Pancake Plate Recipe

Make batter

In a medium bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. In a separate small bowl or measuring cup whisk milk, egg (use half of a beaten large egg or whisk and use half), and melted butter until blended. Pour wet into dry and stir gently until just combined — batter should be slightly lumpy. Do not overmix.

Rest batter for 5–10 minutes while heating the griddle. This yields a lighter pancake and allows baking powder to activate.

Cook pancake

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot (around 350°F / 175°C) and brush or spray with the 1 tsp oil. Pour batter to make one 5–6 inch pancake (about 1/3 cup batter). Cook until edges look set and bubbles form and begin to pop on surface, about 2–3 minutes. Flip with a spatula and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate and keep warm while finishing protein and butter.

Make maple cinnamon butter

While batter rests, combine 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Mash and mix thoroughly with a fork until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust: add up to 1/4 tsp more maple or cinnamon if desired.

Place a rounded spoonful of the maple cinnamon butter on the warm pancake so it softens and begins to melt. Dust the pancake lightly with 1/2 tablespoon powdered sugar immediately before serving for a delicate finish. Reserve 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for mixing into butter if you prefer sweeter butter (optional).

Cook bacon

For bacon: heat a skillet over medium heat and add bacon strips (no extra oil). Cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes per side for medium crispness, adjusting time for thickness. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep warm.

Cook pork sausage

For pork breakfast sausage links: heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium. Add sausage links and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes depending on size. Reduce heat if they brown too fast. Finish in a covered pan 1–2 minutes if needed to reach internal temperature.

Cook vegan sausage

For vegan sausage links: heat 1 tsp oil in skillet over medium. Cook links 3–6 minutes, turning often, until browned and heated through. Follow package instructions if different.

Keep cooked protein warm alongside the pancake. Arrange 2 pieces of chosen protein next to the pancake on the plate.

Place the cooked pancake on the plate. Top with a spoonful of maple cinnamon butter so it melts over the pancake. Dust lightly with powdered sugar. Plate the chosen protein alongside. Serve immediately with additional maple syrup on the side if desired.