The Riddle of Thick and Flaky Pancakes: A Personal Favorite

Whether you're a fan of thick, fluffy pancakes or thin, crepes, the texture of your favorite pancake significantly impacts your dining experience. In this article, we explore the unique qualities of my mother's pancakes, the benefits of thick pancakes, and the delightful world of crepes.

My Mother's Special Pancakes

Among all the pancake varieties, my favorite have always been the ones my mother makes. They are a mix of fluffy and crepe-like that leaves an indelible mark on my taste buds. Unlike many other pancakes, her pancakes are neither overly thick and fluffy nor extremely thin and floppy. Instead, they are a balance of stiff yet chewy, not quite as crepe-like as thin pancakes but not as thick and fluffy as traditional pancakes.

Unique Textures and Benefits

The texture of my mother's pancakes is a unique blend of structural strength and a slight chewiness due to gluten development. This texture is both loved and hated—loved because it's a memory from childhood and hated because it contrasts sharply with the fluffy variety, which is the norm for many people.

One of the primary reasons I prefer my mother's pancakes is their ability to hold syrup well, making them incredibly yummy. These pancakes are a perfect balance of thickness and flakiness, ensuring they don't become soggy or too rubbery even when drizzled with toppings.

Thick Pancakes: The Cakey Alternative

For some, the ideal pancake is a thick one, closely resembling cake. Thick pancakes are less likely to soak up too much oil, butter, or spray, which can make them soggy and rubbery. Instead, they maintain their texture well, holding up syrup beautifully and ensuring an amazing flavor experience.

Personal Preferences and Discoveries

While thick pancakes are my go-to, I also appreciate a medium thickness. I do not have a fondness for overly thick or thin pancakes. Since my husband and I can prepare them in small quantities, we often use mixes from Lehi Mills for smaller portions. Their mixes offer a great balance of flavor and texture, making my morning breakfast a delightful experience.

Crepes: A Sweet Delight

While I have a soft spot for thick pancakes, crepes are a different kind of delight. Unlike the classic pancakes, crepes are thin and, as the name suggests, quite floppy. However, I personally enjoy them more when they are sweet and have a good almost crunchy crust.

Exploring Unique Experiences

Another unique experience is the Dutch Baby pancake. These are incredibly unique, especially when made with cane syrup or sugar instead of refined sugar. They’re perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with a light, airy, and slightly crispy creation that is also sweet.

Dutch Babies are best made in small batches, requiring multiple pans and plenty of oven space. If you're up for a challenge, I recommend trying them with a ripe banana mashed into the pancake batter, letting the butter cook the banana before pouring the batter in. I plan to try this recipe soon and will be using it as tomorrow's menu.

When it comes to the next extreme of super fluffy and thick pancakes, I prefer to use warm ingredients with plentiful baking powder and a high viscosity sweet batter. While I’m not a big fan of maple syrup, butter and a fruit topping with a light whipped cream drizzle make for an excellent combination.

So, do you have a favorite type of pancake, be it thick, fluffy, or somewhere in between? Share your preferences and favorite recipes or pancake shops below!