Ah, pancakes—the ultimate breakfast indulgence that can turn a dreary morning into a bright, syrupy delight. Remember that time I tried to flip a pancake only to have it land, not-so-gracefully, on the floor? Well, these fluffy copycat IHOP buttermilk pancakes are worth every attempt, even if your flipping skills are as questionable as mine. Get ready to savor a stack of clouds with a side of nostalgia.
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and buttermilk until they are thoroughly combined, then gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until the mixture is smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Melt the butter and mix it with the sugar, then add this to the batter, whisking until everything is well incorporated.
- Preheat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan, spreading it out to form a circular pancake about 5 inches in diameter.
- Cook the pancake until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to brown, then gently flip it over to cook the other side until golden brown.
- Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter, serving the pancakes with butter and warm syrup. Enjoy your homemade pancakes!
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
FAQ
- What makes these copycat IHOP pancakes so fluffy?
- These pancakes achieve their fluffiness due to the combination of baking powder and baking soda, which help the batter rise. Additionally, sifting the flour ensures a light and airy texture.
- Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?
- While buttermilk is recommended for its unique tanginess and ability to react with the baking soda for extra fluffiness, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidic properties of buttermilk.
- How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
- The pancakes are ready to flip when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges begin to brown slightly. This indicates that the bottom side is cooked and the pancake is stable enough to be flipped.
- Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
- Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of pancakes. Just ensure you have a sufficiently large mixing bowl and griddle to accommodate the extra batter.
- What is the best way to serve these pancakes?
- These pancakes are best served with a dollop of butter and warm syrup. For an extra treat, consider adding your favorite toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, or flavored syrups.
Tips
- Use Buttermilk for Fluffiness: Buttermilk is crucial in this recipe as it reacts with baking soda, helping the pancakes rise and become fluffy. Don’t substitute it with regular milk for the best texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes instead of the desired light and fluffy texture.
- Control the Heat: Cook the pancakes on medium-low heat. This allows them to cook evenly without burning the outside before the inside is done.
- Use a Measuring Cup for Consistency: Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to pour the batter onto the griddle for uniform-sized pancakes. This helps them cook evenly and look professional.
Equipment
- Griddle – A griddle is ideal for cooking pancakes evenly and efficiently. You can find electric or stovetop versions on Amazon.
- Nonstick skillet – If you don’t have a griddle, a high-quality nonstick skillet is a good alternative for making pancakes.
- Sifter – Useful for sifting flour and other dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
- Whisk – While many people have a basic whisk, a sturdy one can make mixing batter easier and more efficient.
