How to Create Buttery Maple Pecan Pancakes (Step-by-Step Guide)
Pancakes are one of the most comforting and delicious breakfast treats you can enjoy, and when you add maple syrup and pecans into the mix, you take them to a whole new level. Buttery maple pecan pancakes are fluffy, sweet, and nutty—and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these pancakes are sure to bring smiles to the table.
Follow this simple recipe to create your own stack of buttery maple pecan pancakes. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, so even beginners in the kitchen can enjoy making them. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of ingredients for making about eight pancakes. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking!
Pancake Batter Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk (whole milk is best, but any milk works!)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking the pecans)
- Pure maple syrup (as much as you want for drizzling!)
Step 1: Prepare Your Pancake Batter
Start by making the pancake batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). This is called “sifting,” and it helps ensure your pancakes turn out fluffy.
In a separate smaller bowl, mix the wet ingredients—milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk it thoroughly so the egg is fully blended into the liquid.
Next, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spoon or spatula until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix! It’s okay if the batter has a few lumps; this actually gives your pancakes a better texture.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Pecans are the star of the show, so you want them to be warm, golden, and slightly crispy. In a small frying pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is hot, add the chopped pecans and stir them around.
Toast the pecans for about 2–3 minutes, or until they smell fragrant and look lightly browned. Be sure to keep an eye on them—you don’t want them to burn! Once they’re ready, transfer the toasted pecans to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. If you want to prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the hot pan for each pancake. You can adjust the size depending on how big you want your pancakes to be! Let the batter spread naturally into a round shape.
Cook the pancakes for about 2–3 minutes, or until small bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look set. Then, carefully flip each pancake using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once cooked, transfer the pancakes onto a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter until you have a beautiful stack ready to devour!
Step 4: Build Your Pancake Stack
Now comes the fun part—assembling your buttery maple pecan pancakes! Start by stacking your cooked pancakes on a plate. Between each layer, you can add a small pat of butter if you like extra richness.
Sprinkle some of your toasted pecans over the pancakes, then drizzle pure maple syrup generously on top. If you’re a syrup fan, don’t hold back—it makes everything taste amazing!
For an added touch, you can garnish with a few additional whole pecans or even add whipped cream for a truly decadent breakfast.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your buttery maple pecan pancakes are ready! Serve them warm and enjoy every bite of this irresistible combination of fluffy pancakes, crispy pecans, and sweet maple syrup. Pair them with a cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice, or just eat them as they are for a perfect start to the day.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes
- If you want extra fluffiness, let the pancake batter sit for about 5–10 minutes before cooking.
- Always use pure maple syrup for the best flavor (not the pancake syrup that’s made with corn syrup!).
- You can adjust the sweetness of the batter by skipping the sugar if you prefer less sweet pancakes.
- For added texture, mix some of the pecans directly into the batter before cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making buttery maple pecan pancakes is easy, fun, and a great way to elevate your breakfast game. With simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. Plus, the nutty crunch of pecans paired with the sticky sweetness of maple syrup creates the perfect balance of flavors.
So why wait? Grab your skillet, whisk up some batter, and treat yourself to a delightful homemade breakfast. After all, pancakes are always a good idea! Enjoy!