Homestyle Fluffy Cornmeal Pancake Recipe

Let me introduce this Homestyle Fluffy Cornmeal Pancake Recipe. I'm so excited to show you how to make these delicious pancakes that strike the perfect balance of rustic charm and fluffiness. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for simplicity, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch of these cornmeal pancakes. I love breaking up traditional pancakes with this recipe, loaded with real corn flavor. I'll share invaluable tips to guarantee your success in creating these tasty treats right in the heart of your own kitchen.

One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly this cornmeal pancakes recipe comes together. You can use it on a busy morning, or save it for slower Saturday mornings. 

Homemade syrup recipes

I have a lot of homemade syrups that work so well with these pancakes, let me share a few below. 

Is corn a whole grain?

You may be wondering why I would include a corn recipe on my whole grain blog, well, let me tell you why. 

Yes, corn is considered a whole grain. Whole grains include the entire grain kernel, which consists of the bran, germ, and endosperm. In the case of corn, this means that whole corn includes the outer layer (bran), the germ (which contains essential nutrients), and the starchy center (endosperm). 

Ingredients

• Cornmeal- Be sure it is finely ground cornmeal, coarse cornmeal will result in dense pancakes. Yellow cornmeal gives the pancakes that beautiful golden color, but you can also use white cornmeal if you prefer. Fine cornmeal is very easy to find in the grocery store. 
• Flour- I used all-purpose, but you can also use whole wheat pastry flour. This is a low-protein flour that will leave your pancakes fluffy and delicious. 
• Granulated sugar- This can be optional if you don't want sweetened pancakes. 
• Baking powder- this leavener is part of what helps keep the pancakes fluffy. 
• Salt- it only takes a little, but it is good for enhancing the flavor- especially of the cornmeal. 
• Eggs- Not only do they add to the golden color, but also act as a binder. 
• Milk- this can be regular cow's milk, or plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk. 
• Melted butter- You can also use vegetable oil if you prefer- canola or olive oil. 

How to make

• Making the cornmeal pancakes is a simple process, one that only takes a couple of minutes, let me break it down for you. 
• Mix the wet ingredients in a medium size bowl. In a separate bowl whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well blended. 

• Combine the 2 in a bowl, but only whisk just to combine, DO NOT overmix. It should have very small lumps in it. Overmixing will result in dense pancakes. 

• Butter a hot griddle or large skillet over medium heat and scoop the pancake batter by ⅓ cups. Let them cook on the first side until the edges start to bubble. Flip and cook on the second side. You are looking for a golden brown color. 

• Repeat with the rest of the batter. 
• Serve as you like. I will share some of my favorite ideas below.  

Topping Ideas for cornmeal pancakes

• Butter: Using plenty of butter for a rich and creamy flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle with pure maple syrup for a classic sweet touch. This is my favorite method, especially with warm maple syrup!
• Fresh Fruit: Top with fruits like fresh blueberries, strawberries, or sliced bananas for a burst of freshness.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Honey: Drizzle with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
• Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Yogurt: Serve with a side of yogurt, either plain or flavored, for a creamy contrast.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon is an awesome topping. 
• Maple Butter: Spread with maple-infused butter for a double dose of maple flavor.
• Jam or Fruit Compote: Spoon over a favorite jam or fruit compote for a fruity and sweet enhancement.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle with chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey touch.

Difference between cornmeal pancakes, johnny cakes, and hoe cakes

• Cornmeal Pancakes:
  • Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk or buttermilk, sugar.
  • Texture: Light and fluffy, resembling traditional pancakes.
• Johnnycakes:
  • Ingredients: Cornmeal, salt, hot water or milk.
  • Texture: Flat, dense, with variations from crispy to chewy.
  • Region: Associated with Southern U.S. and Caribbean cuisines.
• Hoecakes:
  • Ingredients: Cornmeal, salt, water or milk, sometimes flour.
  • Texture: Thin, can be crispy or soft.
  • Region: Linked to Southern U.S. cuisine, historically cooked on a garden hoe.

How to freeze cooked pancakes

If you have made a double batch or triple batch and have a lot of pancakes left over, let me share with you the simple steps for freezing the extra pancakes.

1. Cool the Pancakes:
   • Allow the freshly cooked pancakes to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming during freezing.
2. Prepare Parchment Paper:
   • Cut squares of parchment paper or wax paper, slightly larger than the size of each pancake. This will prevent the pancakes from sticking together.
3. Separate Pancakes:
   • If the pancakes are stacked, gently separate them to ensure even freezing and easier individual retrieval later.
4. Wrap Individually:
   • Place a piece of parchment paper between each pancake, and then wrap each pancake individually with freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the pancakes fresh.
5. Store in Freezer Bags or Containers:
   • Place the individually wrapped pancakes in airtight freezer bags or containers. Label with the date for reference.
6. Remove Excess Air:
   • If using freezer bags, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps maintain the quality of the pancakes.
7. Store in the Freezer:
   • Put the freezer bags or containers in the freezer. Store them in a flat position to prevent the pancakes from sticking together.
8. Reheat When Ready to Serve:
   • When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pancakes, simply remove the desired number of pancakes from the freezer, unwrap them, and reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, microwave, or on a skillet.

• Breakfast
• Skillet
• Corn and Cornmeal