Why do my pancakes never cook in the middle?

Answered by Robert Dupre

One of the reasons why pancakes may not cook in the middle is due to setting the stove temperature too high. This mistake can result in burnt bottoms while the inside of the pancake remains raw and doughy. It’s important to find the right balance when it comes to heat in order to achieve perfectly cooked pancakes.

In my experience, I have encountered this issue several times. I would often get excited and set the stove to high heat, thinking it would cook the pancakes faster. However, I quickly learned that this approach leads to uneven cooking and ultimately ruins the pancakes.

To avoid this problem, it is crucial to start with a hot pan, but not excessively hot. I usually set the stove to medium heat or slightly below medium. This allows the pan to heat up gradually, ensuring that the heat is evenly distributed.

Another tip is to give the pan enough time to heat up before pouring the pancake batter. I usually wait for a few minutes until the pan is hot to the touch. This way, the batter will start cooking immediately upon contact, preventing the outer edges from burning before the center is cooked.

Additionally, using a non-stick pan or greasing the pan with a little bit of butter or oil can help prevent the pancakes from sticking and burning. This also aids in achieving a more even cooking process.

It’s important to note that pancake batter consistency also plays a role in ensuring proper cooking. If the batter is too thick, it may not cook evenly, resulting in an undercooked center. On the other hand, if the batter is too runny, it may spread too thin and cook too quickly, leading to burnt edges. Finding the right balance in batter consistency is essential for achieving well-cooked pancakes.

Setting the stove temperature too high can cause the bottoms of pancakes to burn while the inside remains raw and doughy. To avoid this issue, it’s crucial to find the right balance of heat by setting the stove to medium or slightly below medium. Giving the pan enough time to heat up and using a non-stick surface or greasing it properly can also help in achieving even cooking. Additionally, ensuring the right consistency of pancake batter is important for proper cooking. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making perfectly cooked pancakes with a fluffy and delicious middle.