1. Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Mix Batter
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
4. Preheat the Pan
- Heat Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the pan is ready.
- Grease Pan: Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil. Wipe away excess with a paper towel to prevent the pancakes from becoming greasy.
5. Cook Pancakes
- Pour Batter: For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot pan. Use the back of the spoon to spread it into a round shape if needed.
- Cook: Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm in a preheated oven set to 200°F (93°C) while you cook the remaining pancakes.
6. Serve
- Serve Warm: Serve pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a pat of butter.
Tips for Success
- Do Not Overmix: The batter should be lumpy; overmixing can result in dense pancakes.
- Rest the Batter: Letting the batter rest for 5-10 minutes can help the pancakes rise better.
- Temperature Control: Cook pancakes on medium heat to avoid burning. If the pan is too hot, the pancakes may burn on the outside while remaining raw in the middle.
Variations
- Berry Pancakes: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen berries into the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet treat.
- Whole Wheat Pancakes: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Conclusion
Buttermilk pancakes are a classic breakfast dish that combines simplicity with exceptional flavor. With a few key ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create fluffy, delicious pancakes that will make any morning special. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and share them with family and friends for a delightful start to your day!