Orange Vanilla Pancakes

There’s something so special about waking up to the smell of freshly made pancakes in the morning, and that’s exactly what happens when I whip up these Orange Vanilla Pancakes. Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday, the sunlight streams through the window, and I can hear the soft sizzle of pancakes cooking on the griddle. These pancakes are not just any ordinary breakfast; they’re infused with the bright zest of orange and the comforting warmth of vanilla. Every bite is like a hug wrapped in fluffy goodness.

As I pour the batter onto the griddle, I can’t help but smile, remembering the first time I made these pancakes for my family. They were an instant hit! The kids loved the sweet and tangy flavor, and my partner couldn’t get enough of the light, airy texture. I often find myself making them on special occasions, but honestly, they’re perfect any day of the week. On a busy morning, they can even serve as a quick snack — just pack a few for later!

The secret to their deliciousness lies in the combination of fresh orange juice and zest, which brighten up the flavor profile, making each pancake a burst of sunshine on your plate. Plus, paired with warm maple syrup, it’s pure bliss. So grab your favorite skillet, and let’s dive into making these delightful Orange Vanilla Pancakes together!

Ingredient List for Orange Vanilla Pancakes

Creating the perfect pancake is all about the right ingredients. The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and the sweet tang of orange juice come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role in giving these pancakes their signature fluffy texture and vibrant flavor!

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of our pancake batter, providing structure and fluffiness.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the citrus and enhances browning.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise, making them light and airy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidity of the orange juice for extra fluffiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it gives the pancakes a bright, zesty flavor.
• 1/4 cup milk: Adds creaminess; use nonfat or 2% for lighter pancakes.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the pancakes moist and tender.
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma; divide for the pancake batter and syrup.
• 2 tablespoons orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor, bringing a fragrant punch.
• 1/2 cup maple syrup: The perfect finishing touch; it complements the pancakes beautifully.

How to Prepare Orange Vanilla Pancakes

Getting ready to whip up some delightful pancakes is a breeze! Follow along, and I’ll guide you through each step of making these delicious Orange Vanilla Pancakes. The process is simple and rewarding.

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, or if you have an electric griddle, set it to 350°F. You want a hot surface for those lovely pancakes!
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined. The dry ingredients create the foundation for fluffy pancakes.
3. In a smaller bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together the orange juice, milk, egg, vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and orange zest. This mixture brings the wet ingredients together, adding moisture and flavor.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so be gentle!
5. Spray your cooking surface with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that the pancakes don’t stick and allows for easy flipping later.
6. Using a measuring cup, pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the preheated skillet for each pancake. You should see bubbles forming on top as they cook.
7. Once the edges look set and bubbles form on the surface, it’s time to flip! Carefully turn each pancake over and cook until they are golden brown on the other side. Perfection is key here!
8. Continue the process with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning the pancakes. You want a steady, moderate heat throughout.
9. While the pancakes are cooking, heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s just warmed. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
10. Serve the warm pancakes immediately with a drizzle of warm syrup on top. They’re best enjoyed fresh off the griddle!
11. If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to one month. The leftover syrup can also be stored in a jar.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

These Orange Vanilla Pancakes are so versatile! Here are some fun ways to adapt them to your taste:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Throw in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Experiment with Milk: Try using almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch.
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk.
• Serving with Fruit: Top with fresh berries for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Breakfast for Dinner: These pancakes can also be a fun breakfast-for-dinner option!

Side Dish Ideas for Orange Vanilla Pancakes

When serving the delicious Orange Vanilla Pancakes, consider these delightful side dishes to make your meal even more special.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits pairs perfectly with pancakes!
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthy side.
• Scrambled Eggs: Add some protein to your breakfast with fluffy scrambled eggs.
• Smoothies: A vibrant smoothie can complement the pancakes beautifully.
• Turkey Sausage: For those who enjoy savory flavors, turkey sausage makes a great side.
• Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a crunchy contrast to soft pancakes.
• Hot Cocoa: Especially for a cozy breakfast, serve with a cup of warm cocoa!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Orange Vanilla Pancakes are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat. Their light and fluffy texture, combined with the bright flavors of orange and vanilla, makes them a favorite in my home. I encourage you to try making these pancakes for yourself; they might just become your new go-to recipe for breakfast or brunch!

Orange Vanilla Pancakes

The perfect pancakes to elevate your breakfast! These Orange Vanilla Pancakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, topped with warm maple syrup. A delightful treat for any morning or occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 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 orange juice fresh squeezed is best if you can; I used mandarins
• 1/4 cup milk nonfat or 2%
• 1 large egg beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract divided
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat, or heat an electric griddle to 350°F.
• Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
• Whisk together the orange juice, milk, egg, oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and orange zest in a small bowl or measuring cup.
• Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined. Batter may be a bit lumpy.
• Spray the cooking surface with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter for each pancake.
• Let each pancake cook until it's bubbly on top the flip and cook until golden.
• Repeat with remaining batter until all pancakes are made.
• While the pancakes are cooking, heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat until just warmed. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
• Serve warm pancakes with warm syrup on top.
• Remaining pancakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to one month. Store any remaining syrup in an airtight container or jar.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Pancakes can be frozen for up to one month. Reheat in the toaster.
• Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete breakfast.
• Variations: Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.

Keyword breakfast ideas, fluffy pancakes recipe, Orange Pancakes, Pancakes with Maple Syrup

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!