Difference between classic pancakes and American pancakes

Classic pancakes are a breakfast staple, but how are American pancakes different? American pancakes contain either buttermilk, yoghurt or milk and a raising agent, like baking powder or bicarbonate of soda. The buttermilk, yoghurt and milk react with the raising agent to create carbon dioxide, which leads to a thick, light and fluffy pancake. 

Tips to make extra fluffy American pancakes

Now you know the difference between classic and American pancakes, take a look at these tips to help you make your own. 

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Sift your flour from a height

Sifting your flour not only allows you to break up any lumps, but sifting flour from a height will also add more air to your batter and make your pancakes extra fluffy!

Don’t overmix the batter

The last thing you want is dense and chewy pancakes! To make sure your pancakes are as fluffy as can be, mix your batter until it’s combined and then stop.  

Leave the batter to rest

Once you’ve mixed your batter, you should leave it to rest before you cook your pancakes. This gives the starch in the flour a chance to relax, leading to a lighter pancake. 

Use an ice cream scoop to portion your batter

To make sure your pancakes are all the same size, use an ice cream scoop to add your pancake batter into the pan. 

Fry your pancakes in butter

Creating an irresistible breakfast by frying your pancakes in melted butter, giving your pancakes extra mouth-watering flavour.

Keep an eye out for bubbles

It’s hard to get the timings right when you cook pancakes. To get gorgeous golden-brown pancakes, wait until bubbles form on the surface of your pancake batter before you flip them. 

Keep your pancakes warm 

Don’t give your family cold pancakes! Put a wire rack on a baking tray and place them in the oven on a low heat to keep your pancakes warm and fresh.  

Freeze cooked pancakes for a quick and easy breakfast

You can keep American-style pancakes in the freezer for up to a month. All you need to do is cook and freeze your pancakes – it’s that simple! Freeze them in a stack with some baking paper between each layer so they don’t get stuck together.  

Check out our video for some extra tips