Why Choose This Recipe?
This recipe is simple to make and requires basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The pancakes made with this method are light, thin, and golden brown, perfect for any occasion. They can be filled in numerous ways, but today, we’ve opted for a version with chocolate and hazelnut cream— a perfect combination of sweetness and indulgence.
The preparation only takes a few minutes, but it’s advisable to let the batter rest for 30 minutes to get even lighter and airier pancakes. This resting time allows the flour to properly blend with the liquid, making the batter smoother and more consistent.
Basic Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these classic pancakes:
For the pancakes:
3 eggs
10g sugar (about 2 teaspoons)
2g salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
12ml oil (about 1 tablespoon)
250ml milk (about 1 cup)
125g flour (about 1 cup)
For the filling and decoration:
Chocolate (milk, dark, or white chocolate according to your preference)
Hazelnut cream (or hazelnut spread)
How to Make the Pancakes
Prepare the pancake batter:
In a large bowl, crack the three eggs. Add the sugar and salt, then whisk them together until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth.
Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid any lumps. This ensures a smooth batter. Add the oil and mix well.
Gradually sift and add the flour into the mixture while whisking continuously to guarantee a smooth, lump-free batter.
Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period is important because it helps the flour absorb the liquid, resulting in lighter pancakes.
Cook the pancakes:
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly oil it. You can use a paper towel to evenly distribute the oil over the pan.
When the pan is hot, pour a small amount of batter into the center and tilt the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even layer.
Cook the pancake for about 1-2 minutes, or until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to lift easily. Flip the pancake using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1 minute.
Remove the pancake from the pan and place it on a plate. Repeat the process for the rest of the pancakes, making sure to lightly oil the pan between each one to prevent sticking.
Fill the pancakes:
Once your pancakes are cooked, it’s time to fill them. Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate or hazelnut spread onto each warm pancake. You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave for easy spreading.
Fold the pancake in half or into quarters, depending on your preference. You can also roll it into a cylinder if you prefer.
Add a touch of hazelnut cream on top for extra indulgence.
Decorate the pancake with extra chocolate pieces, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some crushed hazelnuts for a bit of crunch.
Tips and Variations
Flavored pancake batter: You can add a little vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even rum to the batter for an extra flavor boost. A tablespoon of cocoa powder will give the batter a lovely chocolatey flavor too.
Varied fillings: If you want to mix things up, you can add fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or even raspberries. Pancakes with fruits pair wonderfully with melted chocolate.
Savory pancakes: This same pancake batter can be used for savory dishes. Simply replace the sugar with salt and fill them with cheese, ham, or eggs for a complete meal.
Gourmet toppings: For added indulgence, you can top your pancakes with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce would also be a fantastic addition.
Pancakes: The Versatile Dish
Pancakes are an incredibly versatile dish, loved for their simplicity and their many variations. They can be served at any time of the day: for a complete breakfast, a sweet snack, or even as dessert after a hearty meal.
They can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day or two, making them an excellent choice for festive meals. You can reheat them slightly in the pan or microwave before filling them.
If you’re looking for a light yet indulgent meal, pancakes can be paired with a green salad, especially if you go for savory fillings. They’re also perfect for a gathering with friends, where everyone can customize their own pancake with their preferred fillings.
The Benefits of Pancakes
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