Pancakes with Custard Cream: A Stovetop Treat

How to Make Pancakes with Custard Cream

Step 1: Make the Pancake Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough. The batter should be slightly lumpy.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with a little butter or oil. Once hot, ladle about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until small bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and keep warm while you cook the remaining pancakes.

Step 3: Make the Custard Cream

In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to keep stirring to prevent the custard from burning or curdling.

Once the custard is thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. For an extra silky texture, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter until melted and incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Pancakes

To serve, stack your fluffy pancakes on a plate and generously spoon the warm custard cream over the top. You can drizzle extra custard on the sides, or even add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. For an added burst of freshness and color, you can garnish the pancakes with fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of chopped nuts. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup would also make for a delicious touch.

Why This Recipe Works

• Perfect Pancakes Every Time: The batter is light and fluffy, making it ideal for stacking. The pancakes are soft but sturdy enough to hold up the creamy custard, and their subtle sweetness complements the richness of the custard.
• Velvety Custard: The custard cream is smooth, luxurious, and comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s thickened with cornstarch, which gives it a velvety texture without being too heavy.
• A Great Balance of Flavors: The subtle sweetness of the pancakes pairs beautifully with the creamy, slightly eggy custard. It’s the kind of indulgent dish that feels both rich and comforting without being overwhelming.

Toppings & Variations

While the pancakes with custard cream are absolutely delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to get creative and add more flavor and texture to your dish:

• Fresh Fruit: Top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, or caramelized apples to add natural sweetness and a fruity contrast to the creamy custard.
• Chocolate Chips: Add some mini chocolate chips to the pancake batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the pancakes will add a cozy, warming touch to the flavor.
• Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts make a wonderful crunchy topping for texture.
• Maple Syrup: For those who enjoy a traditional pancake breakfast, a drizzle of maple syrup over the custard will bring extra sweetness and a rich depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While Pancakes with Custard Cream can absolutely be enjoyed on its own as a delicious breakfast or brunch, here are some other ways to serve it:

• Weekend Brunch: Serve this dish as the centerpiece of a relaxing weekend brunch, perhaps alongside a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a fruit salad.
• Special Occasion Breakfast: These pancakes make an excellent choice for special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or a birthday breakfast. They’re indulgent enough to feel like a treat while still being easy to prepare.
• Dessert: Skip the usual cake or pie and serve these pancakes for dessert, topped with whipped cream and extra fruit or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Pancake Batter: Overmixing the pancake batter can lead to dense, rubbery pancakes. Stir the ingredients just enough to combine, leaving some lumps in the batter for light and fluffy pancakes.
• Constantly Stir the Custard: When making the custard, make sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
• Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the pancakes and custard cream immediately after assembling. The pancakes are at their fluffiest when freshly cooked, and the custard cream is best enjoyed while still warm and smooth.

Storage & Reheating

While pancakes with custard cream are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the components separately if needed:

• Pancakes: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet.
• Custard Cream: Store leftover custard in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking frequently to ensure it doesn’t separate.

Conclusion

Pancakes with Custard Cream is the perfect combination of fluffy, golden pancakes and rich, silky custard, making for a luxurious and comforting treat. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this stovetop treat is an indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Go ahead—treat yourself to this delightful, homemade dish!