How To Cook American Pancakes

Pancakes are not just for pancake day! Well that’s certainly something American’s would say, as it is a popular breakfast option in the States.

When visiting America, you’ll very quickly notice that buttermilk pancakes are on most breakfast menus. Whilst we can’t visit the Sunshine State this year, we wanted to share a recipe for them so you can make your own at home! Don’t forget to keep the recipe for when you finally get to go on your Orlando holiday, to enjoy in the villa when you wake up.

Buttermilk Pancakes vs Regular Pancakes

Adding buttermilk to pancakes, instead of milk creates a really fluffy texture, which you don’t get with regular pancakes. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda or baking powder to act as a leavening agent to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps the batter rise and creates the fluffiness, so each bite is perfectly light and airy. In addition to this, buttermilk adds richness and a slight tang to the pancakes, which is delicious with maple syrup.

Bring America to you on Pancake Day (or any other day) with these delicious buttermilk pancakes:

Easy Buttermilk Pancakes

You will need:

• 120ml buttermilk
• 150g plain flour (this may be labelled all-purpose flour in US supermarkets)
• Half tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3 large eggs (beaten)
• 75ml cold water
• 25-50g lard or butter (for cooking the pancakes)
• Toppings – e.g. fresh berries or maple syrup

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together in a roomy bowl and make a well in the centre. In another bowl whisk together the buttermilk and water. Once mixed, gradually whisk this into the bowl, slowly incorporating the flour with each new addition of liquid. Finally, add the eggs a little at a time until you have a smooth batter. Stir together without over-mixing.

Tip: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes while the pan is preheating. This helps contribute to a light and fluffy texture!

Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of the lard/butter. Heat until the fat simmers. Scoop out two or three tbsp of the batter mix into the pan for each pancake.

After about one minute, when you see bubbles on the surface of the pancake, carefully flip it over and cook for another one or two minutes, until the underside is a golden-brown colour. If the bottom appears too dark or too light, adjust the heat accordingly. You’ll know they are done when they puff up like little soufflés. Briefly rest them on some kitchen paper to absorb any excess fat.

Repeat this with the rest of the batter, adding a little more lard if necessary. They will keep warm in a low oven, but to enjoy them at their best, have everyone seated to eat them as soon as they come out of the pan. You should get around 6 pancakes out of this mixture.

Sprinkle with your favourite toppings and they’re ready to eat! You could serve the pancakes with maple syrup, butter, jam, sugar, lemon or fresh fruit. Or, if you want to go all out why not try chocolate spread and bananas, melted peanut butter or strawberries and cream, just to name a few ideas!

Whilst in the UK, we are likely to be enjoying our pancakes in the evening, in America these buttermilk pancakes are ideal for breakfast in your Orlando villa. A fun way of getting the family involved, as well enjoying a variety of toppings once they’ve been cooked. As you’re on holiday, you may not fancy making the batter from scratch. The supermarkets offer a variety of convenient pancake mixes, so you can just get straight to the cooking and flipping! Serve them up with crispy bacon and maple syrup for the ultimate American breakfast. A delicious start to the day, which will fill you up ready for exploring the theme parks in Florida!

For more American-style meal ideas, take a look at our previous blog, where we also look at what you could eat for lunch and dinner.

Where to Find the Best Pancakes in Orlando

Now that we’ve tempted you with the recipe, you’re probably wanting to try the real deal. Here’s some of the best places to enjoy pancakes near your villa in Orlando:

• IHOP: It’s in the name! IHOP stands for International House of Pancakes, so you are sure to find some amazing pancakes here. This long-standing chain serves a wide variety of pancake flavours and other American breakfast dishes.

• Denny’s: This diner-style restaurant also serves a range of pancakes, sweet and savoury. Their Slam breakfasts are a popular option, including buttermilk pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausages.

• Cracker Barrel: A laid-back and homely restaurant, ideal for a relaxing breakfast before a busy day of visiting the theme parks in Orlando. They even have their own pancake mix, which can be found in Walmart, so you can make your own restaurant-style pancakes in the comfort of your villa.

• Golden Corral: Grab as many pancakes as you like at this buffet-style restaurant, offering great value and a family favourite for breakfasts among adults and kids alike.

• Sugar Factory: Everything about this restaurant is colourful and fun. You are sure to be amazed by their rainbow stack pancakes and array of sweet toppings! There are only a few of these restaurants located around America, so it’s certainly worth a visit whilst you’re in Orlando. This one is located at ICON Park on International Drive.

• AristoCrêpes: For those that enjoy the thinner pancakes, also known as crêpes, you’ll want to head to AristoCrêpes at Disney Springs. Whatever your mood they are sure to satisfy your tastebuds, as they offer sweet, as well as savoury crêpes. You could choose from a smoked ham and cheese Crêpe to a S’more Crêpe.

Image Credits: Sugar Factory Rainbow pancakes - Sugar Factory Twitter