How to succeed in making round pancakes?

Realizing perfectly round pancakes can seem like a small challenge, especially when your pancakes often end up with irregular shapes. Imagine: you’re preparing brunch to impress your guests, but your pancakes never look like those in ads or restaurants. Don’t panic! You’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I’m going to reveal all the secrets to making round and appetizing pancakes, worthy of the best brunches. No more strange shapes, just perfectly round and delicious pancakes!

Why Are Homemade Pancakes Never Perfectly Round?

There are several reasons why your homemade pancakes might not be round. First, amateur cooks generally use unsuitable utensils or surfaces.

Unlike the large griddles used in restaurants, your home pans may not distribute heat evenly, which affects the shape and cooking of the pancakes. Moreover, the way you pour the batter plays a role. An imprecise pouring technique can easily lead to pancakes with irregular edges.

Choosing the Batter: Thick or Liquid?

The texture of pancake batter largely determines how it behaves on the pan. To get round and consistent pancakes, it’s important to understand the difference between thick and liquid batter.

Thick Batter

Thick batters are often difficult to pour neatly. They tend to accumulate in one specific spot, which makes spreading the batter more challenging. However, this consistency allows for thick and fluffy pancakes, ideal for those who like "puffy" pancakes.

Liquid Batter

More liquid batters are easier to pour, making them naturally more conducive to a round shape. However, they require a precise pouring technique to prevent them from spreading too much and becoming too thin.

Cooking: Surface, Temperature, and Spacing of Pancakes

Cooking pancakes is the key step to achieving a perfect shape. The cooking surface, temperature, and spacing of the pancakes play a decisive role in the final result.

Choice of Pan or Griddle

A non-stick pan or griddle is ideal for getting consistent pancakes. Cast iron or ceramic surfaces allow for even heat distribution, which helps keep your pancakes round and well-cooked.

Space Between Pancakes

For your pancakes to spread without overflowing onto each other, leave enough space between each portion. This will also allow you to flip them easily without risking damaging them.

Cooking Temperature

Temperature is another determining factor. If the pan is too hot, the pancakes will cook too quickly and dry out at the edges, compromising their shape. If it’s too cold, they might not cook evenly. A medium temperature, between 160°C and 180°C, is ideal for gentle and even cooking.

Techniques for Perfectly Round Pancakes

There are several methods to ensure your pancakes are perfectly round every time.

By Hand

The traditional method, which requires no particular tools except a ladle. This involves pouring the batter directly into the hot pan and trying to give it a round shape. This technique requires a little practice and concentration.

The Ice Cream Scoop

The ice cream scoop is an excellent tool for getting round and uniform pancakes, especially with a thick batter. Use a medium-sized ice cream scoop (about 1/4 cup) to scoop the batter and gently drop it onto the pan.

The Measuring Cup

The measuring cup works particularly well for both thick and liquid batters. It allows you to precisely control the amount of batter and pour gently into the center of the pan.

Cookie Cutters

Another method is to use cookie cutters specifically designed for baking. They are placed directly in the pan. Be sure to lightly oil the cookie cutter to facilitate unmolding. These cookie cutters are available in stainless steel or silicone.

Squeeze Bottles

A particularly clever trick is the use of plastic squeeze bottles for sauces. Their fine tip allows for precise pouring of the batter, guaranteeing perfectly round pancakes every time. This method is not only practical but also fun.

Special Pancake Pans

If you’re a regular pancake lover, investing in a pan specifically designed for making pancakes is an excellent idea. These pans usually have integrated molds, which guarantee perfectly circular pancakes.

Chopstick or Thin Spatula to Adjust Shape

If your pancakes spread slightly irregularly, using a chopstick or a thin spatula to quickly adjust the edges can help maintain their roundness. Simply push the edges lightly towards the center as soon as the batter starts to set.

Summary Table

| Technique | Batter Type | Recommended Tools | Advantages |

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| By Hand | All | Ladle, measuring cup | Simple, adjustable |

| Ice Cream Scoop | Thick batter | Ice cream scoop | Thick and uniform pancakes |

| Measuring Cup | Thick or liquid batter | Measuring cup | Precise quantity control |

| Cookie Cutters | All | Cookie cutters | Perfectly round pancakes |

| Squeeze Bottles | Liquid batter | Squeeze bottle | Perfect pouring control |

| Specialty Pans | All | Pan with molds | Perfect shape guaranteed |

What Next? Think About Storage

Once your pancakes are beautifully round and golden, it would be a shame to let them dry out or lose their fluffiness. To keep them at their best, store them in an airtight container: at room temperature for 24 hours, or in the refrigerator for up to three days.

They also freeze very well: place them in a freezer bag with a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake.

For reheating, several options are available: a quick pass in the toaster, microwave, or pan. And if you like to plan ahead, the batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, provided it’s kept refrigerated.

Conclusion

With a little method, the right tools, and proper technique, you now know how to make perfect pancakes, and especially how to make them round.

And don’t forget: for perfect fluffiness, the choice of leavening agent is essential. If you’re wondering which yeast to choose for pancakes, opt for baking powder, which acts during cooking and gives a wonderfully soft result.