Hello from the UK, embracing the festive cheer and the crisp, wintry air!
As the holiday season draws near, bringing with it a longing for warmth, comfort, and undeniably delicious food, I couldn’t be more excited to share a truly special recipe with you today. This isn’t just any pancake recipe; it’s a celebration on a plate – introducing our utterly delectable and gloriously festive Rum & Raisin Pancakes. Get ready to elevate your breakfast or brunch game to an entirely new level!
I am genuinely thrilled to finally unveil this creation, because, in my humble opinion, these are simply the best pancakes you will ever make. They are incredibly soft, light as clouds, and infused with a magical festive twist: plump, juicy raisins, lovingly soaked in rich, dark rum. Each bite promises a tiny explosion of boozy, fruity flavour, a delightful warmth that perfectly embodies the spirit of Christmas morning. Imagine waking up to the aroma of these fluffy delights, a truly indulgent treat that feels both luxurious and comforting.
The festive season, above all, is about creating memorable experiences and enjoying foolproof, incredible food. These Rum & Raisin Pancakes fit that description perfectly. This recipe has been tested and perfected to ensure consistent success every single time you make them. It’s incredibly versatile, too, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences. Not a fan of raisins? No problem at all! You can effortlessly substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a different festive touch, or even add a handful of your favourite nuts for extra crunch. If you prefer a simpler approach, you can omit the additions entirely and still end up with spectacularly fluffy, plain pancakes that taste absolutely amazing. The base recipe is so strong, it shines through beautifully regardless of what you choose to add (or not add).
Having pancakes for breakfast on Christmas morning has long been a cherished tradition in my household, and it’s one that I wholeheartedly recommend and plan to keep forever. It’s an exceptionally quick and easy way to prepare a truly delicious and special morning meal or a leisurely brunch without any stress. While pancakes are a wonderful year-round staple, I find the addition of boozy, rum-soaked raisins to be an exclusive indulgence reserved for this magical time of year. However, there are no rules when it comes to deliciousness! If you fall in love with this unique flavour profile, feel free to enjoy these boozy delights any time you crave a little extra cheer. Go wild and make every morning a festive one!
The Secret to Unforgettable Fluffiness
The secret to these incredibly soft and fluffy pancakes lies in a few key ingredients and techniques. We use self-raising flour, which already has a leavening agent, along with an extra boost of baking powder to ensure maximum lift. This combination guarantees those airy, cloud-like textures that are the hallmark of a truly great pancake. A ripe mashed banana isn’t just for flavour; it acts as a natural sweetener and adds incredible moisture, contributing to the tender crumb. Coupled with creamy almond milk, it creates a batter that’s perfectly balanced, yielding pancakes that are both rich in taste and wonderfully light.
Why Rum-Soaked Raisins Are a Game Changer
Let’s talk about the star of the show: those luscious, rum-soaked raisins. Soaking the raisins isn’t merely about adding an alcoholic kick; it’s about transforming them. The raisins plump up beautifully, absorbing the deep, caramel notes of the dark rum. This process tenderizes them and infuses them with an intense flavour that bursts in your mouth with every bite. The warmth of the rum complements the sweetness of the raisins and the lightness of the pancake perfectly, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying taste experience. It’s a small step that makes a monumental difference, elevating a simple pancake to a sophisticated festive delicacy.
Tips for Pancake Perfection
- **Soaking Time is Key:** While an hour will do, soaking your raisins in dark rum overnight truly allows them to fully absorb the liquid and flavour, resulting in the juiciest, most intensely flavoured raisins.
- **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** For light and fluffy pancakes, mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tougher pancakes.
- **Achieving the Right Consistency:** The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of almond milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- **Perfect Frying Temperature:** Heat your frying pan over medium heat. If it’s too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through; if it’s too cool, they won’t brown nicely. A good test is to drop a tiny bit of batter – if it sizzles gently and browns in about a minute, your pan is ready.
- **Watch for Bubbles:** Pour about two tablespoons of batter per pancake. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Festive Feast
While these Rum & Raisin Pancakes are utterly divine on their own, a few thoughtful toppings can elevate them further. A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is a classic for a reason, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding a warm, amber glow. Consider a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish. Fresh berries like raspberries or a medley of forest fruits add a burst of freshness and colour, cutting through the richness. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of coconut cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream would be simply divine. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts would add a lovely textural contrast.
If you’re looking to explore more delightful pancake recipes, you might also love our Caramelised Banana and Hazelnut Pancakes recipe! It’s another fantastic option for a special breakfast or brunch.
Wishing you a truly wonderful and delicious week ahead. May your kitchen be filled with festive aromas and joyful moments!
Xxx Anna
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Rum & Raisins Pancakes
Ingredients
- 30 g raisins
- 80 ml dark rum
- 150 g self-raising flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 small ripe banana (mashed)
- 150 ml almond milk
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Place the raisins in a small bowl or a cup and pour enough dark rum over them to ensure they are fully covered. Leave to soak overnight or for at least an hour to plump up.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add the mashed banana, almond milk, and maple syrup. Gently combine all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix. If the batter appears too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of extra almond milk until it reaches the desired consistency. Finally, fold the rum-soaked raisins into the batter.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, pour approximately two tablespoons of pancake batter for each pancake onto the pan. Fry for about a minute on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Serve your pancakes immediately, topped with more maple syrup and your favorite fresh fruits. Enjoy this festive delight!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested using metric grams for accuracy. I highly recommend using digital scales for the best results. I have provided a conversion to US customary measurements in the recipe, but please be aware that I have not personally tested this method.
Notes
- Preparation time does not include the time required for soaking the raisins.
Nutrition
