Nothing beats the warm, fluffy goodness of Pinoy hotcakes for breakfast or merienda. These Filipino-style pancakes have a unique charm — they’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for pairing with butter and your favorite syrup.
Unlike typical American pancakes, Pinoy hotcakes are known for their pillowy texture and mild vanilla aroma that instantly brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe will guide you through making authentic hotcakes from scratch, ensuring a delicious and satisfying treat every time.
What makes hotcakes so beloved in the Philippines is their simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy them plain or jazz them up with toppings like fresh fruits, chocolate syrup, or even cheese.
Plus, they come together quickly and require only basic pantry ingredients. Ready to bring a slice of Filipino breakfast tradition into your kitchen?
Let’s dive into this easy and delightful hotcake Pinoy recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hotcake recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for busy mornings or cozy weekend brunches. Here’s why it stands out:
- Fluffy and tender texture: The secret lies in the right mix of ingredients and just enough leavening to get that soft lift.
- Simple ingredients: No need for fancy items — just basics you likely already have in your pantry.
- Fast and easy: Whip up the batter in under 10 minutes and cook hotcakes in just a few minutes per batch.
- Customizable toppings: From classic butter and syrup to ube halaya or grated cheese, you can personalize each serving.
- Family-friendly: A recipe kids can help with and everyone will enjoy eating.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk (fresh or evaporated milk for richer flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick frying pan or griddle
- Spatula
- Serving plates
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk or fold just until combined. Do not overmix — a few lumps are okay for fluffier hotcakes.
- Preheat your pan: Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the hotcakes: Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to pour batter onto the pan for each hotcake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.
- Flip carefully: Turn the hotcake over and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep warm and serve: Transfer cooked hotcakes to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm while cooking the rest.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For extra fluffy hotcakes, separate the egg and whip the egg white to soft peaks before folding it into the batter gently at the end.
You can also try these variations to switch things up:
- Ube Hotcakes: Add 2 tablespoons of ube halaya (purple yam jam) to the batter for a vibrant color and unique flavor.
- Cheese Hotcakes: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top of each hotcake while cooking for a delicious salty contrast.
- Banana Hotcakes: Mash one ripe banana and mix it into the wet ingredients for a naturally sweet and fruity twist.
- Vegan Version: Substitute milk with almond or coconut milk, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 hotcakes) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Pinoy hotcakes are best enjoyed warm and fresh off the griddle. Here are some classic and creative serving ideas:
- Classic: Slather with butter and drizzle with your favorite syrup like maple or muscovado sugar syrup.
- With Cheese: Top with grated cheddar or processed cheese slices for that iconic Filipino sweet-savory combo.
- Fruits: Serve with sliced bananas, mangoes, or strawberries for a fresh and vibrant breakfast.
- Ube Halaya: Add a dollop of ube jam or purple yam spread for authentic Filipino flavors.
- Condensed Milk: Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Making Pinoy hotcakes at home is a wonderful way to bring a taste of the Philippines into your kitchen. This recipe is straightforward, quick, and yields deliciously fluffy hotcakes that everyone will love.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try some of the suggested variations, you’ll enjoy a comforting meal perfect for any time of day.
Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying, and these hotcakes are proof of that. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making mornings a little brighter and more special.
Don’t forget to check out other easy and delicious recipes on our site, like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, and Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious to keep your cooking fresh and exciting.
📖 Recipe Card: Hot Cake Pinoy Recipe
Description: A fluffy and sweet Filipino-style pancake perfect for breakfast. Served best with butter and syrup or your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk evaporated milk, water, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir until just mixed.
- Heat a pan and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the pan.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
- Serve hot with butter and syrup.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 36 g
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