake will turn out light and fluffy. This is a good time to add other ingredients to your pancake batter, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, coconut, etc.
If the cooking surface you’re using isn’t very large, you’ll either have to make smaller pancakes or cook fewer at a time. Avoid saute-style pans with sloped edges. These can mess up the shape of the pancake and leave you with no room to flip them. [7] X Research source
The cooking surface will grow hotter the longer it’s exposed to direct heat, so it’s a good idea to turn it down a little after your first round of pancakes are done.
If you’re using oil to cook pancakes, canola or vegetable oil will work best, as they’ll lubricate the skillet and cook the pancakes evenly without influencing their flavor. Cooking with butter is fine, but it can give the pancakes a denser, crispier outer texture once it cooks in. Wipe out the pan and add new butter after each batch to keep from burning it. [10] X Research source
Keep the pancakes compact. Pancakes that are too big will be difficult to flip. Don’t use too much batter for a single pancake, or the outside will get done while the inside is still goopy.
Bubbles indicate that the first side of the pancake is done and that heat is trying to escape through the other side. [13] X Research source Slide your spatula under each pancake after they’ve been cooking for a few moments to make sure they don’t stick to the skillet.
Flip the pancakes over in one fluid motion to prevent breaking them or making a mess. [15] X Research source After flipping the pancakes, lift up one edge and peek at the bottom to gauge their progress.
Some people may like their pancakes slightly more brown or a little undercooked. Cook the pancakes until they’re done enough to suit your tastes.
Give your pancakes a delicious theme, pairing classic fruit combinations like strawberry and banana, or make their flavor profiles more complex with additives like cinnamon, coconut or lemon zest. There are no rules. Almost anything can go on a steaming hot stack of pancakes!
