Recipe: Perfect Breakfast Pancakes

There’s something about pancakes on a rainy day that just feels right. In fact, there’s something about the delightfully fluffy texture of pancake that makes it feel just right even on a sunny day. If you’re a fan of pancakes, it’s hard to get enough. But what’s the best way to have pancakes? We like to believe that the breakfast pancake is pretty hard to beat and is just about the perfect way to start the day. And our easy pancake recipe is all you need to treat someone special with pancakes in bed, or wherever you want to serve this delicious breakfast treat.

There’s something about pancakes on a rainy day that just feels right. In fact, there’s something about the delightfully fluffy texture of pancake that makes it feel just right even on a sunny day. If you’re a fan of pancakes, it’s hard to get enough. But what’s the best way to have pancakes? We like to believe that the breakfast pancake is pretty hard to beat and is just about the perfect way to start the day. And our easy pancake recipe is all you need to treat someone special with pancakes in bed, or wherever you want to serve this delicious breakfast treat.

Pancakes vs Flapjacks vs Crumpets vs Crêpes

Firstly, let’s clear up the confusion though. What exactly is a pancake? And what’s the difference between a pancake, a flapjack, a crumpet and a crêpe? A pancake is made from a thin batter (containing eggs, flour, milk, and butter) while flapjacks are normally made from oats, sugar and butter). Pancakes are made on the stovetop, while flapjacks are normally made in the oven (although some people also make them on the stovetop). A pancake is also normally larger (the size of a dinner plate) while flapjacks are smaller and puffier.

Some of the confusion resides in the fact that Americans call pancakes flapjacks (typical, eyeroll). And then there’s also crumpets, which are similar to pancakes, but with raising agent added, resulting in a smaller, more fluffy end product.   

And a crêpe or French crêpe? Well, that’s what the French call a pancake. Some say a crêpe is a little thinner than a pancake, but let’s not get too technical here. Suffice to say, our recipe is for pancakes true and proper.

The perfect filling for breakfast pancakes

Now, there are many fillings for pancakes. A typical South African favourite is mince and cheddar cheese, but for our perfect breakfast pancake, we recommend the classic cinnamon & sugar served with a slice of lemon, alongside a deliciously decadent chocolate spread, ice cream or whipped cream, and fresh berries. Yum!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ Cups

• 1 Tbsp

• ½ Tsp

• 2 Tbsp

• ½ Tsp

• 2 Cups

• 1 Large

• Self-rising flour

• Sugar

• Fine salt

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Vanilla extract

• Milk

• Egg

• Cooking spray or a splash of oil

Method

1. Mix all the dry ingredients (self-rising flour, sugar, and salt) in a large bowl.

2. Melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Don’t worry if it isn’t completely melted.

3. Add the butter, vanilla, milk, and egg to the bowl and mix all the ingredients together.

4. Spray the cooking spray or add the oil to your pan and place it on a medium-heat.

5. Scoop out a small amount of your pancake mix and pour it into the pan. When the pancake begins to bubble, gently slide a spatula underneath and flip it over to cook on the other side. Cook for another 30-45 seconds and then use the spatula to lift it out of the pan.

6. Serve the pancakes with fresh berries, ice cream or whipped cream, chocolate or the classic syrup, cinnamon and sugar and enjoy!