Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Syrup Recipe

If you are craving something that beautifully blends bright citrus with warming spices, this Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Syrup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine fluffy, spiced pancakes infused with a medley of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all drizzled generously with a silky, tangy lemon syrup that brings everything to life. It’s a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a lazy weekend morning or any time you want to make an ordinary day feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with the Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Syrup Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a key role in crafting the flavor and texture. From the aromatic spices that bring warmth to the pancakes to the bright lemon syrup that adds a fresh zing, each item elevates the final dish in its own wonderful way.

• Salted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both pancakes and syrup, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
• Lemon juice (fresh): Provides the essential citrus tang that livens up the syrup and balances the sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the pancakes tender and fluffy with its slight acidity.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon syrup perfectly without overpowering the tartness.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents guarantee a light and airy pancake texture.
• Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a bright citrus aroma.
• Flour: The basic structure base for the pancakes, carefully measured for the perfect batter consistency.
• Brown sugar: Introduces a subtle caramel note that complements the spices beautifully.
• Spices (cinnamon, ground ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves): A fragrant blend giving the pancakes their signature warm and cozy flavor.
• Molasses: Brings depth and richness, enhancing the spiced flavor profile wonderfully.
• Egg and egg yolk: Bind everything together while adding a luxurious texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, floral backdrop that rounds out all the other flavors.
• Butter or nonstick spray: Essential for greasing the pan to ensure perfectly golden pancakes.

How to Make Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Make the Lemon Syrup

Begin with the star of the show — the lemon syrup. Melt 1 cup of salted butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. As the butter melts, it sets the indulgent base for our syrup, giving it that silky richness you’ll love.

Step 2: Combine Lemon Juice, Buttermilk, and Sugar

Add 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar to the melted butter. Stir occasionally, letting the sugar dissolve completely over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes. The sweet and tangy mixture is starting to come together!

Step 3: Add Baking Soda for that Fizzy Magic

Remove your saucepan from the heat, then immediately stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda. Be prepared for a bubbly, foaming reaction — it’s like a little kitchen science experiment happening right before your eyes. This process helps balance the syrup’s acidity while giving it a delicate, frothy texture.

Step 4: Stir in the Lemon Zest

Sprinkle in 3 to 5 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor. The foam will gradually calm down as you stir gently. Let this lemon syrup rest or keep it warm on very low heat while you prepare the pancakes.

Step 5: Prepare the Dry and Wet Ingredients for Pancakes

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour, 5 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves. These spices add layers of complexity that make these pancakes stand out.

In a separate bowl, blend the wet ingredients: 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 1/4 cup molasses, 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The molasses enhances the warmth of the spices, while the buttermilk keeps the texture delightfully soft.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the pancakes tender and fluffy rather than tough.

Step 7: Heat Your Cooking Surface

Preheat your griddle or skillet to medium heat, around 350°F if you have a griddle thermometer. This consistent temperature ensures a golden-brown finish without burning.

Step 8: Grease the Pan

Lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray. Just a thin layer is enough to prevent sticking and create a lovely crust on each pancake.

Step 9: Cook the Pancakes

Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop batter onto the hot pan. Cook for about 2 to 4 minutes until bubbles appear all over the surface, then flip carefully with a spatula. Cook the other side until it’s a warm, appetizing light brown, about 2 more minutes.

Step 10: Serve with Warm Lemon Syrup

Stack the pancakes on plates and generously drizzle warm lemon syrup on top. A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest adds that professional touch and an extra zing of flavor. These pancakes are now ready to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Syrup Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh lemon zest sprinkled over the top adds freshness and color that complements the syrup perfectly. For a little extra luxury, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a few toasted pecans for crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar also gives a lovely, delicate finish.

Side Dishes

Serve these pancakes alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to bring a savory balance to the sweet and citrusy flavors. Fresh fruit like sliced blueberries, strawberries, or even a tangy grapefruit salad pairs beautifully and adds some refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, stack the pancakes in a towering pile and drizzle syrup tableside for a fun presentation. You can also serve the lemon syrup in a small pitcher so everyone can add as much as they like. Consider layering the pancakes with a smear of cream cheese or lemon curd between to turn them into a delightful cake-like treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pancakes or syrup, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Pancakes keep well for up to 2 days, and the syrup stays fresh for about a week. Just make sure to cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess or condensation.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze beautifully! Place parchment paper between each pancake in a stack to prevent sticking, then store in a resealable freezer bag. They’re best eaten within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

For a quick reheat, toast the frozen pancakes or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Gently warm the lemon syrup on the stove or in the microwave before serving to reclaim that luscious, just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I make the lemon syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The lemon syrup holds well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply rewarm over low heat before serving to bring back its smooth, pourable consistency.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then use it as a replacement in the recipe.

Can I adjust the spices in the pancakes?

Definitely. The spice mix is flexible, so feel free to tweak the amounts or try adding a pinch of allspice or ginger powder to suit your taste. This Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Syrup Recipe is perfect for experimenting!

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax or chia seed egg in place of the egg. For buttermilk, use a plant-based milk combined with a splash of lemon juice. The syrup can be made vegan by ensuring your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Why does the syrup foam when I add baking soda?

The reaction between the acidic lemon juice and baking soda produces carbon dioxide bubbles, causing the foaming. This chemical reaction lightens the syrup and balances its acidity, giving you that lovely frothy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Pancakes with Lemon Syrup Recipe is a fun and flavorful way to brighten your mornings and impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. The combination of warm spices and zesty lemon syrup is pure magic, blending comfort with freshness in every bite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your griddle, and treat yourself to pancakes that feel both cozy and extraordinary. You absolutely deserve it!

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