Copycat Perkins Family Restaurant Pancakes

Pancakes. Just the word evokes a flood of Saturday morning memories. As a kid, our family ritual involved a trip to Perkins. While my siblings clamored for chocolate chip creations piled high with whipped cream, I was always drawn to the simplicity of their classic buttermilk pancakes. The slightly tangy, subtly sweet flavor, the light and airy texture – they were simply perfect. Years later, and now a chef myself, I’ve strived to recapture that nostalgic taste, and I believe this recipe does just that, bringing those cherished memories back to the breakfast table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 3-5
• Yields: 10 pancakes
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 cups Bisquick or Jiffy baking mix
• 3 extra large eggs, beaten
• 2 1/2 cups club soda, room temperature
• 1/4 cup melted Crisco shortening, room temperature
• Vegetable oil for greasing

Equipment Needed

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Wire Whisk
• Griddle or Large Skillet

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, place the Bisquick or Jiffy baking mix. It’s best to use a bowl that gives you plenty of room to whisk without spilling.
2. Add the 3 beaten extra large eggs, the club soda, and the melted shortening to the bowl with the baking mix.
3. Using a wire whisk, carefully mix the ingredients together until there are no lumps. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few small lumps are okay, but you want to avoid large, stubborn ones. Overmixing develops the gluten and can lead to tougher pancakes.
4. Allow the batter to rest for at least 5 minutes while you preheat your griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in lighter, fluffier pancakes.
5. Lightly grease the preheated griddle or skillet with about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Ensure the oil is evenly distributed to prevent sticking.
6. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Use a measuring cup to ensure uniform size and even cooking.
7. Cook the pancakes until open bubbles appear on the surface and the edges appear dry around the pancake. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
8. Flip the pancake only once, using a thin, flexible spatula.
9. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, or until the pancake is golden brown on the bottom and cooked through.
10. Remove from the griddle and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter is the number one culprit for tough pancakes. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining the right griddle temperature is crucial. If the griddle is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before they are cooked through. If it’s too cool, they will be pale and flat. Medium-high heat is usually ideal, but you may need to adjust it based on your stovetop.
• The Bubble Test: The appearance of bubbles on the surface of the pancake is your cue to flip. Wait until the bubbles start to pop and the edges look set before flipping.
• Resting is Key: Letting the batter rest allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in lighter, fluffier pancakes. Don’t skip this step!
• Crisco Secret: The melted Crisco shortening contributes to the tender texture and subtle richness of these pancakes. While you can substitute with melted butter, the results won’t be quite the same.
• Keep Warm: As you cook the pancakes, keep them warm in a preheated oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve. Place them on a wire rack in a single layer to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Flavor Boost: For added flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter or a pinch of cinnamon.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these pancakes immediately while they are warm and fluffy. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite toppings, such as butter, syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together. Frozen pancakes can be reheated in the microwave, toaster, or oven. To reheat in the microwave, place 1-2 pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds. To reheat in the toaster, toast on a low setting until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pancakes on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	307 kcal	15%
Total Fat	14.7g	23%
Saturated Fat	3.8g	19%
Cholesterol	124mg	41%
Sodium	721mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	33.9g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1.1g	4%
Sugars	6.4g	N/A
Protein	6.7g	13%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Buttermilk Pancakes: For a tangier flavor, substitute the club soda with buttermilk. You may need to adjust the amount of buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency.
• Gluten-Free Pancakes: Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick or Jiffy. Be sure to check the label to ensure that it is a 1:1 substitute.
• Dairy-Free Pancakes: Substitute the melted shortening with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before cooking.
• Blueberry Pancakes: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before cooking.
• Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter on the griddle before cooking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why use club soda in pancakes?
A: Club soda adds a light, airy texture to the pancakes. The carbonation creates extra lift and fluffiness.

Q: Can I use milk instead of club soda?
A: While you can substitute milk, the texture will be slightly different. Club soda creates a lighter, airier pancake. Milk will result in a denser pancake.

Q: How do I keep my pancakes from sticking to the griddle?
A: Make sure your griddle is properly preheated and lightly greased with vegetable oil. Avoid overcrowding the griddle and flip the pancakes only once.

Q: My pancakes are burning on the outside but still raw on the inside. What am I doing wrong?
A: Your griddle is likely too hot. Lower the heat and cook the pancakes for a longer period of time.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to cook the pancakes immediately after mixing the batter. However, you can make the batter up to an hour in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The batter may thicken slightly, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two of club soda to thin it out before cooking.

Final Thoughts

These copycat Perkins Family Restaurant Pancakes are a delightful way to start your day, bringing a touch of nostalgia and comfort to your breakfast table. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or simply looking for a classic pancake recipe, this one is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature pancakes. So, grab your whisk, preheat your griddle, and get ready to enjoy a stack of fluffy, delicious pancakes! We’d love to hear your feedback, so please share your comments and experiences with this recipe. Bon appétit!