Family Griddle Cakes
Family Griddle Cakes are fluffy, golden pancakes with a hint of sweetness and a tender crumb. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunch gatherings, they pair beautifully with syrup, fruit, or butter, making them a comforting choice for all ages to enjoy together.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all dry ingredients together: flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
- Beat eggs and milk together until well combined.
- Add the melted shortening to the egg and milk mixture and beat well.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into a pitcher for easy pouring.
- Heat a griddle or skillet until hot.
- Pour batter onto the hot grill and cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Tips & Substitutions
For fluffier griddle cakes, let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. If you don't have shortening, melted butter or vegetable oil can be good substitutes. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these griddle cakes with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt for a delicious breakfast or brunch. They also pair beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. For a sweet twist, top with whipped cream and berries for a delightful dessert-style treat. For more dessert ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover griddle cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. For best results, avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Griddle Cakes contains roughly 672 calories, with 11g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (59% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2615mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring it onto the griddle, as some settling may occur.
How can I make these griddle cakes healthier?
To make healthier griddle cakes, consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar, or adding mashed bananas or applesauce to the batter for natural sweetness. You can also top with fresh fruits instead of syrup.
Can I freeze the griddle cakes?
Absolutely! Let the griddle cakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from the freezer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).