There’s nothing quite like biting into a fluffy, golden pancake fresh off the griddle. But achieving the perfect pancake at home isn’t always as simple as it seems. From uneven cooking to flat, lifeless results, many home cooks struggle to recreate diner-quality pancakes. Luckily, with a few key tips from one of your favorite Stow restaurants, you can master the art of the perfect pancake!
Start with the Right Ingredients
The foundation of a great pancake is in the ingredients. High-quality flour, fresh baking powder, eggs, and milk form the base of your batter. Make sure your baking powder is fresh to give the pancakes their signature lift. For an extra touch of richness, consider substituting buttermilk for regular milk—its acidity interacts with the baking powder for a lighter, fluffier texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
A common mistake when making pancakes is overmixing the batter. While it might be tempting to whisk until smooth, this can lead to dense, rubbery pancakes. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tougher pancakes.
Rest the Batter
Allowing the batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes before cooking gives the flour time to hydrate and the baking powder a chance to start working. This resting period helps create a lighter, more airy texture.
Preheat and Grease the Pan Properly
The perfect pancake starts with the right cooking surface. Preheat your griddle or pan to medium heat—too hot, and the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through; too cool, and they’ll turn out pale and flat. Grease the pan lightly with butter or oil, but don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way.
Flip at the Right Moment
Wait until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set before flipping. This ensures the pancake is cooked through on one side and will hold its shape during the flip. Flip gently, and cook for another minute or so until golden brown on both sides.
Stow Cafe | Stow Restaurants
Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet for breakfast, rest assured that we have plenty of options at one of your favorite Stow restaurants to get your day started right! To explore our delicious menu options, check out our online menu or visit us today!
