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Home & Kitchen with Caraway
The Perfect Cast Iron Pancakes Recipe
Key Takeaways
Cast iron’s steady heat is the secret to pancakes that cook evenly with golden edges and fluffy centers.
Proper preheating and medium-low heat matter more than the batter when it comes to preventing sticking.
Simple ingredients, gentle mixing, and patience turn cast iron pancakes into an easy, repeatable win.
There’s something special about making pancakes in cast iron. The heat stays steady, the edges turn perfectly golden, and the whole process feels slower in the best way.
At Caraway , we’re big believers in cookware that helps you cook better without adding stress or mystery. Cast iron is one of those tools. It rewards patience, good heat control, and simple ingredients. This recipe keeps things straightforward, focuses on clean cooking, and works whether you’re feeding one or a full table.
Let’s break it down step by step so your pancakes come out fluffy inside, golden outside, and never stuck to the pan.
Why Cast Iron Makes Better Pancakes
Cast iron holds heat better than almost any other pan . That matters for pancakes because even heat means even cooking. No hot spots. No half-raw centers with burnt edges.
Once your skillet is properly preheated, it stays at a consistent temperature, so every pancake cooks the same way. That steady heat also helps create those crisp, lightly caramelized edges that make cast iron pancakes feel special.
If you’re using enameled cast iron , you get all that heat retention with easier cleanup and no seasoning worries. Either way, cast iron turns a simple batter into something noticeably better.
The Pancake Batter That Always Works
This batter is classic, balanced, and not overly sweet. It lets the cast iron do its thing.
You’ll need:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1¼ cups milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined.
The batter should look slightly lumpy. Overmixing makes pancakes dense, so stop as soon as there are no dry streaks. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This helps the flour hydrate and gives you fluffier pancakes.
How To Heat Your Cast Iron Properly
Place your cast iron skillet over medium-low heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. Cast iron heats slowly, but that’s a good thing. You want the pan evenly warm, not screaming hot.
To test the heat, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. They should sizzle gently and evaporate within a second or two. If they disappear instantly, your pan is too hot. Lower the heat and wait.
Once the pan is ready, lightly grease it with butter or oil. You don’t need much. Cast iron works best when it’s lightly coated, not swimming.
Cooking the Pancakes the Right Way
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter per pancake into the pan. Don’t crowd them. Give each pancake room to spread and cook evenly.
Let the pancakes cook undisturbed until bubbles form across the surface and the edges look set . This usually takes about 2 minutes. Flip once, gently, and cook the second side for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Cast iron holds onto heat, so small adjustments go a long way. Between batches, wipe the pan lightly and add a touch more butter or oil if needed.
Simple, Healthier Topping Ideas
You don’t need to overload pancakes to make them good.
Try:
Fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup
Greek yogurt with honeySliced bananas and almond butter
Warm apples or pears cooked lightly in the same skillet
Cast iron pancakes are hearty on their own, so lighter toppings keep things balanced and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my pancakes stick to cast iron?
Most sticking issues come from the pan not being fully preheated or from using too little fat. Give the pan time to heat evenly and lightly grease it before each batch.
What heat should I use for pancakes in cast iron?
Medium-low heat works best. Cast iron holds heat well, so higher settings often cause burning before the inside cooks through.
Can I use pancake mix in cast iron?
Yes. Follow the same heat and cooking tips. The pan matters more than the batter when it comes to good results.
Sources:
The many benefits of using cast iron pans | MSU Extension
Top 10 health benefits of Greek yogurt | BBC Good Food
Creating Perfect Pancakes for Your Family Breakfast | Division of Agriculture