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If you’re craving a delightful treat straight from the heart of Mexican home cooking, you absolutely must try Grandma’s Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar) Recipe. These little golden discs are tender, slightly sweet, and perfectly fluffy, offering a nostalgic taste of warm kitchens filled with love and tradition. The subtle vanilla fragrance melds seamlessly with the crisp, buttery edges, making each bite a comforting hug. Whether for breakfast or a comforting snack, these gorditas bring joy and warmth that feels like a cherished family secret shared with close friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special with this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: the all-purpose flour creates the perfect structure, baking powder gives a gentle lift, sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness, while the milk and melted butter contribute to the tender, moist crumb and golden color of the gorditas.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides the tender yet sturdy texture for these pancakes.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the gorditas rise lightly, giving them a soft and fluffy center.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- ½ cup sugar: Adds that gentle sugary kiss that makes them crave-worthy.
- ¾ cup milk: Binds everything together and keeps the dough moist and easy to work with.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Brings richness and helps create those irresistibly golden edges.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Injects a subtle warmth and comforting aroma that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Grandma’s Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar) Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This step ensures that your rising agents and sweetness are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each gordita consistent texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, stir the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a rich and fragrant liquid mix that will balance the dry elements beautifully.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until you achieve a thick dough. It should resemble biscuit dough more than regular pancake batter—firm enough to shape by hand but soft and pliable.
Step 4: Shape the Gorditas
Divide the dough into equal portions and gently flatten each one into a round disc about half an inch thick. This thickness helps ensure a soft interior and a lovely golden crust once cooked.
Step 5: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Getting the temperature right is key to developing a golden-brown crust without burning the exterior or leaving the center undercooked.
Step 6: Cook the Gorditas
Place the shaped dough discs on the hot surface and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is a warm, golden exterior that yields easily when pressed, indicating a fluffy inside.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve these sweet Mexican pancakes while they’re warm. Add butter, jam, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to personalize your serving and enhance their comforting sweetness.
How to Serve Grandma’s Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple pat of butter melting over the warm gorditas brings out their buttery richness. Cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top adds a gentle crunch and an aromatic note. For a fruity twist, dollops of homemade jam or fresh fruit preserves work beautifully.
Side Dishes
These sweet pancakes pair wonderfully with a glass of warm Mexican hot chocolate or a cup of spiced coffee. For a heartier brunch, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not sandwich a spoonful of your favorite jam or Nutella between two gorditas for a delightful treat? Or stack them with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for an indulgent dessert twist. Their sturdy yet tender texture makes them perfect for stacking and decorating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you just might), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy without losing their signature texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual gorditas in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy these treats anytime you want a little taste of Grandma’s kitchen.
Reheating
To bring leftover gorditas back to life, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until heated through and lightly crisp on the outside, just like fresh. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour gives the best texture for Grandma’s Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar) Recipe, you can experiment with a blend of whole wheat or gluten-free flour, keeping in mind it may affect the softness and rise slightly.
Is it necessary to add vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It adds a warm, inviting aroma that complements the sweetness and enriches the overall flavor profile of the gorditas.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture might vary a bit, but the gorditas will still be delicious and comforting.
How do I know when the gorditas are cooked through?
They should be golden brown on both sides and spring back slightly when pressed. The edges will have a lovely crispness while the inside remains tender and moist.
Can I add spices or other flavors to the dough?
Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a cozy twist. Just remember that a little goes a long way so you don’t overpower the delicate sweetness of Grandma’s Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar) Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a recipe rooted in family tradition and love, and Grandma’s Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar) Recipe is just that kind of treasure. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a slice of that warm, inviting kitchen to your own home. I can’t wait for you to try it, enjoy it, and maybe even pass it down as a sweet family favorite of your own!
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