Pear-Creme Fraiche Pancakes

I've been having this obsession with pancakes. I just, well, love them. They're like a quick and easy dessert in my mind. I've made all kinds: the best, chai-spiced, matcha flavored, blueberry ricotta, mango coconut, even bacon greased hoecakes! They were all spectacular, but these, oh man, these... were so freaking delicious.

These were inspired by the pear pancakes from The Kitchen, which I've personally never tried but my best friend rants to me about them all the time. But truly, they were inspired by the gorgeous pears I bought from the Farmer's Market. They were the most delicious pears I've had in a while: supple, buttery and so deliciously sweet. They cost a pretty penny but they were definitely worth it.


You might as well call these pancakes dessert since I served them alongside my favorite sauce ever: a vanilla-bean creme anglaise. Think: the best vanilla bean ice cream, melted and smothered on top of your pancakes. Yeah, it's awesome - your tastebuds and tummy will thank you.

Pear-Crème fraîche Pancakes

Yields: 12 - 16 pancakes

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup flour

3 tbsn. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup crème fraîche

3/4 cup + 1 tbsn. milk

2 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla 

unsalted butter, for cooking

1 large ripe, but firm pear, sliced very thinly

vanilla bean crème anglaise, for serving

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices. Whisk together the crème fraîche, milk, eggs and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mixing only until combined. Melt some butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it bubbles. Ladle the batter into the pan (about 1/4 cup per pancake). Arrange a slice of pear on top of the batter. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes over medium heat until bubbles appear on top and the underside is nicely browned. Flip the pancakes and then cook for another 1 - 2 minutes, until browned. Continue this process with the rest of the batter. Serve with the crème anglaise.