Cherry Pancakes: A Sweet Start to Your Day
Who doesn’t love a stack of fluffy pancakes to kick off the day? Now, picture those pancakes packed with juicy cherries. Sounds divine, right? Cherry pancakes are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, offering a delightful twist on a breakfast classic. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these cherry pancakes are sure to brighten up your morning. Let’s dive into the world of cherry pancakes and see how you can make these tasty treats at home.
About Each Ingredient
Flour
The base of any good pancake is the flour. For cherry pancakes, all-purpose flour works best as it provides the right texture and fluffiness. It absorbs the cherry juices well, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Sugar
A touch of sugar is necessary to offset the cherries’ tartness. It provides the perfect level of sweetness without masking the fruit’s natural flavors.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is the magic ingredient that makes your pancakes rise and become fluffy. It helps create those lovely, airy pockets that make each bite light and enjoyable.
Salt
A small amount of salt boosts the overall taste of the pancakes. It might seem like a small addition, but it makes a big difference in bringing out the sweetness and tartness of the cherries.
Eggs
Eggs add structure and richness to the pancake batter. They help bind the ingredients together and give the pancakes a beautiful golden color when cooked.
Milk
Milk provides the necessary moisture to the batter, ensuring it’s smooth and pourable. It also adds a slight creaminess to the pancakes, making them taste even better.
Butter
Butter adds a rich, indulgent flavor to the pancakes. It also helps create a nice, golden-brown crust when the pancakes are cooked.
Fresh Cherries
The star of the show! Fresh cherries add bursts of juicy flavor to each bite. They bring a natural sweetness and a slight tartness that perfectly complements the fluffy pancakes.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes. It adds a warm, comforting aroma that makes these pancakes even more irresistible.
Recipe
Alright, y’all, let’s get down to business and whip up these delicious cherry pancakes! Here’s the lowdown.
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients: Start by pitting and chopping your fresh cherries. Set them aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Prepare the Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined, leaving the batter slightly lumpy to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
Heat the Griddle: Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the griddle and let it melt, spreading it around to coat the surface.
Cooking the Pancakes: Pour roughly ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to set. Flip the pancakes and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy: Stack the pancakes on a plate, add a pat of butter on top if you like, and drizzle with maple syrup. You can even add some extra fresh cherries on top for that extra burst of flavor. Dig in and enjoy your cherry pancakes while they’re warm and fluffy!
Health Benefits
Cherry pancakes aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with some great health benefits too!
Cherries are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They can help reduce muscle soreness after a workout, improve sleep quality thanks to their natural melatonin, and even support heart health.
Eggs provide a good source of protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
Milk adds calcium, which is crucial for strong bones.
Butter and flour in moderation can fit into a balanced diet, providing necessary fats and carbohydrates for energy.
These cherry pancakes are a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious breakfast that feels like a special treat!
There you have it! Cherry pancakes are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious way to start your day. With their fluffy texture, juicy cherries, and a drizzle of maple syrup, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, next time you want to make breakfast special, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. Happy cooking!
Cherry Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter plus more for cooking
- 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pit and chop the fresh cherries. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; you don’t want to overmix it. Fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the griddle and let it melt, spreading it around to coat the surface.
- For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Stack the pancakes on a plate, add a pat of butter on top if you like, and drizzle with maple syrup. You can even add some extra fresh cherries on top for that extra burst of flavor. Dig in and enjoy your cherry pancakes while they’re warm and fluffy!
Notes
For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.