How Cakes are a classic griddle cake that delivers a crispy edge and a tender, fluffy center. This recipe streamlines the process to get you from mixing bowl to plate in under 30 minutes, using ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Advertisements1
The key to a great How Cake is managing the heat and not overmixing the batter. We'll walk through the exact temperatures and timings to ensure consistent, golden results every time.
Whether you're feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, these cakes freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
Provides structure. Substitute with whole wheat for a denser texture.
2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
Adds a touch of sweetness. Use honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
1 tablespoon baking powder
Leavening agent that makes cakes rise. Ensure it's fresh for best results.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Enhances flavor. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk
Adds tanginess and tenderness. Substitute with milk mixed with 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice.
2 large eggs
Bind ingredients and add richness. Use room temperature for better incorporation.
3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
Adds flavor and moisture. Substitute with vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances flavor. Use pure vanilla for best taste, or omit if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overmix the batter; lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, making cakes tough.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to allow the baking powder to activate.
- Use a hot griddle (375°F/190°C) and oil it lightly. The first cake is often a test—adjust heat if needed.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening.
2. Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until well blended.
3. Create the batter
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir with a spatula until just combined. Lumps are fine—do not overmix.
4. Rest the batter
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to start working, resulting in fluffier cakes.
5. Preheat the griddle
Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat (375°F/190°C). Lightly grease with butter or oil.
6. Cook the cakes
Pour 1/4 cup batter per cake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Flip and finish
Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on the other side. Check doneness by pressing lightly—they should spring back.
8. Keep warm and serve
Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while cooking the rest. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Delicious Variations
Blueberry How Cakes
Fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries before cooking.
Chocolate Chip How Cakes
Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter.
Savory How Cakes
Omit sugar and vanilla, add 1/2 cup shredded cheese and herbs.
How to Store How Cakes
Refrigerator
Store leftover cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are my How Cakes tough?
Overmixing the batter develops gluten, making cakes tough. Stir until just combined, leaving some lumps.
Q: Can I make How Cakes without buttermilk?
Yes, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Q: How do I know when to flip the How Cakes?
Flip when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, usually after 2-3 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze How Cakes?
Yes, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven.
Q: What's the best way to reheat How Cakes?
For crispy edges, use a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Microwave for a softer texture.
If you tried this How Cakes recipe, let me know in the comments below. Don't forget to share your creations on social media and tag me!
How Cakes
How Cakes are fluffy, golden griddle cakes made with simple pantry staples—perfect for a quick, satisfying breakfast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
📋 Instructions
- 1Mix dry ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening.
- 2Combine wet ingredients — In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until well blended.
- 3Create the batter — Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir with a spatula until just combined. Lumps are fine—do not overmix.
- 4Rest the batter — Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to start working, resulting in fluffier cakes.
- 5Preheat the griddle — Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat (375°F/190°C). Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- 6Cook the cakes — Pour 1/4 cup batter per cake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- 7Flip and finish — Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on the other side. Check doneness by pressing lightly—they should spring back.
- 8Keep warm and serve — Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while cooking the rest. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Lucas covers personal finance and side hustles, with an emphasis on building income streams without hype. He breaks down money concepts into straightforward, no-nonsense advice.
