You’ll never use water or milk in pancakes again: just one ingredient makes them soft and fluffy.

Pancakes are one of the most versatile and beloved breakfasts worldwide. Whether you prefer them sweet with jam or savory with cheese and ham, their fluffy texture and ease of preparation make them an ideal choice for any time of day.

What’s surprising is that many people still only use water or milk to make the batter. However, there’s one ingredient that can completely transform the texture: sparkling water . This small change results in much softer, airier, and lighter pancakes.

Ingredients for pancakes softer than ever

• 3 cups of flour
• 2 1/2 cups of sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• A pinch of salt
• ½ teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 packet of vanilla sugar
• 1 tablespoon of oil (plus extra for the pan)

Step-by-step instructions for preparing perfect pancakes

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the sparkling water while whisking with a whisk or electric mixer. The batter should be smooth and lump-free.
3. Add a tablespoon of oil to the mixture and stir lightly.
4. Heat a non-stick frying pan (preferably Teflon) over medium heat. Add a few drops of oil and spread it evenly.
5. Pour half a large spoonful (or a small ladleful) of the mixture, spreading it to form a thin layer.
6. Cook until the edges begin to peel away and bubbles appear on the surface, then turn over and cook on the other side.
7. Repeat the process, adding a little oil to the pan between each pancake.

Tips and recommendations

• Using cold sparkling water helps the pancakes come out even more airy, thanks to the gas released by the heat.
• If you want a sweet version, you can add cinnamon, lemon zest or a few drops of extra vanilla essence.
• For a savory version, simply omit the sugar and add herbs such as oregano or grated cheese.
• Make sure not to over-beat the mixture after adding the gas, so as not to lose the bubbling effect.
• Keep the mixture in the refrigerator if you are not going to use it right away, but not for more than a few hours to maintain the light texture.

This recipe is ideal for those looking for a lighter and surprisingly soft option. Once you try these pancakes with sparkling water, you’ll hardly ever go back to the traditional recipe.