American Style Multi-Purpose Pancake Batter

This simple batter for pancakes is my go-to for quick breakfasts, brunch treats, and even sweet snacks. It’s light, fluffy, and easy to adapt — just add a little imagination and you’ll have a new dish every time.

Basic Multi purpose pancake batter

This basic recipe for pancakes,  is more versatile than it looks! It’s like a base mix for all sorts of delicious quick dishes. Here are some clever ways to use it:

Delicious Variations with One Basic Batter:

  1. Waffles:  Use the same recipe, but add one more tablespoon of melted butter (for crispness) and reduce the milk slightly (about 1 cup instead of 1¼). Pour into a waffle iron — golden, crisp, and perfect.
  2. Mini Pancake Bites:  Pour the batter into a mini muffin tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes. You get bite-sized breakfast muffins — great for lunchboxes.
  3. Apple Fritters:  Add ½ cup grated apple, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of sugar. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden. Dust with powdered sugar — they taste like mini doughnuts.

Dessert Pancakes

  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla and chocolate chips or berries to the batter. Stack with whipped cream or Nutella for a treat.

Savory Version

  • Skip the sugar, then mix in chopped herbs, cheese, or corn. Great as a side for soup or brunch.

Pancakes - The basic recipe

How to make pancakes - the basic recipe

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose cake flour

3 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 ¼ cups milk

1 egg

3 tablespoons butter, melted

Basic Method of making pancakes:

  • In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  • In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients gently (don’t overmix).

Spoon onto a hot, lightly greased pan.  Cook until bubbles form on top, flip, and cook until golden brown.

Serving suggestions / Ideas:

Classic Breakfast

Stack them high, add a pat of butter, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey. Serve with a few slices of banana or berries.

Basic recipe for making pancakes plus serving suggestions

Fresh & Fruity

Top with Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it picture-perfect.

Sweet Choco Treat

Spread with Nutella or melted chocolate, stack with layers of syrup or cream and add walnuts for crunch.

Savory Brunch

Top with crispy bacon and a drizzle of syrup or honey for that sweet-and-salty balance. Add a fried egg if you’re hungry.

The Perfect Coffee Companion

Keep them small and simple — mini pancakes with jam, butter, or cream cheese make the perfect mid-morning treat with coffee.

Want to know more about the history of the pancake?  The Smithsonian has all the info.

Enjoy

Anna C