Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe Hill CafeHotcakes Recipe

Hotcakes Recipe

Inspired by The Hill Cafe
Time25m
Serves4

dusted with powdered sugar & served with maple syrup add chocolate chips, blueberries or strawberries for $1 ea

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Ingredients

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Batter

Optional Add-ins (each +$1)

Method

Prepare Batter

  1. 1

    Mix dry ingredients

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

  2. 2

    Combine wet ingredients

    In a separate bowl whisk the buttermilk, whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.

  3. 3

    Make batter

    Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined — a few small lumps are okay. Do not overmix. Let batter rest 5 minutes to allow baking powder to hydrate and produce a fluffier texture.

Add-ins (optional)

  1. 4

    If using add-ins, gently fold them into the batter now. For chocolate chips fold in 1/2 cup; for blueberries or sliced strawberries fold in 1/2 cup. Avoid overmixing to prevent streaking or crushing fruit. Alternatively, drop add-ins onto the pancake after pouring batter on the griddle (recommended for even distribution).

Cook Hotcakes

  1. 5

    Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Lightly brush with oil or melt a small pat of butter and spread to coat the surface.

  2. 6

    For each hotcake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle (for 4-inch pancakes) or 1/3 cup for slightly larger pancakes. If adding extras individually, place 8–10 chocolate chips or a few blueberries on each pancake now.

  3. 7

    Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip with a spatula and cook the second side until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes more. Adjust heat if pancakes brown too quickly or slowly.

  4. 8

    Transfer cooked hotcakes to a warm oven (200°F / 95°C) on a baking sheet to keep warm while you finish remaining batter. Lightly re-grease the griddle as needed between batches.

Finish & Serve

  1. 9

    Stack 3–4 hotcakes per serving on a plate. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar (use about 1 level tablespoon divided among servings).

  2. 10

    Serve with pure maple syrup on the side (about 2 tablespoons per serving) and an extra pat of butter if desired. Offer additional add-ins or fruit on the side for topping.

  3. 11

    Enjoy immediately while hot.

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