Basic Pancakes

A Perfect Breakfast: Basic Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Blueberries, and Banana

Who doesn’t love the smell of pancakes cooking on a lazy weekend morning? Today I’m sharing a basic pancake recipe that is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. To elevate these pancakes, we’re serving them with classic maple syrup, fresh blueberries, and sweet banana slices. This combination creates a delightful breakfast that everyone will love.

The Beauty of Pancakes

Pancakes are a beloved breakfast staple for a reason. They’re versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this basic pancake recipe is that it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Maple syrup
• Fresh blueberries
• 1 banana

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed, which helps the pancakes rise evenly and become fluffy.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Combining these ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the egg and butter throughout the batter.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; some lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough, dense pancakes. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

4. Heat the Pan

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface. The butter adds flavor and helps to create a golden-brown crust on the pancakes.

5. Cook the Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown. Remove the pancakes from the skillet and keep them warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

6. Serve with Toppings

Now for the fun part—topping your pancakes! Stack the pancakes on a plate and pour a generous amount of warm maple syrup over the top. Scatter fresh blueberries and banana slices over the pancakes. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely delightful.

Serving Suggestion

To make your breakfast experience even better, serve the pancakes with a side of crispy bacon or sausage, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a cup of hot coffee or tea. This well-rounded meal will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the morning.

Tips for the Best Pancakes

• Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Medium heat: Cook the pancakes over medium heat. Too high and they can burn; too low and they can be tough.
• Butter the pan: A little butter in the pan adds great flavor and helps create a golden crust.

Making pancakes from scratch is simple and rewarding. This basic pancake recipe is a great foundation that you can customize to your liking. Adding maple syrup, blueberries, and banana creates a delicious and visually appealing breakfast that’s perfect for any day of the week. So next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!