
These light and tender pancakes combine a golden-brown, crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. The versatile basic recipe is perfect for sweet and savory variations and transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dish for any time of day.
In my kitchen, this basic recipe has been tested for years. Especially the secret of the carbonated water makes the pancakes incomparably light.
Carefully Selected Ingredients
- Flour: Type 405 for fine texture
- Eggs: Room temperature for optimal binding
- Carbonated water: With plenty of fizz for lightness
- Milk: Full fat for silky consistency
- Oil: Neutral in flavor

Detailed Preparation
- Batter Preparation:
- Carefully sift flour. Use ingredients at room temperature. Mix until lump free. Let rest.
- Pan Preparation:
- Preheat properly. Distribute oil thinly. Check temperature. Swirl evenly.
- Cooking Process:
- Spread batter thinly. Watch edges. Flip carefully. Cook until golden brown.
- Keeping Warm:
- Stack and cover. Maintain temperature. Separate between layers. Serve immediately.
In my family, everyone has developed their favorite variation. The versatility makes these pancakes the perfect family meal.
Perfect Accompaniments
Serve the pancakes with classic cinnamon and sugar. Fresh fruits and whipped cream turn them into dessert. For the savory version, cheese and ham are suitable. An herb filling with cream cheese creates a light meal.
Creative Variations
The basic version can be wonderfully adapted. Apple slices in the batter create an autumnal delight. Spinach and ricotta make them Italian. A version with buckwheat brings rustic flavor. For chocolate fans, cocoa powder in the batter is suitable.
Optimal Storage
The pancakes stay warm stacked and covered. Placing parchment paper between layers prevents sticking. The batter can rest in the refrigerator for one day. Finished pancakes can also be frozen.
Time Management
You can prepare the batter the day before. Bring ingredients to room temperature in advance. Prepare fillings in parallel. This organization makes cooking relaxed.

Practical Tips
The right pan temperature is crucial. Too high heat burns the pancakes, too low makes them tough. A test pancake helps with the adjustment. Do not forget the resting time for the batter.
After years of experience with various pancake recipes, this version has proven to be the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The combination of light texture and versatile variation possibilities makes this basic recipe a timeless classic. I find it particularly fascinating how few, basic ingredients can create such a delicious result.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does the batter need to rest?
- Resting allows the flour to absorb liquid and helps ingredients bind better. This makes the pancakes fluffier and more tender.
- → Can I add sparkling water?
- Yes, the carbonation makes the batter lighter and results in fluffier pancakes.
- → Can I prepare the batter in advance?
- Yes, the batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just stir briefly before using.
- → Why is the first pancake often not perfect?
- The pan needs to reach the right temperature and develop a thin coating of fat before pancakes will turn out perfectly.
- → What fillings work well?
- The neutral batter works well with sweet (jam, Nutella) and savory (cheese, ham) fillings.