RestaurantsBlue Plate KitchenTraditional Pancakes Recipe

Traditional Pancakes Recipe

Inspired by Blue Plate Kitchen
Time25m
Serves3

Two $8.25 | Three $10.25

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Ingredients

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Batter

Method

Batter

1

Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly mixed and aerated.

2

Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, beat 1 large egg lightly. Add 1.25 cups milk, 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter (warm but not hot), and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.

3

Combine wet and dry

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined — small lumps are fine. Do not overmix to keep pancakes tender. If batter seems very thick, add up to 2 tbsp extra milk to reach a pourable but slightly thick consistency.

4

Rest batter (optional)

Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes at room temperature to allow the baking powder to activate and gluten to relax; this yields fluffier pancakes.

Cooking & Serving

5

Preheat skillet

Place a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter, swirling to coat the surface. Heat until butter foams and subsides and the pan is moderately hot (should sizzle lightly when a drop of batter is added).

6

Cook pancakes

For each pancake, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the skillet (for standard-size pancakes; use 1/2 cup for very large). Cook until bubbles form across the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip with a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes more. Adjust heat as needed so pancakes brown evenly without burning. Repeat, adding more butter or a light brush of oil between batches if the pan becomes dry.

7

Hold warm (optional)

If making multiple pancakes, keep finished pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a rack so the bottoms stay crisp while others cook.

8

Serve

Stack pancakes two or three high per order. Serve immediately with maple syrup and optional fresh fruit. Additional butter may be offered on the side.