How To Make A Pancake Tray Bake

How To Make A Pancake Tray Bake

How to Make a Pancake Tray Bake

Pancakes have long been a beloved breakfast staple, gracing tables with their fluffy texture and versatile nature. Traditionally prepared on a stovetop, pancakes require individual attention, which can be time-consuming, especially when catering to a crowd. Enter the pancake tray bake—a revolutionary method that allows you to serve delicious pancakes straight from the oven with minimal effort. This approach not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures that everyone enjoys warm pancakes simultaneously. In this guide, we'll explore the art of creating the perfect pancake tray bake, complete with recipes, tips, and variations to suit every palate.

The Evolution of Pancake Preparation

The classic method of making pancakes involves pouring batter onto a hot griddle or frying pan, then flipping each one to achieve an even cook. While this technique yields delightful results, it demands constant attention and can be cumbersome when serving multiple people. The pancake tray bake offers a modern solution by allowing you to bake a large, shareable pancake in the oven, eliminating the need for flipping and enabling you to enjoy breakfast with your guests rather than standing over the stove.

Benefits of Pancake Tray Bakes

  1. Time Efficiency: Baking a single large pancake reduces active cooking time, freeing you to prepare other components of your meal or simply relax.

  2. Consistency: Oven baking ensures an even cook throughout, resulting in a uniformly fluffy texture.

  3. Versatility: Tray bakes provide a canvas for a variety of flavours and toppings, allowing for creative culinary expression.

  4. Convenience: Ideal for feeding a crowd, a tray bake simplifies serving and reduces the need for multiple batches.

Essential Equipment

To embark on your pancake tray bake journey, ensure you have the following equipment:

  • Baking Tray: A standard 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inches) tray with raised edges is ideal. The size ensures the pancake has the right thickness and bakes evenly. You can use the Pep Pans Baking Tray!

  • Mixing Bowls: At least two bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.

  • Whisk: For combining ingredients smoothly.

  • Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and serving the finished bake.

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key to achieving the perfect batter consistency.

Classic Pancake Tray Bake Recipe

Let's begin with a traditional recipe that serves as a foundation for various flavour adaptations.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:

    • 200g self-raising flour

    • 1 tsp baking powder

    • 2 tbsp caster sugar

  • Wet Ingredients:

    • 250ml milk

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Optional Add-ins:

    • 150g fresh blueberries

    • Zest of one orange

Method

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease your baking tray with butter or line it with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare the Batter:

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, baking powder, and caster sugar.

    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.

  3. Incorporate Add-ins: If using blueberries and orange zest, fold them into the batter.

  4. Bake:

    • Pour the batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly.

    • Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pancake is golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

  5. Serve: Allow the tray bake to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of icing sugar.

Decadent Variations

The beauty of the pancake tray bake lies in its adaptability. Here are some indulgent variations to elevate your breakfast experience:

1. Cinnamon Roll Pancake Tray Bake

Ingredients:

  • For the Batter:

    • 200g self-raising flour

    • 1 tsp baking powder

    • 2 tbsp caster sugar

    • 250ml buttermilk

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • For the Cinnamon Swirl:

    • 50g unsalted butter, melted

    • 100g light brown sugar

    • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

    • 100g cream cheese, softened

    • 50g icing sugar

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • 2 tbsp milk

Method:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6. Grease a 27 x 20 cm (10¾ x 8 inches) ovenproof dish.

  2. Prepare the Batter:

    • Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl.

    • In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.

    • Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  3. Cinnamon Swirl:

    • Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

    • Transfer to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.

  4. Assemble:

    • Pour the batter into the prepared dish.

    • Pipe the cinnamon mixture in a swirl pattern over the batter.

  5. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and set.

  6. Cream Cheese Glaze:

    • Beat the cream cheese until smooth.

    • Add icing sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until a pourable consistency is achieved.

  7. Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm pancake, slice, and enjoy.

Adapted from BBC Food.

2. Strawberry and White Chocolate Pancake Tray Bake

Ingredients:

  • 200g self-raising flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tbsp caster sugar

  • 250ml milk

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 150g fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

  • 100g white chocolate chips

Method:

  1. Preheat the Oven: To 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease a 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inches) baking tray.

  2. Prepare the Batter:

    • Combine flour, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl.

    • In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

    • Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

  3. Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in strawberries and white chocolate chips.

  4. Bake: Pour batter into the tray and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

  5. Serve: Slice and serve warm, perhaps with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of icing sugar.

3. Banana and Nut Pancake Tray Bake

Ingredients:

  • 200g self-raising flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tbsp caster sugar

  • 250ml milk

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed

  • 100g chopped walnuts or pecans

  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Method:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4 and grease your baking tray.

  2. Prepare the Batter:

    • Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and cinnamon (if using) in a bowl.

    • In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, and mashed bananas.

    • Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.

  3. Add Nuts: Fold in chopped nuts.

  4. Bake: Pour batter into the tray and bake for 20–25 minutes.

  5. Serve: Slice and enjoy with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of Greek yoghurt.

Tips for the Perfect Pancake Tray Bake

  1. Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy pancakes. Stir until ingredients are just combined.

  2. Use Parchment Paper: This makes removing the bake much easier and prevents sticking.

  3. Even Spreading: Use a spatula to evenly distribute batter in the tray for uniform baking.

  4. Testing for Doneness: A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean. If the edges brown too quickly, cover lightly with foil.

  5. Experiment with Flavours: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, or different fruits.

Serving Suggestions

A pancake tray bake is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with various toppings:

  • Sweet Options: Maple syrup, honey, jam, Nutella, fresh berries, whipped cream.

  • Savoury Twists: Serve with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a drizzle of peanut butter.

Storing and Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Cut into portions and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag.

  • Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 160°C for 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Pancake tray bakes are a game-changer for breakfast and brunch, offering ease, versatility, and delicious results. Whether you opt for classic flavours or creative twists, this method guarantees a stress-free, crowd-pleasing dish every time. Try one of the recipes above and enjoy the ultimate lazy morning treat!

Pancake day in the UK is just around the corner (4th March 2025)… why not try and perfect some of these recipes before the big day?

 

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