How to make pancakes
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups (300 ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter, plus extra for the pan
- 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
Steps
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
- In a jug, whisk milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla.
- Pour wet into dry and stir just until combined. Small lumps are fine.
- Rest the batter 5 minutes so it thickens and puffs.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and brush lightly with butter.
- Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook about 2 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set.
- Flip once and cook 1–2 minutes until golden. Keep warm in a low oven.
How to make oats
Stovetop (creamiest)
- Combine ½ cup rolled oats, 1 cup water or milk, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until thick.
- Rest 1 minute, then top.
Microwave (fastest)
- Mix the same amounts in a large bowl.
- Microwave 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway. The bowl should be big enough to avoid boil-over.
Overnight (no cooking)
- Stir ½ cup oats, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup yogurt and a spoon of honey in a jar.
- Refrigerate at least 6 hours and eat cold or warmed.
Toppings that work on both
Fresh berriesSliced bananaMaple syrupHoneyCinnamonChopped walnutsPeanut butterGreek yogurtToasted coconutBaked appleBrown sugarDark chocolate chips
Oat types compared
| Type | Texture | Stovetop time |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled (old-fashioned) | Soft, creamy | 4–5 min |
| Quick oats | Smooth, softer | 1–2 min |
| Steel-cut | Chewy, nutty | 20–30 min |
If something goes wrong
Flat pancakes
Baking powder may be old, or batter was overmixed. Test powder in hot water: it should fizz.
Burnt outside, raw inside
The pan is too hot. Lower the heat and use smaller scoops.
Gummy oats
Too much stirring or not enough liquid. Add a splash of water or milk and heat gently.
Watery oats
Cook one or two minutes longer; oats thicken as they cool.
FAQ
Can I make pancake batter the night before?
It is best fresh, because baking powder starts working once mixed. If you must prepare ahead, keep dry and wet mixes separate and combine them in the morning.
How do I keep pancakes warm?
Place them on a rack on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven in a single layer.
Can I freeze pancakes?
Yes. Cool them completely, separate with parchment, freeze in a bag, and reheat in a toaster or oven.
Water or milk for oats?
Water gives a lighter, plainer bowl; milk makes it richer and creamier. Many people use half and half.