Griddle Cakes: Flipping Deliciousness for Grilling and BBQ

Do you love grilling and barbecue? Do you enjoy making and eating pancakes, waffles, or crepes? If you answered yes to both questions, then you will love griddle cakes. These cakes are thin, round, and fluffy cakes that are cooked on a griddle over a grill. They are similar to pancakes, but they are lighter and more tender. They are also more versatile, as you can flavor them, fill them, top them, or shape them in many ways. Griddle cakes are a delicious and easy way to use your grill for more than just meat and veggies.

Introduction

In this article, I will show you how to make griddle cakes from scratch, what types you can create, how to cook them on your grill, how to customize your griddle cakes, and what benefits you can enjoy from griddle cakes. By the end of this article, you will be ready to whip up some amazing griddle cakes on your grill and impress your family and friends.

How to Make Griddle Cakes from Scratch

The first step to make griddle cakes is to prepare the batter. You can either make the batter from scratch or use a ready-made mix. Both methods are easy and quick, but making the batter from scratch gives you more control over the ingredients and the flavor.

To make the batter from scratch, you will need:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

To make the batter from scratch, follow these steps:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well until smooth and lump-free.
4. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

Types of Griddle Cakes

There are many types of cakes you can make, depending on your taste and preference. Here are some examples of griddle cakes you can try:

Plain Griddle Cakes

Plain griddle cakes are the simplest and most classic type of griddle cakes. They are made with a basic batter and cooked on a griddle until golden and fluffy. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch, and can be served with butter, maple syrup, honey, jam, or whipped cream.

Flavored Griddle Cakes

Flavored griddle cakes are cakes that have different flavors added to the batter. You can use spices, extracts, fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or any other ingredients you like to flavor your cakes. Some examples of flavored griddle cakes are:

• Cinnamon griddle cakes: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter and sprinkle some more on top of the cooked griddle cakes.
• Banana griddle cakes: Mash 2 ripe bananas and add them to the batter. You can also add some chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Lemon griddle cakes: Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon to the batter. You can also add some poppy seeds for texture and flavor.
• Blueberry griddle cakes: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter. You can also add some lemon zest for a zesty twist.

Savory Griddle Cakes

Savory griddle cakes are cakes that have savory ingredients added to the batter. You can use cheese, bacon, ham, sausage, herbs, vegetables, or any other ingredients you like to make your griddle cakes savory. Some examples are:

• Cheese griddle cakes: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. You can also add some chopped scallions or bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Corn griddle cakes: Add 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) to the batter. You can also add some chopped jalapeños or cilantro for some heat and freshness.
• Zucchini griddle cakes: Grate 1 medium zucchini and squeeze out the excess moisture. Add it to the batter along with some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add some parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness.
• Potato griddle cakes: Peel and grate 2 medium potatoes and squeeze out the excess moisture. Add them to the batter along with some salt, pepper, nutmeg, and parsley. You can also add some sour cream or applesauce for extra moisture and flavor.

How to Cook Griddle Cakes on Your Grill

The next step to make griddle cakes is to cook them on your grill. You will need:

• A grill (gas, charcoal, or electric)
• A griddle (cast iron, aluminum, or nonstick)
• A spatula
• A ladle
• Cooking spray or oil

To cook griddle cakes on your grill, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
2. Place your griddle on the grill and let it heat up for about 10 minutes.
3. Spray or brush your griddle with cooking spray or oil.
4. Use a ladle to scoop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle. You can make as many cakes as fit on your griddle without touching each other.
5. Cook your griddle cakes for about 3 minutes per side, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges are dry.
6. Flip your cakes with a spatula and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
7. Transfer your cooked griddle cakes to a plate and keep them warm in a low oven or a cooler while you cook the rest of the batter.
8. Repeat until you use up all the batter.

How to Customize Your Griddle Cakes

One of the best things about griddle cakes is that you can customize them in many ways.

• Enhancing your griddle cakes with delectable toppings and fillings: Elevate your cakes by adding delightful toppings before or after cooking. Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit onto the batter before flipping. Spread luscious peanut butter, Nutella, cream cheese, or jam atop the cooked cakes. Fold them in half and fill with velvety whipped cream, yogurt, or custard for an indulgent treat. Let your imagination soar as you explore endless possibilities.
• Crafting unique shapes and sizes of griddle cakes: Unleash your creativity by utilizing various tools and techniques to shape your cakes. Employ cookie cutters, molds, or rings to form heart, star, or flower shapes. Experiment with squeeze bottles or piping bags to fashion letters, numbers, or animals. Adjust the size by using a small or large ladle, ranging from adorable mini cakes to colossal jumbo creations.
• Exploring diverse flavors and ingredients for tantalizing griddle cakes: Embark on a flavor adventure by experimenting with different types of flour, milk, eggs, butter, sugar, and baking powder. Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat, almond, or oat flour. Trade cow’s milk for almond, coconut, or soy milk. Swap whole eggs with egg whites, substitutes, or flax eggs. Replace butter with coconut oil, olive oil, or applesauce. Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of sugar. Try baking soda and vinegar in lieu of baking powder. Enhance with spices, extracts, zest, or juice to infuse your batter with irresistible flavors.

The Magic of Making Griddle Cakes on a Barbecue Grill

Taking the art of griddle cakes to the next level, cooking them on a barbecue grill adds a touch of uniqueness and excitement to the process. Here’s what makes it special:

1. Smoky Flair: The grill infuses the cakes with a subtle smoky flavor that adds an irresistible twist to the classic recipe. It elevates the taste profile and creates a delightful harmony between the light and fluffy texture of the cakes and the enticing smokiness.
2. Outdoor Experience: Making cakes on a barbecue grill allows you to embrace the great outdoors and enjoy the experience of cooking amidst nature’s beauty. The sizzling sound, the aroma wafting through the air, and the joy of preparing food in an open environment enhance the overall enjoyment and create lasting memories.
3. Versatility of Toppings: Grilling griddle cakes opens up a world of endless possibilities when it comes to toppings. Pair the smoky cakes with an array of ingredients such as grilled fruits, caramelized nuts, or even a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of smokiness. The grill’s heat brings out the natural sweetness and intensifies the flavors, providing a unique twist to traditional toppings.
4. Grill Marks: The distinctive grill marks imprinted on the cakes give them a visually appealing appearance that enhances their overall appeal. These marks not only add a touch of aesthetic charm but also signify the skillful cooking process, making the cakes even more enticing to devour.
5. Social Gathering: Making griddle cakes on a barbecue grill adds a fun and interactive element to any social gathering. Whether it’s a family brunch, a backyard party, or a weekend cookout with friends, grilling the cakes creates an engaging activity where everyone can participate, share their favorite toppings, and enjoy the delicious results together.

So, fire up your barbecue grill and embark on a griddle cake adventure. Discover the unique flavors, enjoy the outdoor cooking experience, and create unforgettable moments while savoring these smoky delights.

Benefits of Griddle Cakes

Griddle cakes are not only delicious and versatile, but also beneficial for you in many ways.

• Effortless and speedy preparation: Crafting griddle cakes is a breeze, taking mere minutes to whip up the batter and cook them on your grill. With just a handful of ingredients and basic tools, you’ll have your batter ready in no time. Prepare it from scratch or opt for a mix for added convenience. Cook the cakes on your grill in a matter of minutes. To save time, you can even make the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Versatile for every meal and occasion: Griddle cakes are a versatile choice suitable for any meal or occasion. Enjoy them as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, topped with butter and syrup. Indulge in them for lunch or dinner, pairing them with cheese and ham for a savory twist. Savor them as a delectable dessert, accompanied by ice cream and luscious chocolate sauce. They also make for a satisfying snack when combined with fresh fruit and creamy yogurt. Perfect for parties, picnics, or potlucks, let everyone personalize their griddle cakes with a variety of toppings and fillings.
• Exciting and imaginative in both preparation and consumption: Unleash your creativity as you make and savor griddle cakes. Customize them to your heart’s content, experimenting with diverse flavors, enticing toppings, delightful fillings, playful shapes, and varying sizes. Get the whole family or friends involved in the process, turning it into a fun and interactive experience. Organize a griddle cake party, where everyone can craft their own culinary creations using their preferred ingredients. Spice things up further with a griddle cake contest, allowing everyone to cast their votes for the most exceptional griddle cake.

Gluten-Free Griddle Cake Recipe

Indulge in the delightful world of gluten-free griddle cakes with this simple and delicious recipe. These tender and fluffy pancakes are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free flour blend (such as a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative for a vegan option)
• 1 large egg (or substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or dairy-free alternative for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle for each griddle cake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the cooked cakes to a plate and cover to keep them warm while you cook the remaining batter.
7. Serve the gluten-free cakes warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy the deliciousness of gluten-free griddle cakes without compromising on taste or texture. Get creative with your toppings and savor every fluffy bite.

Vegan Griddle Cakes Recipe

For those following a vegan lifestyle, you can still savor the deliciousness of griddle cakes with this simple and flavorful recipe. Here’s how to make them vegan :

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or any vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Preheat your griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.
5. Scoop 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each griddle cake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
7. Serve the vegan griddle cakes warm with your favorite vegan butter, maple syrup, and fresh fruit.

These vegan cakes are fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for a delightful vegan breakfast or brunch. Enjoy the goodness of plant-based ingredients while indulging in this delectable treat.

Note: You can also customize your vegan cakes by adding extras like blueberries, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter before cooking. Get creative and make it your own!

Conclusion

Griddle cakes, the delectable and versatile treats made on your grill, offer a delightful twist on traditional pancakes. Lighter and more tender, they grant you endless possibilities for flavoring, filling, topping, and shaping. With their quick and easy preparation, these cakes are suitable for any meal or occasion, and their creative nature ensures a fun and enjoyable experience. Whether you choose to make them from scratch or from a mix, this article has covered everything you need to know, including cooking techniques, customization options, and the benefits of indulging in these delightful treats.

So, if you’re intrigued by the world of griddle cakes, I urge you to give them a try. Prepare to be astonished by the incredible flavors and textures you can achieve. Along the way, you’ll have a blast experimenting and expanding your culinary skills. They open up a whole new realm of possibilities for your grill, showcasing its versatility beyond meat and veggies.

I hope this article has piqued your interest and provided you with valuable insights. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to leave them below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for joining us on this griddle cake adventure. Happy griddle cake making!

FAQs