About

“Every day I would go home and bake, because that’s what you do when you love to bake–you bake.” – Christina Tosi

 // about the blog //

aboutmeThe Pancake Princess is a data-based baking blog. The name originated from my love of pancakes.

If you peek into the archives, you’ll see a lot of healthy/alternative baking recipes. I still love exploring a variety of recipes in my free time, but lately, I’ve been getting back to my nerdy roots by analyzing the best baking recipes on the internet. I got tired of sifting through hundreds of gorgeous recipes on Pinterest in hopes of finding a recipe that tasted as good as it looked. So I decided to actually test a bunch of recipes head-to-head to find the actual best in each category–and invite my friends over to gather real-time feedback.

So far, I’ve tested chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, and brownies, among others. If you’d like to see a specific bake off subject in the future, drop me a line at erika at thepancakeprincess dot com or via instagram!

cookie

// erika //

I started The Pancake Princess in 2012, right after I graduated from college. Originally from near San Francisco, I moved to Houston for school and never left–I’ve been here for almost 10 years! I was an English major in undergrad, received my MBA from Rice University in 2016 and have enjoyed applying my skills to baking spreadsheets ever since. I also do freelance food writing for Houston Press on the side!

I’m deeply interested in dessert, enjoy long surfs at the beach, harbor aspirations to move to Australia, and will never say no to a bite or five of layer cake.

Thanks for visiting!!

 // spotted in //

Buzzfeed.
Houston Press.
Huffington Post.
The Kitchn.
Yummly.
Daily Burn.
Fitness Magazine.

PancakePrincessTasteSpotting      PancakePrincessFoodGawker      Certified Yummly Recipes on Yummly.com

 

67 thoughts on “About”

  1. Allie Wist
    Can't find a direct email for you, but I'm reaching out from Bon Appétit about photos you may have from House of Pies. Please email me to chat more! Thank you!
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  2. Sophie
    Out of curiosity, what is your favorite pancake to make and could you provide me the instructions in incredible detail?? Thanks so much!! I love you!!
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  3. Joanne
    Thanks for all your work on CCC! Amazing data and I like your winner in the first list. I think tastebuds mature over time and become more discerning of flavors over time.
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    1. erika Post author
      Joanne, I completely agree! It was really interesting to see actual data that potentially showcases this difference in tastebuds.
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  4. Christine Myres
    Just discovered you and very interested in reading about your results ... you will save me lots of time & disappointment, not to mention raising the enjoyment quotient. Thanks for what you do!
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  5. Peggy Koskiniemi
    Enjoyed reading about your pumpkin bread comparisons. I’ve done the same for blondies! After reading your post, I tried Tartine’s recipe to see if it was better than the one I’ve used for 45 years. It was first published in the Oregonian newspaper in 1978 and contributed by Pat Straub, wife of the Oregon State Governor. Her recipe still reigns supreme. It has no eggs, milk, or cream and 1/3 less fat than Tartine’s. I’ve made a few small changes, but is still the best recipe with the best pumpkin flavor. It makes 3 loaves so you best have two large bowls and mix it by hand because it is too much batter for the stand mixer. 5 cups flour, 4-1/2 tsp baking powder, 1-1/2 baking soda, 2 tsp. Ground cloves, 1T salt, 1 T. Cinnamon, mix these dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another bowl mix 4 cups sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, and 4 cups Libby’s canned pumpkin purée. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Blend well but don’t over mix. (Optional add-ins are 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted, 1 cup chopped crystallized ginger, 1 cup raisins or currants that have soaked in bourbon overnight.) the last add-in makes them drunken pun’kin loaves! Divide batter between 3 9x5 loaf pans that have been sprayed with cooking oil and lined with parchment. Sprinkle the tops with 1 cup chopped pecans and 6 Tablespoons Swedish pearl sugar or Demerara sugar. Bake at 350 F for metal pans or 325 F for glass pans for 1 hour. Test for doneness with toothpick or at 195-200 F internal temperature.
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    1. erika Post author
      Peggy, thanks so much for the comment! I am so excited to try this (particularly since I prefer baking without dairy when possible)--thanks so much for sharing!! (Also: have you had luck cutting down this recipe to smaller proportions? I think I may give that a try unless you don't recommend it...)
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  7. Pang
    What a wonderful blog you have!!!! I am glad I found it. Can't wait to see more & more. :) "Two Red Bowls" mentioned you on her FB, and it led me here :)
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  11. Alyson
    Definitely my favorite blog name I've stumbled on in ages.. and that's before I read any post! Just love it.. you had me at "cake." Look forward to reading more!
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    1. erika Post author
      Well thank you!!! You just made my day :) Thanks so much for stopping by--always happy to meet fellow cake lovers! ;)
      Reply ↓
  12. Rebecca @ To Bloom Happiness
    Hi Erika! I'm new to blogging and while browsing, I came across your blog (love the blog name!). I'm loving all of the high quality pictures you have and I'm going to make the pickled onion salsa tomorrow! I can't wait to read more :)
    Reply ↓
  13. Bubblybaker
    Hey Erika, Just wanted to let you know how quickly I've fallen in love with your blog already haha! Love every part of it - the name, the piccies, the words! Looking forward to many more posts from you :)
    Reply ↓
  14. skybunnies
    Beautiful, I LOVE your updated profile photo! Keep up the fantastic yummy recipes and I'll send through that gluten free brownie recipe through Tweet Tweet Twitter xx
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    1. erika Post author
      Awww thanks Sky! What a compliment, coming from miss fitness model...you are unbelievably toned!! Thanks for the recipe--it's on my list! :)
      Reply ↓
  16. Lianna
    Okay, so can we please be friends?! I'm in love with everything about your blog, the layout, the photography, your writing style, I'm obsessed! Can't wait to follow through more of your adventures and of course see all of the drool-worthy recipes you share :)
    Reply ↓
    1. erika Post author
      Omg! I didn't want to say anything right off the bat buttt...that is exactly what I was thinking when I visited your blog! So um yes, blog friends most def :)
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  17. Mama Miyuki
    I enjoy reading your sweet blog a lot and am passing you the Super Sweet Bloggers Awards. Please visit http://cookingwithmamamiyuki.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/super-sweet-bloggers-award/ for the rules. Happy Blogging
    Reply ↓
  20. Katie @ Oh Shine On
    Just happened to stumble upon this little gem of a site this morning as I was making pancakes -- WHAT?! Rad. I totally love this blog -- and you. Is that weird? So sorry (not sorry). And girl, I love everything you said on your other "About Page" about your view on food and nutrition... You're preaching to the choir and I totally agree with you 100%. Keep rocking and detoxing and cooking pancakes. And invite me over so I can have some :) Katie
    Reply ↓
    1. erika Post author
      Katie, you totally made my day! Thanks for the super sweet, totally awesome comment. I'm so glad we have agreeable food views :) And the fact that you stumbled across my blog while making pancakes? I think this means we'll have to be friends :)
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  21. Heather
    I love the idea behind your blog! I just made some cupcakes last night that called for 1.5 cups of olive oil... whaaat?! One of future conquests is to discover some new ways that I can slim down my desserts. I completely agree that a little less butter isn't going to make or break a recipe!
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    1. erika Post author
      Aww thank you so much! You are too kind :) Do let me know if you try any of the recipes out, would love to hear from you! Can't wait to check out your blog :)
      Reply ↓
  25. Lilly Sue
    Hey, I have just awarded you the Kreativ Blogger award! Check out the details here! Congrats :) http://lillysuesbitesandbrews.com/2012/12/15/so-many-goodies-d/
    Reply ↓
  26. vinicooksveg
    Hi Erika, I enjoy your blog and so I want to present you 'The Sunshine blog' Award. Please do visit following link for further details http://vinicooksveg.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/thanks-for-appreciation-and-awards/ Thank you.
    Reply ↓
    1. erika Post author
      Thank you, Ms. Perky Poppy Seed! Funny thing--I'm really not THAT organized of a person, but I love to make lists. I often make lists of things to do and get a quarter or half-way through before getting bored/distracted and misplacing the list! Anyway, thanks for stopping by :)
      Reply ↓
  30. Vina'sdeliciousrecipes !
    Hi ! I have nominated you/your informative/creative blog for the Liebster Award! Congratulations! Pick up your badge and information/rules on how to pass the torch at: http://vinca11.wordpress.com/category/my-first-award/
    Reply ↓
  33. checy16
    That's awesome that you co-taught a baking class and even wrote some food articles! I'm so impressed! My back-up plan for grad school is to open a bakery. Btw, your glasses are so cute!
    Reply ↓
  35. Anuja
    Hi Erika, Thanx a lot for stopping by my blog and a very encouraging comment. Love your space and your style. Totally going to follow from now on :D
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    1. erika Post author
      Thank YOU Anuja! I really enjoyed your blog post and will definitely be reading more from you as well! You have so many interesting recipes on your site :)
      Reply ↓
  37. Candy
    Hi, Your blog looks fantastic :-) , I have just nomimated you for the Liebster Award! Find out what it's all about here: http://lovelybuns.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/raining-liebster-awards/
    Reply ↓
  38. Mich - Piece of Cake
    Hello Erika, I was just checking out your blog and noticed you are from TX! Years ago, I studied in Austin, so TX is always close to my heart. We drove 3 hours from Austin to Houston so that we can get decent Chinese food, so that's how desperate we were.
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    1. erika Post author
      That is so funny! Were you at UT? Austin is SUCH a cool city. Well, that makes me feel better about living in Houston--I guess we do have pretty decent Chinese food! But I've always been envious of people who got to go to school in Austin!! Are you in Cali now? (I was checking Daiso locations to see if they have locations in Houston...no go :( )
      Reply ↓
  41. Leah
    Congratulations! I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award :). Check it out here: http://inspireandindulge.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/humble-beginnings-my-1st-award/
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    1. ekwee Post author
      Thanks so much Leah! I appreciate the comment :) And I have to say--I love your quick facts section on your blog. I could identify with so many things (pop punk + food network = some of the better things ever)! Can't wait to read more :)
      Reply ↓

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