Pancakes / Red Fruits / Maple Syrup Or Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Dry ingredients

In a medium bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt until evenly combined.

Wet ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup whisk the milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla extract until homogeneous.

Combine

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. A few small lumps are fine—do not overmix or the pancakes will be tough. Let batter rest 5 minutes to hydrate the flour.

Wash and hull/trim berries or pit cherries as needed. If using larger strawberries, quarter them.

Place the prepared fruit, granulated sugar, lemon juice and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit releases juices and the mixture is simmering, about 4–6 minutes.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 teaspoon cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering fruit and cook another 30–60 seconds until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust sweetness with an extra 1/2–1 teaspoon sugar or a squeeze more lemon if desired. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot (about 325–350°F / moderate). Lightly brush or swirl 1/2 tablespoon of butter over the surface and wipe excess with a paper towel so the pan is evenly coated.

For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup (about) of batter onto the hot pan, leaving space between pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.

Flip carefully and cook the second side until golden and cooked through, another 1–2 minutes. Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and keep in a low oven (200°F / 90°C) while you cook remaining pancakes, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

To serve: stack 2–3 pancakes per portion, spoon warm red fruit topping over the stack, and offer both maple syrup and chocolate sauce so guests can choose. Drizzle maple syrup or chocolate sauce to taste. Dust with powdered sugar if using.

Serve pancakes hot with extra fresh berries on the side and an additional small pot of warmed chocolate sauce for dipping if desired.