Fluffy oven-baked pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic stovetop version, offering a soft, airy texture with minimal effort.
Unlike traditional pancakes that require constant flipping, these are baked in the oven, allowing for an even rise and golden-brown perfection.
The batter, typically made from flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and a leavening agent like baking powder, comes together quickly and is poured into a preheated, buttered baking dish.
A hot oven helps create steam, causing the batter to puff up beautifully, resulting in a light, soufflé-like texture.
Variations can include vanilla extract, cinnamon, or citrus zest for added flavor, while toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar enhance the final dish.
Some recipes call for a Dutch baby-style approach, where a higher ratio of eggs gives it a custardy consistency, while others rely more on baking powder for a traditional pancake feel.
For best results, ingredients should be at room temperature, and the oven should be fully preheated before baking.
The key to achieving the perfect fluffy texture is not overmixing the batter, as too much stirring can lead to dense results.