Jamie Oliver American Pancakes Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s American pancakes are thick, fluffy and delicious stacks of goodness that have become a favorite breakfast treat. Unlike the thin, delicate crepes we might be used to in Europe, these pancakes are chunkier and lighter, almost like little pillows on your plate. Jamie’s recipe focuses on creating that perfect texture-soft in the center with a golden crispy edge. And he makes it easy by using simple ingredients that most of us have in our kitchens.

Jamie Oliver American Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s American pancakes, you’ll need the basics but with a few little touches that make all the difference. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

• Self-raising flour: This is the secret to those fluffy, thick pancakes. It has baking powder built in, so you don’t need to worry about adding that separately.
• Milk: Full-fat works best to give the pancakes a creamy texture. But if you only have semi-skimmed, that works too.
• Eggs: A couple of large eggs help bind everything together while giving structure.
• Baking powder: Even if you’re using self-raising flour, a little extra lift from baking powder never hurts.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Sugar: Just a little bit to bring out that classic pancake sweetness. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference.
• Butter: A bit of melted butter adds richness to the batter and helps with that lovely crispness when cooking.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy, just a few basic kitchen tools to pull this together:

• Mixing bowl: For whisking your dry ingredients and then adding in the wet.
• Whisk: To make sure your batter is smooth and lump-free. You could use a hand mixer but a good old-fashioned whisk works just fine.
• Non-stick frying pan or griddle: A medium heat is key here. The non-stick surface helps the pancakes cook evenly without sticking.
• Spatula: A thin spatula is your best friend for flipping those pancakes without breaking them.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s American Pancakes

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Sifting helps remove lumps and ensures everything is well-mixed.
2. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them up until they’re frothy. Then add the milk and melted butter, giving it a good whisk to combine.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until everything is just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. Don’t over-mix; a few lumps are fine. Over-mixing can lead to tough pancakes.
4. Heat the pan: Put your non-stick frying pan on medium heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface but not so hot that your pancakes burn. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil but wipe away any excess with a paper towel.
5. Cook the pancakes: Pour about 3 tablespoons of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Let it spread out naturally. Cook for around 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip it over with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve: Stack your pancakes on a plate and serve with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup, fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of cream all make perfect accompaniments.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s American pancakes is surprisingly simple but it’s all about getting that balance just right. The batter shouldn’t be too thick or too runny-aim for a consistency that falls off your spoon in a thick ribbon. The real magic happens when you get the heat right. Too high and your pancakes will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too low and you’ll end up with pancakes that are more like rubber discs.

Also, I learned the importance of patience when flipping. Don’t rush it. Let the first side cook until bubbles start forming and only then give it a flip. Trust me, you’ll get those perfect golden-brown edges this way.

The beauty of jamie’s recipe is that it’s adaptable. You can swap in almond milk, use less sugar for a less-sweet pancake or even throw in a handful of chocolate chips or blueberries for a fun twist.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s American Pancakes

Jamie Oliver’s American pancakes are already a crowd-pleaser but there’s always room to personalize them! The beauty of pancakes is that they can be adjusted to suit your flavor cravings or dietary needs.

1. Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

   If you love texture, consider adding a handful of blueberries, raspberries or even chopped bananas into the batter. You can also try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for a warm, cozy twist. Want them indulgent? Add some chocolate chips or a handful of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.

2. Flour Substitutes:

   Want a healthier version? Swap regular flour for whole wheat flour or even oat flour. Oat flour can lend a slightly nuttier flavor and makes the pancakes a bit heartier. You could also use gluten-free flour if you’re going for a gluten-free option.

3. Sweeteners:

   Instead of the classic white sugar, you could use honey, maple syrup or even coconut sugar. Each sweetener adds its unique flavor and sweetness level. A bit of maple syrup in the batter could bring out that cozy, authentic American pancake vibe.

4. Dairy-Free Version:

   For a dairy-free option, swap milk for almond or oat milk and use coconut oil or any plant-based butter in place of the regular butter. These swaps will still give you the rich, satisfying flavor you love without the dairy.

5. Egg-Free:

   To make these pancakes egg-free, simply use flax eggs (mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water per egg). It won’t change the texture much but it will give you that perfect fluffy stack. You could also try using mashed bananas as a binding agent.

These tweaks can bring a whole new dimension to the recipe, so feel free to experiment. You can easily adapt the pancakes to fit your mood or dietary needs.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Who doesn’t love leftovers, especially when it comes to pancakes? Here’s how you can store them properly and keep them tasting fresh:

1. Cooling First:

   Let the pancakes cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy from trapped steam when stored in a container.

2. Fridge Storage:

   If you plan on keeping leftovers for a couple of days, stack them with a piece of parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together. Pop them in an airtight container and they should stay good for about 2-3 days in the fridge.

3. Freezing:

   If you want to store them for longer, freezing is the way to go. Stack the pancakes with a layer of parchment paper between each one, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. After that, place the stack in a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out a single pancake (or a whole stack) whenever you want a quick breakfast or snack. Frozen pancakes will last about 2-3 months.

4. Reheating:

   When it comes time to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat pancakes in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds (depending on your microwave) or if you want them crispy, toss them in a toaster for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up nicely on the outside while staying soft inside. If you’re reheating a big batch, use the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to heat them through without drying them out.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s American Pancakes?

While Jamie’s pancakes are incredible on their own, they become even more amazing when paired with delicious sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your pancake game:

1. Fresh Fruits:

   A fresh fruit medley always adds a refreshing touch. Think sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries or even some roasted pears. Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the pancakes’ fluffy texture.

2. Yogurt and Honey:

   For a creamy and slightly tangy pairing, serve the pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. This balance of flavors is indulgent but light at the same time.

3. Bacon or Sausages:

   For that sweet and savory combo, crispy bacon or breakfast sausages are a perfect addition. The salty crunch balances the sweetness of the pancakes, making each bite irresistible.

4. Maple Syrup & Butter:

   You can’t go wrong with the classic: maple syrup and butter. A small pat of butter melting into the warm pancakes, followed by a generous pour of maple syrup, is pure comfort food.

5. Nut Butters:

   Peanut butter or almond butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the pancakes beautifully. Spread it on top for a protein-packed breakfast or drizzle some peanut butter sauce for extra indulgence.

6. Whipped Cream:

   A bit of whipped cream adds lightness and a decadent touch. You can also flavor it with a bit of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flair.

If you’re in the mood for something more unusual, try a savory topping like scrambled eggs or even avocado slices. Think of pancakes as your canvas; you can go sweet or savory or a mix of both!

FAQs

What’s The Secret To Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American Pancakes?

The key is using baking powder to create airiness, and letting the batter rest for a bit before cooking.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead Of All-purpose Flour?

Yes, but it might change the texture a bit, making them denser. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Pancakes Vegan?

You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and the milk with almond or oat milk.