American pancakes: Perfect recipes and tips

The American pancake, or “pancake” as many people know it, is one of the most popular breakfast foods in the United States. This thick, but airless batter can be made in many different ways, often with baking soda or baking powder, which is responsible for the raised, soft texture. With its smooth interior and golden brown crust, American pancakes are a truly special treat for the palate.

American pancakes are served in almost endless variations, most often with maple syrup, butter, fruit or jam. Beyond the breakfast table, American pancakes are a popular choice at any time of day, whether made at home or enjoyed in a restaurant.

Contrary to popular belief, American pancake recipes and serving methods vary by region. In some places, several layers of pancakes are stacked on top of each other, while in others, only a single piece is served. A dish deeply rooted in American culture, American pancakes have been discovered and adapted to the tastes of many parts of the world and have become an international favourite.

Of course, american pancakes are also on the Onios brunch menu.

The history of the American pancake

The history of the American pancake is deeply rooted in American culture and gastronomy. Pancakes are a staple of American cuisine, appearing in a variety of forms on the breakfast and lunch table.

The role of pancakes in American culture

American pancakes are closely associated with mornings at work and family gatherings. For cooks, it’s a dish that offers the opportunity to use ingredients creatively and vary the recipe. Pancakes are mostly for breakfast, but they can also be a perfect choice for lunch.

Typical ingredients:

• Flour
• Eggs
• Milk
• Baking powder

Servicing methods:

• Maple syrup
• With fresh fruit
• With honey

Development and types of pancakes

While the original American pancake recipe contains relatively simple ingredients, many variations have appeared over the years. From the classic version, variations with added flavourings such as chocolate chips, various fruits or nuts have become common. The consistency and thickness of the batter can also vary, depending on the pancake preferred.

Popular types:

• Thin and crispy
• Thick and spongy, often known as ‘buttermilk’ pancakes

The variety of recipes and the flexible nature of the food reflect the diversity and innovative spirit of American society.

Raw materials and tools needed

This section describes the ingredients and tools needed to make delicious American pancakes, from the exact quantities to how to use them.

American pancake ingredients

The ingredients needed to make American pancakes are:

• Flour: 2 cups (approx. 250 g)
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Milk: 1 1/2 cups (about 355 ml)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Melted butter: 1/3 cup (about 80 ml)

These ingredients give the American pancake its distinctive taste and texture.

Cooking tools and techniques

The tools and useful techniques for making pancakes are as follows:

When cooking American pancakes, it is important to preheat an iron or aluminium pan over a medium heat and cook both sides until golden brown in pre-melted butter and at an even temperature.

Nutritive information

In terms of nutritional value, American pancakes contain various macro- and micronutrients that play an important role in the human body.

The importance of macronutrients and micronutrients

Pancakes contain important macronutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrates, which are essential energy sources for the human body. Protein is necessary for muscle building and cell regeneration. American pancakes are usually rich in protein, especially if milk and eggs are used in their preparation.

In terms of micronutrients, American pancakes contain a variety of vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (B3, B2, B6, B12), vitamin D and vitamin K, as well as thiamine (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and folic acid (vitamin B9). These micronutrients play a key role in metabolism and the nervous system.

Allergens and dietary adaptations

With American pancakes, special attention needs to be paid to certain ingredients, such as gluten and lactose, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Traditional pancakes are made with milk containing lactose and wheat flour containing gluten, so lactose-sensitive and gluten-sensitive people should seek alternatives.

As regards fat content, pancakes may contain saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as cholesterol, which may pose a cardiovascular risk if consumed in high amounts. Dietary efforts should be made to include healthier types of fat, such as polyunsaturated fats from oilseeds.

Step by step recipe

In this detailed description of the American pancake recipe, we place particular emphasis on preparation time, precise cooking techniques and the role of the ingredients.

How to make American pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 and 3/4 cups milk
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation time: approx. 20 minutes

Preparation steps:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and fry the pancakes in a little butter or oil. When bubbles appear on top, flip them over.

Expert tips and tricks

• For the perfect consistency, do not overmix the dough; small lumps may remain and will disappear during baking.
• Timing is key when cooking pancakes. As soon as the edges rise and bubbles form on the surface, it’s time to flip.
• The baking powder ensures that American pancakes rise sufficiently, so accuracy is needed in the dosing.
• To evenly distribute the temperature in the pan, use a non-stick pan with a non-stick coating, kept at a slightly lower than medium heat.

Innovative Pancake Variations

American pancakes are a true culinary canvas on which to experiment with a variety of new flavours and combinations. By reimagining traditional recipes, the delicious delicacies of the modern age are born.

Fillings and sauces

• Maple syrup: a classic sweet flavour, often used, but subtly altered to achieve a special taste effect.
• Butter: the secret to pancakes’ juiciness is butter, which makes them even more hearty.
• Sugar: Sweetness can easily be brought to the fore with the right amount of added sugar.
• Pancakes wrapped in bacon: a savoury version where the pancakes are combined with the salty flavour of the bacon.

Creative American pancakes

• Risotto stuffed in pancakes: you can simply place the risotto in the pancakes for a great dish.
• Pancakes soaked in soup: for those who want to try something different from the traditional, pancakes soaked in soup offer a special taste experience.
• A wide variety of vegetables: pancakes are excellent filled with a variety of steamed, roasted or fresh vegetables, increasing the nutritional value of the dish.

Serving and serving American pancakes

Serving American pancakes is mostly a simple and flexible process. For a hearty breakfast or brunch, pancakes are often served in several layers, kept warm to preserve the rich flavours. It is important that the pancakes are freshly cooked, soft but not too dense.

Ideal as a topping, bacon-wrapped meats go well with the soft texture of the pancakes, offering a varied combination of flavours. The crispiness and salty taste of the bacon is a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes.

When serving, pieces of butter are placed on top of the warm to melt on the surface. Maple syrup is the classic accompaniment to American pancakes, and is an ideal pairing with butter. The sweet syrup is usually poured liberally over the pancakes, further enhancing the flavour experience.

Aesthetic appearance is also important when serving American pancakes. Pieces of fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, can be used to add colour to the serving, while adding freshness to the overall look. In some variations, chocolate chips or nuts can be added for additional flavour variation.

The hearty and varied American pancake is often chosen for a comforting weekend brunch. Such events provide the perfect atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy delicious food and good company together.