When you first start making pancakes, you are going to want to start with a basic pancake recipe.  Even if you aren’t looking to become an elaborate pancake maker, a basic pancake recipe, or at least an easy pancake recipe, is perfect for you.   

If you search through a general cookbook, you will no doubt find the perfect easy pancake recipe.  Especially if you are new to baking or cooking, it’s unlikely that you have a general a general cookbook.  That is why you came searching the internet for a basic pancake recipe in the first place, right?   

Here I have for you the perfect recipe and how to for delicious pancakes.  There as plain as you can get, yet golden and tasty enough to satisfy and please your guests or simply your own taste buds.  If you want to make sure that you are following it just right and that you are making the best pancakes you can, check out How to make pancakes to ensure they come out just as good as the pancakes from your favorite pancake house! 

Basic Pancake Recipe 

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups sifted flour

2 ½ tsp. baking powder

¾ tsp. salt

1 beaten egg

1 cup milk

3 tablespoons vegetable oil 

1. The flour should first be sifted and then measured.  It’s important to do it in the correct order so that you don’t use too much.  Sift and measure the flour and then add the salt and baking soda.  Sift or stir them together gently until it’s well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg, milk, and vegetable oil.  If you don’t have vegetable oil, find out how to substitute it.  Stir the ingredients together being careful not to over-beat the egg.  Use a spoon and combine thoroughly.
3. Next, you will combine the wet and dry ingredients.   Add the wet mixture slowly pouring it over top of the dry ingredients.
4. Gently stir them together.  Don’t beat the mixture, only mix them slightly until they are combined.  Even if there are a few lumps, that is okay.  By sifting the flour beforehand and mixing the wet ingredients, the lumps will be limited.  You must avoid over-mixing because this will cause the pancakes to be tough.
5. You can use either a plug in griddle for pancakes or a wide pan or skillet on the stovetop.  I recommend a griddle because you can cook more at a time.  Lightly grease the pan or griddle with vegetable oil.  You may choose to wipe the oil on with a paper towel while it is still cool.
6. Turn the stove onto medium high or the griddle onto 350°.  Make sure it is hot enough before you add the batter.
7. Pour the batter onto the pan with a ladle or measuring cup.  For basic pancakes, after pouring, they should measure about 4 to 5 inches in diameter.  Make sure the pancakes aren’t touching each other.
8. Wait about 2 to 5 minutes.  Soon, the pancakes will start to bubble.  When the bubbles are even throughout the pancake, use a spatula to carefully flip them over.  They should be golden brown.  Continue to bake them on the griddle for 2 to 3 minutes until the pancake moves easily from the pan when you touch it. 
9. Remove them from the pan, top them with butter and syrup, and enjoy!

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