I Tried the No-Flip Pancake Method That Makes Breakfast Easier Than Ever

I’m typically a bit of a pancake traditionalist, but I am always game to change things up—especially if it makes busy mornings easier. Inspired by this Instagram post, I decided to embark on a no-flip journey. The idea: Instead of flipping your pancake when you see bubbles, you add a tablespoon of water, cover the skillet, and let the pancakes steam.

To properly test the method, I also used the post’s recipe for a cinnamon-sugar pancake instead of my usual go-to batter.

The Results

I was skeptical, but the hack worked. It left me with a soft and doughy (but not liquidy!) texture. I worried that the side maintaining constant contact with the skillet would burn, but it remained unscathed. 

This might be a new routine for those of you who are nervous to flip, or who simply enjoy a more doughy side to the pancake. This is a smart method for your more creative pancakes—a blueberry or chocolate chip smile, for example, can stay intact without worrying about ruining it during a flip.

The Disclaimers

The exact recipe didn’t work perfectly for me, unfortunately. The first batch, though cooked through via steam, came out pretty flat. For my second batch, I added an extra teaspoon of baking powder and about ¼ cup extra flour to the batter (that’s where I started to see things rise to my satisfaction during the cook). I also found the cinnamon-sugar swirl a bit difficult to incorporate into the dough once it was in the pan, as it tended to slide off rather than sink in. I’m eager to try the same method with my usual batter next time.

The Feedback

My husband, always a reliable recipe tester, enjoyed his stack of flipless pancakes enough. But he wasn’t entirely sold on the method: He yearned for that golden texture that only more direct contact with the skillet would give. “It definitely tastes like one side didn’t touch the pan, but I’m not sure why you would want that,” he said. I, on the other hand, found the steamed texture to be pleasant.

So, there you have it. If you’re eager to avoid the spatula, the steaming method will deliver a yummy breakfast, but your mileage may vary on how well you like the resulting product.