Sheet Pan Pancakes

These Sheet Pan Pancakes are a game-changer for busy mornings or when you’re feeding a crowd. The batter bakes evenly in a sheet pan, creating a golden, fluffy texture without the hassle of flipping individual pancakes.

Topped with fresh berries, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this recipe is a perfect way to start your day. It’s customizable with your favorite toppings, making it ideal for any occasion – whether it’s a special weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, offering a no-fuss solution to satisfying pancake cravings.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings: fresh berries, syrup, butter, powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pancakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the pancakes cool slightly before cutting them into squares. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6

The History of Pancakes

Pancakes have been enjoyed for centuries, making them one of the oldest and most beloved breakfast foods around the world. The exact origins of pancakes are hard to trace, but they can be found in various forms in different cultures. Ancient Greeks and Romans are said to have cooked pancakes made from flour, water, and honey. By the 15th century, pancakes were a popular dish in England, made with ingredients that were easily accessible.

In America, pancakes evolved over time to become the fluffy, leavened version we know today. The classic American pancake became a staple of breakfast menus, often served with maple syrup, butter, and a variety of toppings. Over the years, pancake recipes have continued to evolve, with countless variations appearing, including the introduction of sheet pan pancakes.

What Are Sheet Pan Pancakes?

Sheet pan pancakes are exactly what they sound like—pancakes baked on a sheet pan in the oven rather than cooked individually on a stovetop. The batter is spread evenly over the pan, and once baked, it forms a giant pancake that can be sliced into squares or rectangles. This method eliminates the need to flip pancakes and allows for a faster, more efficient cooking process. The result is a fluffy, golden-brown pancake with all the classic flavors and textures but with far less effort.

How Do Sheet Pan Pancakes Differ from Traditional Pancakes?

The main difference between sheet pan pancakes and traditional pancakes is the cooking method. Traditional pancakes are made on a griddle or stovetop, one at a time. This requires constant attention and the ability to flip the pancakes at just the right moment to ensure they cook evenly. In contrast, sheet pan pancakes are baked in the oven, allowing you to prepare a large batch at once. This makes them ideal for serving a crowd or for busy mornings when you need a quick and easy breakfast solution.

Another significant difference is the texture. While traditional pancakes are often slightly thicker and have a more uneven surface due to the cooking process, sheet pan pancakes tend to be more evenly cooked and slightly thinner. The texture is still light and fluffy, but because the batter cooks evenly in the oven, the consistency is more uniform across the entire batch.

Benefits of Sheet Pan Pancakes

Sheet pan pancakes offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for breakfast:

Convenience: The biggest advantage of sheet pan pancakes is the convenience. You don’t need to stand by the stove flipping pancakes one by one. Simply pour the batter into the pan, pop it in the oven, and let it bake while you prepare other parts of your breakfast or get ready for the day.
Feeds a Crowd: Because you’re baking the pancakes in one large sheet pan, this method is perfect for feeding a group of people, whether it’s your family, friends, or a brunch gathering. It’s a simple way to ensure everyone gets a serving of pancakes without the need for constant flipping and refilling the griddle.
Less Mess: Traditional pancakes can create a mess with all the flipping and splattering. Sheet pan pancakes, on the other hand, are baked in one dish, making cleanup easier and faster. You only need to clean the baking sheet and any utensils you used to prepare the batter.
Consistency: With sheet pan pancakes, the batter cooks evenly across the pan, resulting in pancakes that are consistently fluffy and golden brown. There’s no need to worry about undercooked or overcooked pancakes, which can sometimes happen when using a stovetop.
Versatility: Sheet pan pancakes are highly customizable. You can mix in your favorite ingredients, such as chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts, before baking, or you can serve them with a variety of toppings. The possibilities are endless, and you can make them as simple or as indulgent as you like.

Tips for Making Perfect Sheet Pan Pancakes

Making sheet pan pancakes is relatively simple, but there are a few tips that can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: It’s important to use a baking sheet with edges (a rimmed sheet pan) so that the pancake batter doesn’t spill over while baking. A 9×13-inch pan works best for this recipe.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When preparing the batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes, so it’s essential to stop mixing once the ingredients are incorporated.
Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the sheet pan in. This ensures that the pancakes bake evenly and rise properly.
Grease or Line the Pan: To prevent sticking, lightly grease the sheet pan with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the pancakes.
Add Mix-ins: Before baking, you can add a variety of ingredients like fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts to the batter. You can also top the pancakes with additional toppings after they’ve baked, such as whipped cream, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Check for Doneness: Sheet pan pancakes generally take between 18 to 25 minutes to bake. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of the pancakes. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready to be removed from the oven.

Creative Variations of Sheet Pan Pancakes

One of the great things about sheet pan pancakes is their versatility. You can easily experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create new variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Berry Blast Pancakes: Add a mix of fresh berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to the batter before baking. The natural sweetness of the berries will complement the pancakes perfectly.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes: For a decadent treat, fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking. These are perfect for kids or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Banana and Walnut Pancakes: Add sliced bananas and chopped walnuts to the batter for a satisfying combination of flavors. You can also drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: For a warm, spiced flavor, add cinnamon to the batter and swirl it through the pancake mixture before baking. A sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking will add a nice caramelized finish.
Savory Sheet Pan Pancakes: For a savory twist, try adding shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or sautéed vegetables to the batter. These savory pancakes can be served with eggs, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a filling breakfast.

Conclusion

Sheet pan pancakes are a wonderful way to enjoy a classic breakfast dish with less effort and more convenience. They combine the fluffy texture of traditional pancakes with the ease of baking, making them perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, or brunches. With a little creativity, you can customize these pancakes to suit any taste, and they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you prefer classic toppings or like to experiment with flavors, sheet pan pancakes are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that is bound to become a family favorite.