The New Viral Way to Make the Best-Ever Pancakes, According to a Chef
Pancakes are the ultimate Saturday morning breakfast tradition in my house. There’s just something magical about flipping fluffy, golden-brown stacks while my kids eagerly wait at the table. Whether drenched in syrup, topped with fruit or smothered in whipped cream, pancakes always feel like a special treat. My kids love helping—whether it’s stirring the batter or sneaking chocolate chips into the mix. Weekend mornings wouldn’t be the same without the smell of pancakes in the air and happy little faces ready to dig in!
Although I have a go-to pancake recipe, I'm always looking for ways to make them even more fun. Chefs Grace and Neal (@twochefsandaknife) shared this tip on TikTok and while it may seem odd, they say we should "just trust the process."
It sounds fun to me!
Related: How to Make Perfect, Fluffy, Golden Pancakes Every Single Time
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Why You Should Cook Your Pancakes in Cream
When I make pancakes, I whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, milk and melted butter into a smooth batter. Then, I heat a buttered griddle, pour small circles of batter and cook until bubbles form. I flip them and cook until golden, then serve the pancakes warm with syrup, fruit or whatever toppings my kids are craving!
It's that easy!
According to these chefs, though, you should use cream, not butter or oil, when you cook your pancakes. They assure us that the pancakes don't turn out soggy, which seems unlikely but their video is convincing.
The result is an "extremely tender and fluffy texture" according to the chefs, and the best part is you can use any pancake recipe you want—even a boxed mix!
Simply pour the cream into a warm pan, place your scoops of pancake batter in the middle, and as the cream evaporates and starts to solidify, push the solids into the sides of the pancakes.
The outside of the pancake comes out almost caramelized, but the inside is very fluffy and soft. These also turn into huge pancakes, so if you're worried about how long it takes to make them with this method, just know that you may be able to make just a few.
Related: A Faster, Easier, No-Fail Version of the Viral Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Why This Works
Cooking pancakes in cream instead of butter or oil is a game-changer and it's one cooking method I am ready to try!
As the cream heats, the fats separate and caramelize, creating a beautifully golden, crispy edge while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Unlike butter, which can burn quickly, cream provides a slow, even browning that enhances the flavor. The natural sugars in the cream also contribute to a slightly sweeter, richer taste without needing extra sugar in the batter. Plus, the extra fat in the cream helps prevent sticking, making flipping easier.
This method works best with a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, so it will take a little longer to cook than using butter or oil, but you get pancakes with a crisp exterior that's almost like the edges of a perfectly baked biscuit. If you love buttery, golden pancakes with a fun twist, ditch the butter and try cooking them in cream! I know I am!
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