Making food for my loved ones is one of my favorite things. One of their favorite sweets is McDonald’s Pancake, so today, we’re going to make some!
These Hotcakes are soft, and fluffy, and taste just like the famous McDonald’s pancake recipe. They’re a great idea for a brunch with family or friends. Easy to prepare, delicious, and you can top them with anything you like. For us, our favorites are maple syrup, bananas, and almonds. No matter how you serve them, they’re always a great way to start the day!
If you’re into creative desserts, I recommend checking out my Sourdough Dessert Recipes for a Sweet Twist. These recipes take your sweet treats to a whole new level with unique textures and flavors, much like how this pancake recipe puts a twist on your classic breakfast.
What makes this pancake recipe special
Texture
Whether fluffy, thick or thin, their consistency can be adapted to everyone’s preference. These are soft and slightly sweet, just like McDonald’s.
Toppings
The possibilities are endless: maple syrup, fresh fruit, melted chocolate, nuts or peanut butter…
The Moment of Enjoyment
They are often associated with friendly moments such as weekend brunches or family breakfasts.
McDonald’s hotcake ingredients
These are basic ingredients that you can easily find at home to make soft and fluffy pancakes like McDonald’s:
For the base: Flour
To bring it together: Milk
For structure and richness: Egg
A touch of sweetness: Sugar
To balance flavors: Salt
To keep it moist and golden: Oil or butter
For that fluffy texture: Baking powder
To match the McDonald’s taste (optional): Vanilla extract
Top it your way: Chocolate syrup, maple syrup, honey, Nutella, sugar, butter
why are McDonald’s pancakes so good?
It’s probably the nostalgia and that soft, sweet flavor that gets people. McDonald’s hotcakes are warm, and fluffy, and always taste the same comforting, especially if you grew up with them. But what makes them “so good” is also what makes homemade pancakes even better. When I make them at home, I get that same soft texture, that little hint of sweetness, and the freedom to tweak everything with fresh ingredients, real flavor, and toppings just the way we like them. That’s the kind of pancake moment I love sharing.
McDonald’s Hotcakes
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour 300g
- 1¼ cups milk 300ml
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt equivalent to ½ tablespoon
- 4 tablespoons oil or melted butter
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Toppings of your choice: maple syrup Nutella, honey, fruit, butter, etc.
Instructions
Preparation:
- Start by adding the sugar and egg into a bowl. Whip by hand until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour in 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil or melted butter. Mix well until fully combined.
- Add the warm (not hot) milk slowly while stirring. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Mix in 4 teaspoons of baking powder this is key for fluffy pancakes. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that McDonald’s-style sweetness.
- Start adding the flour one spoon at a time, mixing continuously. This prevents lumps and keeps the batter smooth.
- If the batter is too runny, add more flour. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. The texture should be smooth, slightly thick, and easy to pour.
Cooking:
- Place a pan over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Use the same amount of batter each time by filling the ladle to the same level. This keeps your pancakes even in size.
- Pour the batter into the pan. Once small bubbles form on the surface, flip the pancake. Cook the other side for about one minute until golden.
- Repeat until all the batter is used. Stack them up, top with your favorites, and enjoy.
are McDonald’s pancakes frozen?
Yes, they are. McDonald’s pancakes come frozen and pre-cooked. They heat them up before serving. That’s actually one of the reasons I prefer making them at home nothing beats the taste and texture of fresh pancakes made from scratch. Plus, you can tweak them however you like, whether adding a hint of vanilla or switching up the toppings.
are McDonald’s pancake recipe healthy?
Honestly, not really. McDonald’s pancakes are tasty and comforting, but they’re not exactly what I’d call healthy. They’re pre-made, usually high in sugar, and often served with syrup and butter, which adds even more to it. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy making pancakes at home I know exactly what goes in. With simple ingredients and the option to control the sugar and toppings, homemade pancakes are a much better choice if you’re looking for something both delicious and a bit more balanced.
If you’re curious about the nutritional value of the ingredients in your pancakes, check out this helpful nutrition guide from Harvard. It’s great to have an understanding of what goes into your food, especially when you’re making delicious dishes like this one.
