Having those pancakes stick to the pan can go from a breakfast of fun, to poor start of your day.
But while the recipe will lead you to a delicious batter, it takes another step to ensure that the batter comes out of the pan and onto your tray with ease.
If you’re tired of scraped-up pancakes and messy pans, this guide on keeping pancakes from sticking will walk you through the steps for perfectly flipping pancakes every time.
However, if you adjust your technique a little, you’ll be on your way to getting the golden, fluffy results you want regardless of what type of pan or griddle you’re using.
From selecting the right tools to learning the ideal heat and oil methods, here’s how to prevent pancakes from sticking once and for all.
How to Keep Pancakes from Sticking: Tried-and-True Tips
Making pancakes might look easy, but there is more to it than just pouring batter on a pan.
The true art of nonstick pancakes lies within your prep, your pan, the heat you use and how you handle your batter.
Let’s go over the best techniques to keep your pancakes slipping off the pan with ease.
Use the Right Pan or Griddle
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If you’re a pancake lover, you’ll know that not all pans are created for pancakes.
The best pans for pancakes are non-stick or cast iron, as they provide a smoother surface while cooking with little fat added.
An ideal choice for those of you who are just starting to learn how to cook, or want a straightforward method and easier cleaning is simply using a non-stick pan.
Well seasoned cast iron pans are nice as well, they create a natural non stick surface allowing pancakes to slide off.
Avoid using stainless steel or any pan with a rough surface, as these can often lead to sticking and uneven cooking.
Preheat the Pan Properly
A lot of people also tend to not get their pan right. One of the most common mistakes is simply pouring batter into a cold or too hot pan.
Heat your pan over medium-low for a couple of minutes to give it time to dry out (this helps avoid sticking) and only then add oil or batter in the case of a non-stick coated pan.
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On the other hand, if the pan is too cold, your pancake is going to struggle to set and be even more prone to sticking.
Conversely, if a pan is too hot the outside will cook faster than the inside, sticking and burning the latter.
Aim for a steady, medium heat that will cook the pancake evenly.
Add the Right Amount of Oil or Butter
As simple as it sounds, the amount of oil or butter you use has a huge impact on how easily your pancakes release from the pan.
Begin with a small quantity (1 teaspoon) and distribute evenly across the surface of the pan.
Pancakes can become slippery if you add an excess of oil, and if insufficient oil is used, chances are high that they will stick.
You can get some neutral oil like canola or vegetable, which has high smoke points, to not burn out an oil quickly mileage like butter.
If you enjoy the taste of butter, try adding it just before pouring the batter, but use it sparingly so it doesn’t burn.
Let the Batter Rest Before Cooking
People often overlook the next tip, which is to allow your pancake batter to rest for a little while before cooking.
Just let your batter sit for 5-10 minutes after you mix it up.
Letting the batter rest lets the flour absorb all that liquid, and let any bubbles get a chance to settle — which results in a lighter pancake with a more solid interior.
The batter spreads and rises evenly in the pan when it is rested well which prevents sticking.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
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If you cook too many pancakes at once, flipping is more difficult and they tend to stick.
The key here is to give each pancake room to spread and breathe.
This way, you can easily get your spatula under each pancake and flip them without having to dodge around any others.
If you’re making pancakes for a crowd, cook them in batches so that each one is cooked to perfection.
Use the Right Way of Flipping
Flipping your pancakes too early, too late or with excessive force can cause pancakes to stick or break apart.
Wait until bubbles form and start popping on the surface of the pancake, which is a sign that it’s ready to flip.
Slide a thin spatula gently under the pancake and lift it with a smooth, confident motion.
A hesitant or jerky movement can lead to sticking or uneven flipping.
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Practice makes perfect, so if your first few flips aren’t perfect, don’t worry—you’ll get the hang of it.
Adjust the Temperature if Needed
Even with the perfect pan and batter sometimes you will have to go up or down in temp.
If your pancakes are browning too fast then turn the heat down a bit.
Conversely, if they are not cooking fast enough, a slight increase in heat can help.
Sticking often happens when the temperature is too high or too low, keep an eye on how your pancakes are cooking and adjust as needed.
Clean the Pan Between Batches
Residue from earlier pancakes can build up on the pan and cause sticking for the next batch.
For large batches, wipe the pan with a paper towel to get rid of burnt bits between rounds.
This quick clean-up step helps keep your pan’s surface smooth, so that each pancake looks just as perfect as the first without any sticking.
What Type of Oil Is Best for Non-Stick Pancakes?
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The oil that you use also has an impact on how pancakes turn out.
Not all oils have the same smoking points and the wrong one can cause your food to burn or stick.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil
Both of these are neutral oils that can be heated to a high temperature, so they work perfectly for making pancakes where you need to go medium-high.
They will not make your pancakes taste any different, and they are less likely to scorch.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also a decent choice but can impart a subtle coconut taste to your pancakes.
If you want to avoid any coconut flavor, use refined coconut oil.
- Butter (with a Twist)
Butter may be delicious, but because it burns at high heat, it can quickly get sticky.
To prevent the butter from burning, add a little bit of butter just before pouring in the batter or blend it with some oil for less aggressive cooking.
How Can I Keep Pancakes from Sticking Without Using Oil?
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If you want to skip the oil entirely, there are a few ways to prevent sticking.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan
Using a good non-stick frying pan will allow you to make pancakes without any extra oil.
These pans are built for easy food release and convenient clean-up.
- Try Different Pancake Recipes
Certain pancake recipes tend to stick more than others.
If you want to cook without oil, try recipes with a bit more fat in the batter, as this can naturally prevent sticking.
- Preheat and Control the Heat Carefully
No oil means heat management has to be even more perfect.
Make sure to preheat your pan and cook on medium heat to keep your pancakes from sticking.
All in all, the key to perfect, non-stick pancakes lies in using the right pan, managing heat, and adding just enough oil.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be flipping golden pancakes without any frustration.
Whether you’re cooking with or without oil, a few adjustments in your technique will make all the difference in keeping pancakes from sticking.