Mouthwatering Scottish Pancakes Recipe for Breakfast Delight
Are you tired of making the same old pancakes for breakfast? Looking to add a unique twist to your morning routine? Look no further than my Scottish Pancakes recipe!
Also called Pikelets or Scotch Pancakes, these fluffy delicacies are a staple in Scottish and New Zealand cuisine. And there’s no need to travel across the globe to try them! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make these delectable pancakes right in your own kitchen.
I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who passed it down from her mother, Queen Elizabeth II herself. Yes, she was quite the chef in her own right! And now, I’m excited to share this family favorite with you.
So why not give this Scottish Pancake recipe a try and add a touch of tradition and variety to your breakfast spread?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pancakes are a breakfast staple for many, but Scottish pancakes, also known as pikelets or drop scones, offer a unique twist to this traditional breakfast dish. This recipe for Scottish Pancakes is sure to satisfy your cravings for fluffy, delicious pancakes with a hint of sweetness that will leave you wanting more.
One of the key ingredients that sets Scottish pancakes apart is the use of self-raising flour. This type of flour helps give the pancakes their signature fluffy texture that makes them so irresistible. Paired with a touch of sugar, these pancakes have just the right amount of sweetness without being overly sugary.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, you can whip up a batch of these delicious pancakes in no time. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to fit your preferences.
If you’re tired of traditional American pancakes or looking for something new to add to your brunch repertoire, Scottish Pancakes are perfect for you. They can be enjoyed with your favorite toppings like butter, syrup, fresh fruit or jam or even eaten plain.
Not only are these pancakes delicious and easy to make, but they also have cultural significance. Scottish Pancakes originated in Scotland and were enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth II herself during her royal visits to Scotland.
Overall, this recipe for Scottish Pancakes is one you won’t want to miss out on trying – it’s so tasty and easy that it may become a new breakfast favorite in your household!
Ingredient List
Here’s the ingredient list you’ll need to make a batch of traditional Scottish pancakes also known as “pikelets”. Don’t fret if some of the ingredients are unfamiliar to you – I’ve included some useful substitutions and variations just in case.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar
- 2 cups (300g) self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups (500ml) milk
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter, cooled slightly
You’ll need some vegetable oil or butter for frying.
If you don’t have self-raising flour, it’s super easy to make it yourself. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sift together thoroughly before using in this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Before we dive into cooking our Scottish pancakes, or pikelets, let’s start by mixing up the batter. In a large bowl, sieve together flour, sugar and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt and a ½ teaspoon of baking soda. In another bowl, whisk together an egg with 1 and ¼ cups (10 fl oz) of milk. Then, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture slowly, whisking as you go along to create a smooth batter with no lumps.
Cooking the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, then melt a knob of butter in it, making sure to coat the entire surface of the pan. With a ladle or large spoon, drop blobs of pancake batter onto the pan, creating circles that are about 3-4 inches in diameter. Once bubbles begin to form on the surface (after about 1-2 minutes), flip over with a spatula and cook for another minute on the other side until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Once your pancakes are ready, pile them high on a plate and serve with your favorite toppings! Some popular options include drizzling golden syrup or honey over them, spreading with whipped cream and jam, sprinkling with powdered sugar or adding fresh berries on top. For an extra indulgent breakfast, you can even slather them with Nutella or chocolate spread.
Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to make these classic Scottish pancakes ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply pop them in the toaster for a quick and easy breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure to coat the pan with butter before cooking the pancakes to prevent sticking and ensure a golden brown crusty exterior.
- Don’t overmix the batter or it will become tough and chewy.
- Use a ladle or large spoon when measuring out your pancake batter to make sure each pancake is uniform in size.
- If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by mixing plain flour with baking powder.
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute whole wheat flour for the self-raising flour?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the pancakes will be denser and less fluffy.
Q: Why are these called pikelets?
A: Pikelets are a type of Scottish pancake that are slightly thicker and chewier than regular pancakes.
Q: How many pancakes does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes around 12-15 medium sized pancakes.
Final Thoughts
Scottish pancakes, or pikelets, are a delicious breakfast treat that can be customized just the way you like them.
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s face it, sometimes we just don’t have all the ingredients we need to make a recipe. Fear not, for there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to your Scottish Pancakes recipe.
If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, fret not! You can make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to every cup of regular all-purpose flour. Or you can swap out self-rising flour for plain flour mixed with a bit of baking powder.
For those watching their sugar intake, you can cut back on the caster sugar in the recipe or substitute it with a sugar alternative. If you don’t have caster sugar on hand, you can create your own by blitzing granulated sugar in a food processor until it becomes fine.
If you prefer a vegan version of these pancakes, ditch the egg and use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. You can replace butter with vegetable oil as well.
One classic variation of Scottish Pancakes is the addition of fruit. You can rip up some fresh raspberries or blueberries into small pieces and fold them into the pancake mix for an extra fruity punch. For a more decadent option, try drizzling melted chocolate over your pancake stack.
Another variation is Mary Berry’s sultana drop scones – they’re also known as pikelets called in New Zealand – which add dried fruit to the batter like sultanas or raisins along with grated lemon zest for a fresh kick.
Serve these up with maple syrup or honey to complement their cozy and fluffy texture. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these Scottish Pancakes (or Scotch Pancakes) so get creative and experiment to discover your favorite version.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving Scottish pancakes, my preferred way is to stack them up high and smother them with a generous amount of butter and maple syrup. The fluffy, yet slightly dense texture of these pancakes is a perfect match for the rich, sweet toppings.
If you’re looking for something more savory, try pairing them with some crispy bacon or smoked salmon, drizzled with a dollop of crème fraîche. You can also serve them with fresh berries and whipped cream for a decadent brunch dish.
These pancakes are versatile enough to be served as a snack or side dish as well. You can pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon pick-me-up.
If you want to make the most out of your pancake meal, why not try making a complete Scottish breakfast? Fry up some bacon, sausage, black pudding, and eggs to go along with your pancakes. It’s an indulgent meal fit for a king or queen!
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your Scottish pancakes, one thing is certain – they’re delicious any time of day!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I’ve heard a lot of people say they love Scottish pancakes (or pikelets, as they’re sometimes called) because they’re quick and easy to make. But did you know you can also make them ahead of time? That’s right! You can whip up a big batch of these tasty treats, store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat them whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.
To make these pancakes ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions as normal. Then, once your pancakes are cooked and cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
If you’re planning to serve these pancakes to guests, making them ahead of time can be a real lifesaver. Not only does it save time on the day of the event, but it also allows you to focus on preparing other parts of your meal.
When reheating these pancakes, it’s important to keep an eye on them so they don’t become overcooked. Aim to warm them up just enough that they’re heated through but still soft and fluffy.
So go ahead and try making these Scottish pancakes ahead of time. You’ll find that they’re just as delicious reheated as they are fresh off the griddle!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making Scottish pancakes is easy, but achieving the perfect result might require a few extra tips. Whether you are making them for breakfast or as a snack, these tips will ensure that your Scottish pancakes turn out fluffy and delicious.
1. Sift the flour and baking powder
To prevent lumps in your batter, sift the flour and baking powder before mixing them with the other dry ingredients. This will make sure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. Use room temperature ingredients
Using room temperature eggs and milk will help in mixing them efficiently into the flour mixture as cold ingredients may clump together and not blend well.
3. Don’t overmix
To achieve fluffy Scottish pancakes, avoid over-mixing your batter as it will cause gluten build-up leading to chewy texture.
4. Let the batter sit
It’s best to let the batter sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing to ensure all the ingredients bind together perfectly, giving it time to rest allows gas bubbles to form which will give fluffiness to the pancakes
5. Heat your frying pan correctly
Ensure that your frying pan is hot enough before pouring in your pancake batter. Otherwise, your pancakes will be pale and unevenly cooked.
6. Adjust heat accordingly
After pouring your pancake mix into a greased preheated pan allow about 1-2 min or until set before flipping it over to cook on either side for about 30 seconds to a minute depending on preference of doneness.
7. Keep Pancakes warm.
Once done stack it one top of another wrapped in a clean dish towel or aluminum foil this retains warmth and moisture creating an even fluffier cake
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect Scottish pancakes that are fluffy and soft, ready to be served with some maple syrup or jam for breakfast or when entertaining guests.
FAQ
As much as we try to cover everything in the recipe and tips sections, there may be some questions that come to your mind while preparing these Scottish pancakes. Fear not, in this FAQ section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to this recipe. From ingredient substitutions to pancake pairings, let’s dive into the queries that might be swirling in your mind.
What is the difference between pikelets and Scotch pancakes?
Different regions in the United Kingdom have different names for a type of small, round baked goods that are also known as pikelets. In the Midlands and northern regions, they are called dropped scones, dropped crumpets, or griddle cakes, while in the southern parts of the U.K, they are known as Scotch pancakes. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand also refer to these baked goods as pikelets and often consume them in a similar fashion to British scones.
What is the difference between pancakes pikelets and crepes?
When it comes to pancake-like dishes, there are a few key differences between a crepe and a pikelet. While crepes are known for their thin and delicate texture, pikelets are actually quite thick – about the same thickness as an American style pancake. In terms of size, pikelets are typically around 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
What are pikelets called in America?
In Australian and New Zealand cuisine, a bite-sized version of a pancake is known as a pikelet. This version is smaller compared to Scotland and North America’s version, known as a pancake, and England’s version, which is called a Scotch pancake, girdle or griddle cake, or drop scone.
Why are they called pikelets?
The word pikelet has its roots in the Welsh term “bara pyglyd,” which refers to a type of sticky, dark bread. As the word traveled north into England, it became anglicized and evolved into the term we know today.
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, it goes without saying that Scottish Pancakes (also known as Pikelets or Scotch Pancakes) are a delectable breakfast treat that’s easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples. These fluffy, sweet and buttery pancakes have been enjoyed in Scottish households for centuries, making them a must-try for anyone who loves trying new dishes.
As you make this recipe, feel free to experiment with substitutions and variations to find the perfect balance of taste and texture. Enjoy them with maple syrup or jam toppings for a sweet breakfast treat, or even pair them with bacon and eggs for a hearty brunch option.
Overall, don’t hesitate to try out our Scottish Pancakes recipe and experience the joy of indulging in the flavorful comforts of British cuisine. With this recipe, you’ll impress your guests and household members alike, while savoring the same sweet pancake beloved by Queen Elizabeth II herself. So get out your frying pan, your favorite toppings and give this recipe a try!
Scottish Pancakes (Pikelets) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl. Slowly add the egg and milk while stirring constantly until smooth.
- Place a skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat with butter.
- Pour 1/8 cup of batter into the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface of the batter; flip and continue to cook until lightly browned on the bottom, 1-2 minutes on each side. Reapply butter to the skillet between batches.
- Serve with butter and jam.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.