Traditional English Pancakes Recipe

Traditional English Pancakes are thin, light, and a bit more like crepes than American-style pancakes. They’re often served with a simple dusting of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice, but you can get creative with toppings if you like! Here’s how to make them:

Traditional English Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk (whole milk is preferred for richness)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
• Lemon wedges and sugar (for serving)

Instructions:

Make the Pancake Batter:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour, then crack the eggs into the well. Add the milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract (if using).
3. Whisk the Batter: Whisk everything together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. The batter should be thin, similar in consistency to heavy cream. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
4. Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to rest for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps the flour absorb the liquids and makes the pancakes even softer.

Cook the Pancakes:

1. Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil, spreading it evenly with a paper towel.
2. Cook the Pancakes: Pour a small amount of batter into the pan, swirling it around to coat the bottom in a thin layer. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown.
3. Flip: Use a spatula to flip the pancake carefully, cooking for another 30 seconds to 1 minute on the other side, until lightly golden.
4. Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining pancakes, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.

Serve:

• Traditional Serving: Stack the pancakes and serve immediately with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dusting of sugar.
• Optional Toppings: You can also serve them with jam, honey, or syrup, or even a spoonful of whipped cream or fresh fruit.

Serving Suggestions:

• These pancakes are a classic treat for Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) but are also great for a weekend breakfast or dessert.
• They can be rolled up with sweet fillings like Nutella or fresh berries for an extra indulgent twist.

Enjoy your Traditional English Pancakes—thin, light, and full of flavor! Let me know how they turn out!