Easy pancakes recipe

Follow our simple step-by-step pancake recipe to make classic, thin pancakes. Top these crêpe-style pancakes with lemon and sugar.

Traditionally made on Pancake Day, British pancakes are similar to French crêpes. They’re thin and often rolled or folded with a sweet filling inside. This pancake recipe uses just four cooking essentials; flour, salt, eggs, and milk. These sweet pancakes would make a great dessert option too topped with ice cream, drizzled in chocolate sauce, and finished with whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 60g plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 medium egg
• 175ml milk
• Oil, for frying

Method

1. Tip the flour into a bowl and stir in the salt. Lightly beat together the egg and milk. Pour over the flour mixture, a little at a time, whisking it well, to give a smooth pancake batter.
2. Heat a frying pan and very lightly grease the base of it with a piece of kitchen paper dipped in oil. Pour a thin layer of batter over the base of the pan. Cook it until the edges start to curl back. Either toss the pancake or use a palette knife to loosen it around the edges and then use the palette knife to help flip it over.
3. Cook the pancake briefly on this side, then slide it out onto a plate. Place a sheet of kitchen paper on top. Cook the rest of the mixture in the same way.
4. Keep the pancakes warm if serving hot and choose your favourite pancake fillings. (opens in new tab)

Watch how to make easy pancakes

Top tips for making this pancake recipe

To test the frying pan is ready, drop a little bit of the mixture onto the heated pan. You want make sure the pan is at a medium heat so the pancakes and the pan itself doesn’t burn.

How to store leftover pancakes

Leftover pancakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days served hot or cold. You can also keep the leftover batter in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just cover with clingfilm in a bowl or jug. Make sure you whisk the batter vigorously before cooking with it again as the mixture may separate.

How to freeze pancakes

To freeze basic pancakes for up to 2 months, interleave them with kitchen paper and wrap them with clingfilm storing them in a freezer bag. Defrost in the fridge before using and reheating again. You can reheat your pancakes in the microwave in just a few seconds.

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