Desserts

Pancakes

⏱ 15 min👤 3 pp★★☆☆☆

What better way to begin a new day than to let yourself be intoxicated, mind and body, by a tasty and delicious breakfast, perfect to greet in the best possible way the day ahead? We have gone abroad to seek out a suitable answer to our breakfast challenge, and propose American pancakes, a dessert that is exceptionally popular amongst American families. Among mothers in the land of the stars and stripes, it is an ingrained habit to serve these pancakes - a kind of sweet crepe, but thicker - for breakfast. The thickness is due to the addition of baking powder or bicarb of soda. The pancakes are served with the famous maple syrup (if you've never tasted it, you will probably have seen it in the movies!), but also with jam, custard, chocolate, or, if you really want to feel American, with eggs and bacon.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
9g
Carbohydrates
75g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
15 minutes Total time
Serves 3 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

In a blender, first blitz the eggs with the sugar, add the milk and then gradually add the flour mixed with baking powder. Heat a frying pan and grease it with a sheet of oiled baking parchment. Then with a ladle, pour a little of the batter into the centre of the pan to form a disk of 6cm or so in diameter. Cook for less than a minute then flip it over and cook for a few seconds more. Repeat until all the batter is used up and you've got a small tower of pancakes. In a small pan, prepare the sauce by melting the butter over low heat and add an equivalent quantity of syrup. Serve on a plate pouring some of the sauce over the pancakes. You can also eat in a more ‘diet-like’ pancake with a little yoghurt and jam. Your pancakes are ready!

Tips
Pancakes can be flavoured by substituting other sweet ingredients, such as honey, for the maple syrup.
Trivia
Although pancakes are commonly attributed to the United States, in fact they come from Germany.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruit

Pancakes can be enriched with a variety of ingredients, but one of the most classic and appreciated combinations is with maple syrup and fresh fruit. To prepare this variant, after cooking the pancakes, you can garnish them with slices of banana, strawberries, or blueberries, and pour a generous amount of maple syrup on top. This not only adds sweetness but also freshness to the dish, making it perfect for an energetic breakfast. If you like, you can also dust with a bit of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor of the pancakes, creating a perfect balance that everyone will enjoy.

American-style pancakes, fluffy and tall

The preparation of American-style pancakes involves the use of specific ingredients and a particular technique that guarantees fluffy and tall results. Unlike thinner versions, American pancakes are thicker and softer, thanks to the addition of baking powder and the correct cooking over medium heat. To achieve this consistency, it is important not to overmix the batter; lumps are acceptable and will help make the pancakes lighter. Served with melted butter and maple syrup, these pancakes are a true delight to enjoy with family or friends, perfect for starting the day with energy.

Light pancakes without butter and refined sugar

For those looking for a lighter version of pancakes, it is possible to create a light recipe by eliminating butter and replacing refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in reduced amounts. By using skim milk or plant-based drinks like almond or soy milk, you can achieve lighter pancakes that are just as tasty. Additionally, you can enrich the batter with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content. This variant is perfect for those who want to maintain a healthy diet without giving up the pleasure of a good pancake. Served with fresh fruit, these light pancakes will be an excellent choice for a nutritious and balanced breakfast.

Pancakes: nutritional benefits and calories

Pancakes, when prepared with quality ingredients, can offer several nutritional benefits. The main element, flour, provides complex carbohydrates that are a source of long-term energy. Eggs provide high-quality protein and a range of essential vitamins, while milk contributes calcium and B vitamins. A medium pancake, with standard portions of ingredients, contains about 90-100 calories, but this value can vary depending on the ingredients used and the portions. For a balanced meal, it is advisable to accompany pancakes with fruit or yogurt, which increase the nutritional value and make the dish even more delicious.

Can pancakes be frozen for later consumption?

The answer is yes, pancakes can be frozen for later consumption. It is advisable to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. This way, you will prevent them from sticking together and can easily thaw them when you feel like it. To reheat them, simply place them in a skillet for a few minutes or in the microwave for a couple of seconds. This practice is particularly useful for those who have little time in the morning, allowing you to enjoy fresh pancakes even on the busiest days, without compromising taste and texture.