Pancakes are one of those breakfast items that feel like a treat every time they’re served. Stacked high and drizzled with syrup, they can be quite decadent. Learning how to get the perfect pancake batter consistency to the batter and knowing exactly when to flip them is a bit of an art form.
At The Great American Pancake Co., we present the ultimate guide for the perfect pancake.
Get the Necessary Ingredients
You’ll find that there are countless recipes for pancakes. To achieve the perfect pancake, you need fresh ingredients. One stale ingredient can ruin everything. Additionally, if you over-complicate with too many ingredients, it leaves more room for error.
Our pancake mixes have all-natural ingredients in a resealable package, ensuring the ingredients stay fresh between batches. All you need to do is add egg, oil, and water.
And with 11 unique gourmet varieties, you can try them all without spending a fortune on a long list of ingredients you may never use again.
Mix But Don’t Overmix
Whisk all of your ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Using a whisk over a spoon is better so nothing gets clumpy. Plan on whisking just until the batter is smooth. When you have a good pancake batter consistency, every bite will be delicious.
If you overmix, your pancakes could turn out rubbery and tough (which is never good).
Preheat the Pan
Decide what kind of pan you will use – a frying pan or a griddle. The pan should be large enough to pour at least two to four pancakes at a time while still having room to make the flip.
Maintain the temperature at medium heat or about 325 degrees. Ideally, you’ll want to use a nonstick pan to avoid problems when flipping the pancakes.
Test if the pan is hot by dropping water onto the surface. If it sizzles, you’re ready to go.
Grease the Pan
A little bit of oil, butter, or nonstick cooking spray should be used on the pan so your pancakes don’t stick. Even if you’re using a nonstick pan, you should still use a little grease.
Don’t let the grease burn in the pan.
Also, depending on how many batches of pancakes you’ll be doing, here are a few other tips regarding the grease:
- Wipe out excess grease between batches with a paper towel.
- Add a bit more butter or spray if you see pancakes sticking to the pan.
Measure the Batter
A ladle or measuring cup should be used to get the same amount of batter for each pancake. If you make a bunch of different-sized pancakes, they will cook inconsistently.
Pour the pancake batter into the hot pan. Depending on the size you like your pancakes, anticipate approximately ¼ cup per pancake.
Allow enough room for each pancake. If you crowd them in, the pancakes can stick together. It will also make it harder for you to flip them without them landing on one another.
Flip at the Right Time
Even the best batter can lead to imperfect pancakes if you don’t master the flip. You’ll have raw batter in the middle if you don’t wait long enough. If you wait too long, they’ll burn.
Here’s when to know if your pancakes are cooked. Wait until the edges of the pancake look dry. The surface should also have several bubbles across it. Use a spatula to peel up one corner. If it easily peels, slide the spatula under the pancake and flip it over carefully.
Depending on the heat of your pan, you’ll cook the pancake for one to two minutes on each side. Pay attention. If you find them burning too quickly, turn the temperature down. Color-wise, you’re looking for both sides to be a golden brown.
If you’re making a big stack of pancakes for breakfast, you’ll need to make a few batches. The good news is that pancakes can stay warm while you make the rest. Place them on a warming plate on the stove or even inside the oven.
Here’s a quick tip: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then, turn off the oven. It will stay warm enough to keep your pancakes warm without further cooking them.
Serve Up the Pancakes
Serve the pancakes while they’re still warm. You can serve them with butter and syrup or go decadent with more toppings like fresh fruit or chocolate chips.
Mastering the Perfect Pancake
The perfect pancake is a beautiful thing. Once you learn, you can make pancakes for breakfast, dinner, or just because. And every time you make them, you can pair them with different sides and toppings to make the dining experience unique.
Often, it comes down to having the right tools:
- Great American Pancake Co. Mix
- Large mixing bowl
- Metal whisk
- Cooking spray or butter
- Large griddle or nonstick pan
- Rubber spatula
With our mixes, we take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation. Each of our pouches will make 18 pancakes. By spending about 15 to 20 minutes in the kitchen, you can have an entire stack of pancakes to serve the family. And if it’s just you, make as many as you want and seal the pouch so that the ingredients are fresh for your next pancake-making expedition.
Learn as you go. You’ll find that with a little bit of experience, you’ll know what temperature to set your pan, how many pancakes will comfortably fit in a pan, and when it’s time to flip the pancake.
As you master your pancake-making skills, don’t forget to try the many pancake mix flavors we offer. Brown sugar & oatmeal, peanut butter, gingerbread, and so many more are available, and with your newfound skills, every batch will be perfect.
