5 Top Tips for Homemade Perfect Pancakes

I have been on a mission to learn how to make homemade pancakes from scratch for years. I want you to avoid buying overpriced plastic bottles of 150g flour mix to which you add water, milk, and sometimes eggs.

So here are my top tips and an easy, foolproof pancake recipe my mum used to make, which requires no scales!

1. The first top tip for making perfect homemade pancakes is not to overmix—just enough to bring it together and remove lumps of flour (this will prevent the batter from going tough).
2. Allow the batter to rest, preferably on the worktop, for at least 20 minutes (this allows the gluten to relax and makes a lighter dough).
3. Even heat across the base of the pan is important—this is why an old-fashioned Welsh/Scottish cast iron stone works a treat. The first pancake is usually not great because the pan is not evenly hot enough yet.
4. Add a little melted butter to the mix for a richer taste.
5. Use oil to fry the pancakes. Cook the pancakes on a medium heat.

The easiest homemade pancake recipe which involves no scales is:

1 mug of plain flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 mug of milk (dairy, plant-based or powdered milk (1 tbsp per 100ml water)

1 egg (or 4 tbsp aquafaba – chickpea water)

Add a splash of water if you want to make thinner pancakes

Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to a small amount of batter to make pancake art.

Want to make American-style pancakes?

Reduce the amount of milk by half

Add 1 tsp of baking powder (or use self-raising flour)

Add 1 tsp of lemon juice to replicate buttermilk (optional)

Add 1 tsp of sugar

Toppings

Lemon and sugar, maple syrup, sliced cooked fruit, chocolate spread

Why not go savoury? Spinach and soft cheese, ham and cheese sauce or a leftover bolognese mix is a great way to use leftovers.

How many pancakes can you flip in one go? Record it and post it on the Facebook page!

Did you know Get Cooking! can provide pancake-making workshops via Zoom to connect friends, family and work colleagues. Have fun in your kitchen under expert guidance!