Perfect Homemade Pancake Recipe: Fluffy, Delicious, and Easy to Make!

Making pancakes over a wood fire gives them an unbeatable smoky flavor, bringing a rustic charm to a classic breakfast dish. With the right ingredients and equipment, you’ll create fluffy, golden pancakes everyone will love. Here’s everything you need, from the history of pancakes to step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and frequently asked questions.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Pancakes: From Ancient Origins to American Breakfast Tables
Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Pancakes Over a Wood Fire
Equipment Needed for Cooking Pancakes Outdoors
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pancakes Over a Wood Fire
Outdoor Pancake Cooking Tips and Tricks
Nutritional Information (per 100g)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Flavor Variations for Pancakes
Conclusion

Pancakes have been enjoyed across the world, from ancient Greece to modern American diners. In the U.S., pancakes became a breakfast staple in the 18th century. Cooking them over a wood fire adds an earthy, nostalgic twist reminiscent of early American culinary traditions.

All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons
Milk: ¾ cup
Egg: 1 large
Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (unsalted)

Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon
Maple Syrup: A favorite topping for extra sweetness

Cooking pancakes on a wood fire requires the right equipment to manage heat and avoid sticking. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for holding heat and distributing it evenly over the fire.
Fire Grate: Provides a stable surface over coals, ensuring even cooking.
Heat-Resistant Gloves and Long-Handled Spatula: For safe handling.

Prepare Your Wood Fire: Use seasoned hardwood, like oak, for steady heat without direct flames.
Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet: Heat the skillet over coals for about 10 minutes.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
Grease the Skillet and Pour the Batter: Add oil or butter to the hot skillet, then pour in batter by ¼ cup.
Cook and Flip the Pancakes: Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Cooking pancakes outdoors is all about managing heat. Adjust your skillet position over coals to avoid burning, and keep pancakes small (about 4 inches in diameter) for easy flipping.

Manage Heat: Cooking over coals, not direct flames, ensures steady heat for even cooking.
Keep the Skillet Greased: Re-grease the skillet between batches to prevent sticking.
Adjust for Wind: Shield your cooking area from the wind to maintain even heat distribution.
Pack Ingredients in Containers: For outdoor adventures, use resealable containers to keep ingredients fresh and convenient.

Calories: 220
Proteins: 5g
Fats: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g

For classic pancakes, this recipe balances fluffiness and flavor with a simple ingredient list. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make pancakes from scratch.

Yes, though whole wheat or gluten-free flour may change the texture. Whole wheat tends to be denser, and gluten-free flours might need a binding agent for similar results

This can happen if the skillet isn’t hot enough or isn’t greased properly. Preheat the skillet thoroughly, and add a bit of oil or butter before each batch

Use a bit of extra baking powder and allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes before pouring to achieve fluffier pancakes.

Yes, cast iron is ideal for open-fire cooking. Just be cautious and use gloves to handle hot equipment.

Fruit Pancakes
Add blueberries, bananas, or strawberries for a fresh, fruity flavor.

Savory Pancakes
For a twist, add herbs, cheese, or a sprinkle of pepper, and serve with scrambled eggs or sausage.

Making pancakes over a wood fire adds a nostalgic touch to a classic breakfast, infusing the pancakes with a hint of smoke and extra flavor. This simple recipe brings you the best of both worlds – rustic cooking and a fluffy, diner-style breakfast favorite.