Pancakes de Leche Condensada

Pancakes de Leche Condensada

Pancakes are a classic breakfast favorite in many households, enjoyed for their fluffy texture and versatility in toppings. This recipe takes it a step further with the inclusion of leche condensada (sweetened condensed milk), a rich, creamy ingredient that elevates your pancakes to a new level of indulgence. The sweetness of the condensed milk adds a layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh fruits, maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Whether you’re making breakfast for yourself or preparing a delightful brunch for your family or friends, these pancakes will certainly leave an impression. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are simple yet effective, ensuring a delightful treat. In this version of pancakes, the use of leche condensada not only sweetens the batter but also enhances its richness, creating a perfectly soft and fluffy texture.

Ingredientes (Ingredients)

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients that come together to create these mouthwatering Pancakes de Leche Condensada:

1. Leche condensada (Sweetened condensed milk):
   A can of sweetened condensed milk (approximately 397 g) is the star of the recipe. This thick, syrupy milk has a deliciously sweet flavor, which adds richness and moisture to the pancake batter. It eliminates the need for extra sugar, making the pancakes perfectly sweetened.
2. Huevos (Eggs):
   Four large eggs are used to bind the ingredients together and help achieve that light, fluffy texture. Eggs also contribute to the richness and structure of the pancakes.
3. Mantequilla derretida (Melted butter):
   Half a cup of melted butter is added to give the pancakes a rich, buttery flavor and ensure they cook up to a beautiful golden brown. The butter also helps prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan.
4. Harina de trigo (All-purpose flour):
   One cup of all-purpose flour serves as the primary dry ingredient, providing the structure needed for the pancakes. Flour helps absorb the moisture from the liquid ingredients and forms the foundation for the batter.
5. Polvo de hornear (Baking powder):
   One teaspoon of baking powder is included to give the pancakes a light, airy texture. The leavening agent causes the batter to rise, resulting in soft, fluffy pancakes.
6. Esencia de vainilla (Vanilla essence):
   One teaspoon of vanilla essence adds a wonderful, warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the leche condensada. Vanilla is an essential flavoring agent in many baked goods and helps round out the taste.
7. Pizca de sal (Pinch of salt):
   A small pinch of salt is necessary to balance the sweetness of the leche condensada and enhance the overall flavor of the pancakes.

Instrucciones (Instructions)

Step 1: Precalienta tu sartén (Preheat the pan)
The first step to achieving perfect pancakes is ensuring your pan is at the right temperature. Start by placing a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This allows the pancakes to cook evenly without burning. While the pan is heating, lightly grease it with a bit of butter or oil. If you’re using a griddle, you can brush it with a thin layer of melted butter or non-stick cooking spray.

To check if the pan is ready, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If they sizzle and evaporate immediately, the pan is at the perfect temperature. If the drops sit and don’t evaporate, the pan needs more time to heat up. Once the pan is ready, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepara la mezcla (Prepare the batter)
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the leche condensada (sweetened condensed milk). Add the huevos (eggs), ensuring they’re fully incorporated into the mixture. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and well-combined. The leche condensada will add a silky texture, and the eggs will help bind everything together.

Next, add the mantequilla derretida (melted butter) to the mixture. Whisk again to combine, ensuring there are no lumps. The butter will provide that rich, decadent flavor that’s essential for a perfect pancake. It also ensures the pancakes don’t stick to the pan and helps them achieve that golden, crisp exterior.

Step 3: Añade los ingredientes secos (Add the dry ingredients)
Now it’s time to add the harina de trigo (flour), polvo de hornear (baking powder), and a pizca de sal (pinch of salt). For best results, sift the dry ingredients directly into the wet mixture. This prevents lumps and ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, allowing the pancakes to rise properly.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing the batter can result in tough, dense pancakes. Stir just until everything is combined, and the batter is smooth.

At this point, the batter should have a thick but pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of milk (about 1–2 tablespoons) to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Cocina los pancakes (Cook the pancakes)
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to cook the pancakes. Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to pour the batter onto the preheated pan, creating circular pancakes. Leave enough space between the pancakes, as they will spread slightly as they cook.

Cook the pancakes for about 2–3 minutes on the first side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when small bubbles begin to form on the surface, and the edges look set. Use a spatula to gently flip the pancake over and cook the other side for an additional 1–2 minutes, until golden brown.

Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Sirve y disfruta (Serve and enjoy)
Once all the pancakes are cooked, it’s time to serve them! Stack them high on a plate and drizzle them with your favorite toppings. Some excellent options include fresh fruit like berries, sliced bananas, or mango; a drizzle of miel (honey) or maple syrup; or even a dollop of whipped cream.

For an extra indulgent treat, you can add more leche condensada on top, or a spoonful of Nutella for a chocolatey twist. Don’t forget to garnish with a few sprinkles of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Consejos adicionales (Additional Tips)

• Perfect Pancakes:
  To achieve the perfect texture, make sure not to over-mix the batter. Pancakes are best when the batter is just combined—lumps are okay!
• Toppings:
  While the leche condensada already sweetens the pancakes, the toppings you choose can really personalize your breakfast. Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi add a refreshing contrast to the sweet pancakes. Or try drizzling them with chocolate syrup or peanut butter for a richer flavor.
• Make Ahead:
  If you’re planning to make pancakes in advance, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a gentle stir before cooking to ensure it’s still smooth and well-combined.
• Gluten-Free Version:
  If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking powder you’re using is also gluten-free.

Why Leche Condensada?

Leche condensada, or sweetened condensed milk, is a pantry staple in many Latin American kitchens. It’s used in a variety of desserts and drinks, adding a rich, sweet flavor that can’t be replaced by regular sugar or milk. In this pancake recipe, it adds both sweetness and a creamy consistency that ensures the pancakes are soft and moist.

If you’re not familiar with leche condensada, you can find it in most grocery stores, usually in cans, often near other baking products or in the international food aisle. It’s a versatile ingredient that can also be used in drinks like coffee con leche condensada (condensed milk coffee) or in desserts like tres leches cake.

Conclusion

These Pancakes de Leche Condensada are a delightful and indulgent breakfast treat that takes the classic pancake to the next level. With their rich flavor and fluffy texture, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at your breakfast table. The sweetness of the leche condensada ensures they don’t need additional sugar, making them the perfect base for a variety of toppings.

Whether you enjoy them with fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream, these pancakes are a treat for the senses. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking! Your morning just got a whole lot sweeter. Enjoy!