Fluffy Swedish Pancakes: A Simple Recipe for a Delicious Breakfast
Swedish pancakes, also known as pankakor, are a delightful treat that’s lighter and thinner than American pancakes. They’re incredibly versatile – enjoy them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or top them with your favorite berries, whipped cream, or even savory fillings! This recipe will guide you through making perfect Swedish pancakes every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 10-12 small pancakes. Adjust quantities as needed for a larger batch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your pancakes. You can experiment with other flours, but all-purpose works best for this recipe.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness. Room temperature eggs will create a smoother batter.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and lightness. Whole milk creates richer pancakes, but skim or 2% will work too.
- 1/4 cup water: Increases the fluffiness and helps prevent dense pancakes.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances browning. Adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps create tender pancakes. You can also use vegetable oil if preferred.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, water, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The batter should be thin and slightly pourable, like crepe batter.
- Stir in the Melted Butter: Gently stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
- Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in more tender pancakes.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
- Flip and Cook: Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Swedish pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Swedish Pancakes:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will lead to tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust the Heat: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're not cooking through, increase the heat slightly.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: This prevents sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings! Fresh berries, whipped cream, lemon juice, syrup, jam – the possibilities are endless.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Savory Swedish Pancakes: Omit the sugar and add herbs or spices to the batter. Serve with savory toppings like smoked salmon, cream cheese, or chives.
- Blueberry Swedish Pancakes: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before cooking.
- Apple Cinnamon Swedish Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup of chopped apples and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
These thin, delicate pancakes are a delicious and versatile breakfast or brunch option. Try this recipe and impress your family and friends with your newfound Swedish pancake expertise!
