My kids love McDonald’s breakfast, especially their pancakes, which are nicknamed ‘hotcakes,’ by the way. To be honest, I used to be happy to swing by and grab breakfast as it was near my place, and I didn’t have to do any cooking first thing in the morning. But lately, the breakfast line at the drive-thru has been insane! However, with this McDonald’s pancake recipe, I can skip the line, make my own McDonald’s fluffy pancakes at home, and have a batch that lasts for days- all in half the time with simple ingredients!
Hearing it’s a copycat recipe for McDonald’s might make you wonder if it’s the real deal, right?
Trust me, it tastes just like the original– in fact, I am gonna go ahead and say it’s even better! And why wouldn’t it be? You get to choose the freshest egg and creamiest milk and even customize the sugar level to your liking- and we all know that it’s pretty hard to beat the price when you make it yourself!
McDonalds Pancake Recipe Vs Regular: What’s The Secret?
So, what’s so special about McDonalds pancakes that makes people finish every last bite? Is it a special ingredient? Or a different technique, perhaps?
Well, let’s find out! Here are the key differences between McDonalds pancakes and the regular homemade pancakes we usually make for breakfast:
Texture
Pancakes made at home can have varied thicknesses based on the consistency of your batter. On the other hand, McDonald’s pancakes are perfectly measured, slightly dense, and have more or less uniform thickness.
Cooking Method
While traditional pancakes are cooked in a pan, McDonald’s uses a flat-top griddle that distributes the heat evenly and gives the pancakes their signature golden brown look!
Sweetness
Ah, this might be the game-changing point! I have always found McDonald’s pancakes to be more on the sweeter side. Thanks to the granulated sugar in the recipe, the hotcakes taste great on their own without having to rely on any syrup to sweeten them up!
Topping Ideas For McDondonald’s Pancake, AKA Hotcakes
McDonald’s hotcakes come with butter and maple syrup. But since you are making at home, you can enjoy all the delicious toppings you can possibly think of! Here are some of my favorite toppings for pancakes:
Cookies & Cream
Love Oreos? Go ahead and load your pancakes with the fantastic combo of crushed Oreos and condensed milk!
Nutty Madness
Instead of plain butter, switch up your flavor profile with a dollop of peanut butter or almond butter and enjoy a delicious nutty taste in every bite.
Chocolate Overloaded
There’s no reason why chocolate can’t be a part of this party! Pair chocolate chips with whipped cream and enjoy creamy and chocolate-flavored pancakes.
Berry Berry Sweet!
There’s no sweetness that’s quite like the sweetness of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries! Add a drizzle of honey and you are all set to enjoy a berry-sweet experience!
Healthy & Tasty
Want to enjoy the toppings without feeling guilty? Pair your pancakes with yogurt and granola bars for a wholesome, healthy combination.
How To Store Leftover Pancake Batters and Pancakes?
Got some extra batter? Or have you already made too many pancakes? Let’s give you some ideas on how to store them both!
Leftover Pancake Batters
To store the leftover pancake batter, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Before using, give the batter a good stir and let it come to room temperature.
Leftover Pancakes
If you have made some extra pancakes and want to store them for later, first, let them cool completely. Place the pancakes in an airtight container with parchment paper in between the pieces to prevent them from sticking. The pancakes will stay good for up to 4 days.
Reheating Pancakes
To reheat the pancakes, wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave in a 15-seconds interval.
McDonalds Pancake Recipe | Copycat Hotcakes
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups / 250 g All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp / 24 g Baking Powder
- ¼ cup / 50 g Granulated Sugar
- ½ tsp / 3 g Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups / 500 ml Milk
- ¼ cup / 60 ml Vegetable Oil
Instructions
Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Grab a large mixing bowl and pour 2 cups of all-purpose flour into it.
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp of salt over the flour.
- Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the mixture for sweetness.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- Crack 2 large eggs into the separate mixing bowl.
- Pour 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil into the pancake batter.
- Using a whisk, mix everything together until the batter is smooth and there’s no lump.
Prepare The Pan For Cooking
- Grab a griddle, a cast iron skillet, or a nonstick skillet and put it on the stove over medium heat.
- Lightly grease the pan with a nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
Cook The Pancakes
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the heated pan for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles start forming at the top of the pancake. It should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 2 minutes until the pancakes turn golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a serving plate and repeat the whole process with the remaining batter.
- Top the pancakes with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings, and enjoy McDonald’s delicious pancakes at home with the entire family!
It’s the small wins that matter the most in life and push you to keep going. I remember the first time I nailed McDonald’s-style pancakes, I was so happy that I kept giggling like a little kid and let everyone have a taste! And now that I have made it so many times, it’s become pretty much standard in my kitchen now.
I have a bigger problem these days, though. My kid and family are asking me for more McDonald’s recipes to try! What do you think I should go for next? Drop your suggestions in the comments!
Recipe FAQs
How Do I Make McDonalds Pancakes Healthier?
You can make the McDonald’s pancakes healthier by using whole wheat flour, less sugar, and a light topping.
Can I Make The Pancakes Without Eggs?
Yes, you can use applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt in place of eggs. However, the taste and texture may slightly differ in that case.
How Do I Adjust The Thickness Of My Pancakes?
For thinner pancakes, add a small amount of milk to loosen up the batter. If you prefer thicker ones, add more flour to the pancake batter for extra fluff.
What Can I Use Instead Of Vegetable Oil For Cooking?
You can use coconut oil, butter, or even applesauce for cooking the pancakes.
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