Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup
There’s something truly magical about the combination of orange and vanilla, especially when it comes to breakfast treats. These Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup are fluffy, flavorful, and a delightful way to start your day. With fresh orange juice and a hint of zest, these pancakes are bursting with citrusy goodness. Topped with a warm vanilla-infused maple syrup, they are sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and discover how to create these mouthwatering pancakes!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Bright Flavors: The fresh orange juice and zest add a vibrant taste that elevates the pancakes.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with your favorite toppings and variations.
- Perfectly Fluffy: The batter creates light and fluffy pancakes that are irresistible.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special breakfast for guests, these pancakes shine!
What’s in the Bowl
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (mandarins work great)
- 1/4 cup nonfat or 2% milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Prep & Cook Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure the batter is smooth and well-mixed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Skillet or Griddle: A non-stick surface for cooking the pancakes.
- Spatula: For flipping the pancakes with ease.
- Small Saucepan: For warming the maple syrup with vanilla.
Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup in Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients on the countertop. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, milk, beaten egg, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk these together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
Step 5: Fold in Orange Zest
Add the orange zest to the batter and fold it in gently to incorporate the bright, citrus flavor.
Step 6: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can test if it’s ready by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; if they dance and evaporate, it’s time to cook!
Step 7: Cook the Pancakes
Lightly grease the skillet with a little vegetable oil or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Keep Warm
As you finish cooking the pancakes, you can keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you cook the remaining batter.
Step 9: Prepare the Vanilla Maple Syrup
In a small saucepan, gently heat the maple syrup over low heat. Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and warm it for a few minutes until it’s fragrant and heated through.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Stack your pancakes on a plate, drizzle generously with the warm vanilla maple syrup, and enjoy the heavenly flavors of your Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup!
Year-Round Variations
- Berry Bliss: Top pancakes with fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries for an added burst of flavor.
- Nuts About It: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet twist that kids will love.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
Author’s Commentary
There’s truly nothing like a stack of warm pancakes to brighten your morning. The combination of orange and vanilla is one that I absolutely adore. It reminds me of sunny mornings and joyful gatherings. You can also adjust this recipe to include your favorite fruits or spices, making it versatile for any season. I hope you enjoy making these pancakes as much as I do!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
If you have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store the pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the toaster or microwave until warmed through. The flavor will still be delightful!
Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup Q&A
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While fresh orange juice yields the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugars for the best results.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil or unsalted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil. Both options will lend a rich flavor to the pancakes.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, as it may thicken overnight.
What if my pancakes are too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, simply add a splash of milk or orange juice to thin it out to your desired consistency.
In Closing
These Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup are not just a breakfast item; they’re a celebration of flavor and a wonderful way to start your day on a high note. The bright citrus notes combined with the sweet vanilla syrup create a delightful harmony that will leave you craving more. Whether you choose to enjoy them on a lazy Sunday morning or serve them to impress guests, they are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and indulge in these delicious pancakes. Happy cooking!
Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the countertop. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, milk, beaten egg, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk these together until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
- Fold in Orange Zest: Add the orange zest to the batter and fold it in gently to incorporate the bright, citrus flavor.
- Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can test if it’s ready by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; if they dance and evaporate, it’s time to cook!
- Cook the Pancakes: Lightly grease the skillet with a little vegetable oil or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Keep Warm: As you finish cooking the pancakes, you can keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you cook the remaining batter.
- Prepare the Vanilla Maple Syrup: In a small saucepan, gently heat the maple syrup over low heat. Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and warm it for a few minutes until it’s fragrant and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stack your pancakes on a plate, drizzle generously with the warm vanilla maple syrup, and enjoy the heavenly flavors of your Orange Vanilla Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup!
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
