Absolute Classic Pancake Recipe with Melted Butter

Ever flipped through an old cookbook and stumbled upon a recipe that just feels like home? That's how I found this gem, a classic pancake recipe with melted butter, straight from my grandma's kitchen. It's not just about mixing flour and milk; it's about creating those fluffy, golden discs that make any morning special. We're going to walk through each step, from gathering your ingredients to mastering the flip, so you can recreate this family favorite. This isn't some fancy, complicated dish; it's a simple, straightforward way to make the best pancakes. We’ll start with the basic ingredients you need, then move on to the easy steps for making the batter and cooking your pancakes, and wrap things up with some handy tips on how to keep those pancakes perfect and reheating them later. So, if you're ready to whip up some magic in the kitchen, let's get started with this classic pancake recipe with melted butter!

Pancake Ingredients: The Basics

The Dry Stuff

Okay, so first things first, let's talk about the dry ingredients. You'll need all-purpose flour, that's your base, the thing that holds everything together. Then we've got baking powder, which is super important because it's what makes the pancakes all fluffy and tall, not flat and sad. Don't forget a little bit of white sugar, just enough to give them a touch of sweetness, and a pinch of salt to balance everything out. It’s like the band, and each ingredient has its own role, but they all need to be there for the perfect song.

These are the foundation for any good pancake, and it’s important to get them right. If you're looking for a recipe that's super easy for kids, you might be interested in our easy classic pancake recipe for kids. It's a great starting point.

The Wet Crew

Now for the wet ingredients! We’re talking about milk, the liquid that helps everything come together. You can use whatever milk you have on hand, dairy or non-dairy, it’s all good. Then comes the melted butter. Yes, melted butter! This is the real secret to a good flavor and a moist texture. It’s not just for the pan, it goes right into the batter. Lastly, one large egg. This binds everything together and adds a bit of richness. It's like the glue that holds our pancake masterpiece together.

If you're curious about using different milk options, check out our article on a classic pancake recipe using milk alternatives. It's a great way to explore more options for your pancakes.

StepbyStep Pancake Guide

Mixing the Batter

Alright, let's get to the fun part, mixing the batter! First, grab a big bowl and sift all your dry ingredients together. This makes sure there are no lumps and everything is nice and airy. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and the egg. Now, pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff and mix it all up using a whisk or a fork until everything is just combined. Don't overmix it! A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, and we don't want that.

If you want to see how this recipe stacks up against others, you might want to check out our classic buttermilk pancake recipe comparison. It's always fun to see the different approaches.

Cooking the Pancakes

Time to get cooking! Heat up your griddle or pan over medium heat, and add a little bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Once it’s hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake. You'll know it's time to flip when bubbles start to appear on the top and the edges look set, usually after about 2-3 minutes. Flip it over gently with a spatula, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Don't be afraid to peek underneath to make sure it's not burning.

If you're cooking for a crowd, our classic pancake recipe for a crowd has some great tips to manage the chaos.

Serving and Enjoying

Now for the best part, serving and enjoying your freshly made pancakes! Stack them high on a plate, and top them with whatever you like. Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can also add fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even a dollop of yogurt. Get creative and have fun with it! The important thing is to eat them while they're still warm and fluffy. These pancakes are not only delicious, but they are also very easy to make from scratch.

Want to explore different ways to top your pancakes? Have a look at our classic pancake recipe with different toppings for some inspiration.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

Heat Control

Okay, let's talk about heat. It's super important for pancakes. You want your griddle or pan to be at medium heat. Not too hot, not too cold. If it's too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. If it’s too cold, they’ll be pale and won’t cook through. A good way to test it is to flick a tiny drop of water onto the pan, if it sizzles then your ready to go.

Getting the heat right can make all the difference, if you're just starting out, you might find our best classic pancake recipe for beginners helpful for more basic tips.

The Flip

The flip is where a lot of people get nervous, but it’s really not that hard. Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to look set. That's your cue to slide a spatula under the pancake and flip it over quickly and confidently. Don’t hesitate! A quick flip is key to a perfectly cooked pancake. Once flipped, cook for another minute or two until it’s golden brown on the other side.

If you're struggling with the flip, our pancake troubleshooting guide has some great tips to help you out.

• Medium heat is key
• Wait for bubbles
• Flip with confidence

Batter Consistency

The consistency of your batter is also something to watch. It should be thick enough to hold its shape on the griddle, but not so thick that it’s hard to pour. If your batter is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon of flour. Remember, a few lumps in the batter are fine, that's even a sign that you're not overmixing it, which is good!

If you want to explore different ways to make fluffy pancakes, you could look at our fluffy classic pancake recipe secrets.

Storing and Reheating Your Pancakes

Storing Pancakes

So, you've made a stack of delicious pancakes, but maybe you can't finish them all, or you're meal-prepping for the week. No problem! You can totally store leftover pancakes. Let them cool completely, then stack them with pieces of parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together. Place the stack in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, and they'll keep in the fridge for about a week. If you’re planning to store them for longer, freezing them is your best bet.

If you're looking for a recipe that will work well for a crowd, our classic pancake recipe for a crowd might help you plan ahead for those big batches.

Freezing Pancakes

Freezing pancakes is a great way to have a quick breakfast on hand. Once the pancakes have cooled, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and put them in the freezer for about an hour. This will firm them up. Then, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. By flash-freezing them first, you prevent them from sticking together. Frozen pancakes can last for up to a month, making them perfect for those busy mornings when you don’t have time to make a fresh batch.

If you're curious how pancakes compare to other breakfast options, our article on classic pancake recipe vs crepe recipe might be an interesting read.

Reheating Pancakes

Reheating pancakes is super easy. You can pop them in the toaster for a couple of minutes to get them crispy, or you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to a minute until they're warm. Another great way is to reheat them on a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of butter. This way, they’ll get a little crispy on the outside and stay soft on the inside. No matter which method you choose, make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dry or burn.

If you need to make a batch quickly, our classic pancake recipe with simple ingredients is super handy and can save you time.

Wrapping Up Your Perfect Pancakes

So, there you have it, a classic pancake recipe with melted butter that’s as easy as it is delicious. From the simple ingredients to the satisfying sizzle on the griddle, each step contributes to those fluffy, golden pancakes. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a reliable way to bring joy to your breakfast table. Remember, the key is in the gentle mix and the perfect flip. Don't be afraid to experiment with toppings and enjoy the process. Now go ahead and make some memories with this family-favorite recipe.