Pancakes are a breakfast staple that many people love, but achieving the perfect fluffiness can feel like an elusive goal.

These golden discs of joy are not just tasty but also relatively low in calories if made right - about 156 per serving (not as much as you'd expect, right?).

Did you know pancakes originated in ancient Greece, where they were called “tagenites” and often cooked with honey? Funny, right? Our ancestors were pancake lovers too! But now, let's indulge in some good secret recipe for the perfect pancakes!

Ingredients

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 tsp baking powder

- 1 large egg

- 1 ¾ cups milk

- ¼ cup butter, melted

- 2 tsp vanilla extract

- A pinch of salt

Step-By-Step Recipe

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the egg, milk, butter, and vanilla.

3. Combine and whisk: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Don’t overmix—lumps are fine!

4. Rest the batter: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate the baking powder.

5. Heat the pan: Use a nonstick pan and add butter or oil over medium heat.

6. Cook your pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until bubbles form on the top before flipping.

The Secret To Fluffiness

The real secret behind achieving fluffy pancakes lies in two key factors: the baking powder and minimal mixing. Baking powder is the magic ingredient that makes your pancakes rise. However, overmixing the batter can break down the bubbles that form during cooking, leaving you with flat, dense pancakes. Stir until just combined - even if lumps remain, that’s fine! Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking also helps the pancakes rise better. Remember, thicker batter means fluffier pancakes, so resist the urge to add too much milk.

Calories

A standard serving of pancakes, made with the recipe above, is roughly 156 calories per pancake. Adjust this depending on toppings - maple syrup or whipped cream can add quite a bit more!

3 Over-The-Top Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in some chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent twist.

2. Blueberry Pancakes: Sprinkle blueberries into the batter as it cooks for a fruity touch.

3. Extreme Pancakes: Add smarties, meringue, nuts, and some Nutella on top for a breakfast delight! This will give you lots of energy for the day, but it also drastically increases your calorie intake!

Next time you’re in the kitchen, why not play around with different toppings or even try making a savory pancake? Who knows, you might invent the next breakfast sensation!