Many of your peaceful Sunday mornings begin in a sun-soaked kitchen filled with the alluring scents of sizzling bacon, eggs, and freshly brewed coffee.
However, today, our mission is to craft the cherished classic: the pancake, beloved for its comforting and endearing appeal. With a bowl of batter in your hand, you’ll have a big batch of pancake in no time and with little effort.
To help you complete your goal, cast iron cookware emerges as your trusty companion, enhancing the flavors and textures of traditional breakfast fare and elevating them to a new level of delectability.
With these versatile pans by your side, you’re well-equipped to create those fluffy pancakes. This guide will teach you how to perfect cast-iron pancakes, ensuring your breakfasts become priceless memories.
How to Cook Pancakes on Cast Iron
There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving a mouthwatering breakfast; nailing those pancakes is essential to that morning delight. Cooking pancakes on cast iron is not only simple but also a whole lot of fun. So, here’s your friendly guide to creating those perfect pancakes using your cast-iron pan:
1. Preheat your pan (or griddle)
Start by placing your cast-iron pan or griddle on the stovetop over medium heat. You can set the stage for your pancake masterpiece by evenly heating that pan. It’s the secret to those golden, perfectly cooked pancakes that everyone loves.
2. Use oil
Before you pour in your pancake batter, add a bit of cooking oil to the hot cast iron. Think of it as giving your pancakes a smooth, non-stick slide to deliciousness.
While some people love the flavor of butter, you should know that butter can get a bit temperamental at high temperatures, so for cooking, stick with oil. Save the buttery goodness for when you’re serving those perfect pancakes for that extra touch of yum!
3. Pour in your batter
Now, here’s the fun part. Once that oil is nice and hot, pour your pancake batter onto the cast iron surface. Use a ladle or measuring cup to keep those pancake sizes consistent. Let the batter naturally form those perfect pancake circles.
4. Flip the pancake
Keep your eyes on the pancake as it cooks. When you start seeing lots of little bubbles all over the surface, the edges looking dry and a beautiful golden brown color developing, that’s your cue to flip. Grab your spatula and give the pancake a gentle, graceful turn to ensure both sides get that perfect golden touch.
5. Test for doneness
Here’s a neat trick to make sure your pancake is just right. Use your spatula to gently press down on the center of the pancake. If it bounces back and regains its original shape, you’re in business—it’s ready to go. But if the little dent sticks around and the pancake seems a bit doughy, just give it more time on the griddle.
6. Remove and serve
When your pancakes reach that perfect level of doneness, slide them onto a plate and serve them while they’re still nice and toasty. After all, pancakes are at their best when hot and ready to be dressed up with your favorite toppings—a dollop of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, some fresh fruit, or a little cloud of whipped cream.
How to Get Perfect Brown Pancakes
Follow these instructions for even browning to produce flawless golden-brown pancakes:
1. Rotate the pan for even heat distribution
For perfect pancakes with even, golden-brown coloring, gently rotate the pan a quarter turn once in a while. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents uneven browning.
Even browning can lead to pancakes that taste great and look visually appealing. This small effort in rotating the pan will help you achieve consistent and attractive results when preparing your pancakes.
2. Brush a thin layer of oil on the pan
To achieve perfectly browned pancakes and prevent sticking, here’s a valuable tip: brush a thin layer of oil onto the pan’s surface before pouring the batter. Make sure to do this for each batch you’re going to make.
Consider using a paper towel to wipe off excess oil from the pan. You’ll only need a thin film of oil to produce that beautiful golden brown that you’re aiming for.
3. Pour batter from a low height
This method adds a touch of finesse to your pancake-making. As you pour the batter from a low height, it gracefully spreads over the pan’s surface, magically shaping itself into perfectly uniform, nearly flawless circles. The result? Pancakes that not only cook consistently but also become a visual delight with their charming, almost perfect circle shape.
4. Avoid squishing the pancakes
While squishing pancakes might seem like a shortcut to even browning, it comes at a cost—those delightful air bubbles that make pancakes so fluffy may get squished, too. So, you must balance ensuring your pancakes are uniformly browned and maintaining their desired fluffiness.
The Secret to Flawless Flapjacks
Cast iron’s exceptional heat distribution makes it the ideal surface for crafting pancakes that are not just delicious but also beautifully golden brown. With a little practice, you’ll hone your skills in flipping and timing, ensuring your pancakes turn out fluffy and utterly delectable.
To delve deeper into cast iron cooking, check out the Cult of Cast Iron blog for valuable insights and tips.
Miguel is a cast iron enthusiast from Cavite, Philippines. He works in the digital marketing field as a content marketing strategist. On the side, he manages a small online bookstore and tends to his plants.