I’ve been making pancakes for my oldest daughter for years now, and I’ve finally perfected the recipe for fluffy pancakes!

Given that it’s Mardi Gras tomorrow, I thought I would share my recipe with you.

The key to fluffy pancakes is not to over-mix the batter. It’s okay to have some lumps. They will eventually settle and won’t show up in the cooked pancakes. Over-mixing the flour activates the gluten, which is good for some applications, like bread, but not for pancakes because we don’t want dense pancakes! All you have to do is mix the ingredients until combined, about 15-20 stirs around the mixing bowl.

Because mornings are rushed, I make the batter in a glass measuring cup, making it easier to pour the batter onto the griddle. If I’m using butter, I start by melting the tablespoon of butter in the cup, then adding the milk, eggs, etc.  Sometimes, I use canola oil instead of butter.

I personally like adding fruits whenever I can to pancakes or waffles. It adds fiber and taste.

This recipe makes about two dozen 3-inch pancakes and I find they last until the next day in a covered container in the fridge – if you have leftovers! Just heat in a toaster oven and you’re good to go. You can also snack on these during the day, because they’re small and sweet!

Perfect Fluffy Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 T sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp  salt
1 cup milk
1 t vinegar
1 tsp lemon or clementine juice
1 egg
1 T canola oil or 1 T butter
Zest of one lemon or one clementine

Method:
1. In a 2 cup measuring cup, place all of the wet ingredients, and then add in the dry ingredients. Add the zest last.
2. Stir about 10-15 times with a fork until the ingredients are combined.
3. Do not overmix. There will be some lumps in the batter.
3. Pour batter onto a hot griddle in 3 inch sizes.
4. Serve with fruits, honey, or syrup.

Variations:
Add 1/2 cup of blueberries or strawberries to the batter.
Add 1/2 of a banana, mashed.

What variations on pancakes do you make? Have you ever made lemon or clementine pancakes?

BTW, you can make this batter into waffles. And, if you love waffles, you can try making these banana oatmeal cornmeal waffles that are gluten-free and vegan.

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