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The Pancake Princess

The Pancake Princess

A baking blog curating internet recipes.

“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 bake off blog

Ever wondered which of the 100,000,000 chocolate chip cookie recipes online–half of them claiming to be the best–is TRULY the best? Me too.

That’s what inspired the bake offs featured on this blog–a strenuous testing (with data-driven feedback) of some of the most popular internet recipes in a side-by-side comparison to find the best.

Basically, 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.

In each bake off, I test anywhere from 8-16 recipes against each other (yes, usually I make all or most of the recipes myself on the same day!) and invite as many people as possible over to be my taste testers to judge and rank each recipe. Then I analyze the data to determine the crowd favorite.

So far, I’ve tested chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, and brownies, and many more. 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!

CHECK OUT THE BAKE OFFS

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!

My dessert of choice? Any Milk Bar layer cake. My pancake of choice? I’m still on the hunt for the perfect recipe!

Thanks for visiting!!

spotted in

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

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Donna Schnall

    August 6, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    I love ❤️ your photos and all the brilliant information you provide. I just finished making your number one picks for chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. I plan on making the brownies next I would love to be on your email distribution list! I’m enjoying all your adventures!!! ❤️😊
    Thanks Bunches!

    Reply
  2. Mike Sr

    February 24, 2020 at 10:54 am

    Of all the blogs I follow, I like yours the best. It’s very educational and I get a lot more out of it than a recipe. The comparisons of the recipes from various blogs/books are very helpful in determining the differences between them side by side. Maybe one day we will see a Rugelach bake-off (hint, hint)

    Reply
  3. Lisa Doyle

    November 30, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    Love your site! Do you have an email distribution you could add me to?

    Reply
    • Ammar

      December 5, 2019 at 9:15 am

      You have a amazing blog..

      Reply
  4. lyn kratz

    November 19, 2019 at 3:56 pm

    thanks for all of your good work sifting through the multitudes!!!

    Reply
  5. Amy

    September 3, 2019 at 10:23 am

    In regards to your chocolate cake bake-off, was your Gold Medal AP flour bleached or unbleached? Also in you Ina Garten cake recipe how did you measure the flour – dip and sweep or spooned into a cup. Or if you have the weight that is even better.
    Thank You : )

    Reply
  6. Allie Wist

    July 3, 2019 at 8:33 am

    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!

    Reply
  7. Sophie

    June 12, 2019 at 4:13 pm

    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!!

    Reply
  8. Joanne

    May 2, 2019 at 4:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • erika

      May 7, 2019 at 9:59 am

      Joanne, I completely agree! It was really interesting to see actual data that potentially showcases this difference in tastebuds.

      Reply
  9. Christine Myres

    April 30, 2019 at 5:34 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • erika

      May 1, 2019 at 10:20 am

      Thanks for the kind words Christine! <3

      Reply
  10. Peggy Koskiniemi

    November 9, 2018 at 1:38 pm

    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 9×5 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.

    Reply
    • erika

      November 11, 2018 at 11:12 pm

      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…)

      Reply
  11. Traditionally Modern Food

    June 21, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    You have a amazing blog.. Pics r mind blowing.. Being a pancake lover happy to know ur blog through Fiesata Friday .. Looking forward for ur future post:)

    Reply
  12. Pang

    April 2, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    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 🙂

    Reply
  13. Karen @ The Food Charlatan

    March 5, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    “meatier pastures” lol Erika!

    Reply
  14. amallia

    November 30, 2013 at 5:37 am

    I just found your blog and I like it, many nice pictures and appetizing recipes, great job!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie

    September 12, 2013 at 9:32 am

    I love to cook but am not much into baking or making desserts so I will definitely be checking out your recipes for some help!

    Reply
  16. Alyson

    July 17, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • erika

      July 17, 2013 at 4:53 pm

      Well thank you!!! You just made my day 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by–always happy to meet fellow cake lovers! 😉

      Reply
  17. Rebecca @ To Bloom Happiness

    July 8, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    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
    • erika

      July 8, 2013 at 2:33 pm

      Thanks so much Rebecca! Welcome to the blogosphere 🙂 Let me know how you like the salsa!!

      Reply
  18. Bubblybaker

    March 17, 2013 at 7:17 am

    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
  19. skybunnies

    March 12, 2013 at 6:54 am

    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

    Reply
    • erika

      March 12, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      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
  20. IRENAsdots

    March 8, 2013 at 8:26 am

    You have a wonderful blog!
    http://irenasdots.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/march-8th-is-for-the-ladies/

    Reply
    • erika

      March 8, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      Thank you so much, Irena!

      Reply
  21. Lianna

    March 5, 2013 at 1:55 am

    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
    • erika

      March 5, 2013 at 4:24 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  22. Mama Miyuki

    March 2, 2013 at 4:59 am

    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
  23. Nicole @ LiveEatSmileRepeat

    February 26, 2013 at 2:09 am

    so glad i stumbled upon your blog 🙂
    Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

    Reply
    • erika

      February 26, 2013 at 2:53 pm

      Thanks girl! Looking forward to checking out your blog as well 🙂

      Reply
  24. christina @ smallkitchenchronicles

    February 20, 2013 at 12:38 am

    Erika, love the new look for your blog! Tagline is fabulous and awesome for you re: your detox commitment and look forward to your new journey =)

    Warmest!

    Reply
    • erika

      February 20, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks Christina!! Sweetest 🙂

      Reply
  25. Katie @ Oh Shine On

    February 17, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    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
    • erika

      February 18, 2013 at 9:41 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  26. Heather

    February 14, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    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!

    Reply
  27. bakeaffairs

    January 9, 2013 at 4:10 am

    You have a lovely blog, it is very inspiring!

    Reply
    • erika

      January 9, 2013 at 9:35 am

      Thank you so much for stopping by! You are too sweet 🙂

      Reply
  28. Hannah @ Dispatches from the Gypsy Roller

    January 8, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    Hi Erika, I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award! No pressure to accept – the award is just to let you know that I enjoy reading your blog 🙂

    http://dispatchesfromthegypsyroller.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/sunshine-award/

    Reply
  29. shikoomkoom

    December 18, 2012 at 5:23 am

    I love your writing style and you provide so many intriguing recipes! I can’t wait to try a few 🙂

    Reply
    • erika

      December 18, 2012 at 8:14 am

      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
  30. Lilly Sue

    December 15, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    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
  31. vinicooksveg

    November 15, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    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
    • erika

      November 19, 2012 at 10:45 am

      Aww thank you so much Vini 🙂 You are too sweet!

      Reply
  32. mmmarzipan

    November 14, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    What a lovely blog! And fabulous recipes! So happy to follow 🙂 xx

    Reply
    • erika

      November 14, 2012 at 1:46 pm

      Aww thank you! I’m excited that I found YOU!

      Reply
      • mmmarzipan

        November 14, 2012 at 2:53 pm

        Likewise!!! Lovely to meet you 🙂 x

  33. The Perky Poppy Seed

    November 1, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    I love your #4 … I am a list maker.. all kinds of lists are everywhere… for everything..LOL 🙂 very cute blog:)

    Reply
    • erika

      November 2, 2012 at 9:09 am

      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
      • The Perky Poppy Seed

        November 2, 2012 at 9:22 am

        LOL:) I have been known to lose my lists too:)

  34. christina @ smallkitchenchronicles

    October 31, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Hello, Miss Erika,

    You and your blog have just been nominated for the One Lovely Blog & Very Inspiring Blogger Award!

    http://smallkitchenchronicles.com/2012/10/31/gingersnap-pumpkin-cheesecake-shake/

    Thanks for being so lovely!

    xo

    Reply
  35. Vina'sdeliciousrecipes !

    October 10, 2012 at 6:48 am

    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
  36. petit4chocolatier

    October 9, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    You have a wonderful blog! I am looking forward to many more recipes!

    Reply
  37. Healthy Glow Nutrition

    October 8, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks for stopping by and following my blog Erika 🙂

    Reply
  38. checy16

    October 6, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    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
  39. Eva @ Eva Bakes

    October 4, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Thanks for dropping by my blog! Yours is so fun and filled with awesome recipes that I will need to try out soon!

    Reply
    • erika

      October 4, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      Thanks Eva 🙂 Yours too!!

      Reply
  40. Anuja

    October 3, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    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 😀

    Reply
    • erika

      October 4, 2012 at 9:28 am

      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
  41. Christine (@cookingcrusade)

    October 3, 2012 at 3:13 am

    Hi! Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and your lovely comment. Your blog looks great and I look forward to reading more! Lovely to learn more about you in this section, I looove pancakes too! hehe

    Reply
    • erika

      October 3, 2012 at 10:25 am

      Aww thank you Christine! I’m looking forward to reading more about you and your crusades also! <3

      Reply
  42. Candy

    October 1, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    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
    • erika

      October 3, 2012 at 10:25 am

      Thank you so much Candy! You made my day 🙂

      Reply
  43. Mich - Piece of Cake

    September 28, 2012 at 12:44 am

    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.

    Reply
    • erika

      September 28, 2012 at 8:38 am

      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
  44. Laura Dembowski (@piesandplots)

    September 22, 2012 at 10:06 am

    I also would totally rather make a layer cake than cupcakes, even if they are slightly imperfect. Very interesting that you are vegetarian. I don’t think I could be either vegetarian or vegan.

    Reply
  45. rynnasaryonnah

    September 15, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    Hi there! Just dropping by to tell you that you’ve been nominated the “One Lovely Blog Award.” =D

    Reply
  46. Leah

    September 15, 2012 at 9:23 am

    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/

    Reply
  47. Leah

    September 9, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    Sorry to hear you lost your prince. However, I have to say i absolutely LOVE the name of your blog – so cute 🙂

    Reply
    • ekwee

      September 9, 2012 at 10:08 pm

      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
      • Leah

        October 24, 2012 at 7:11 pm

        Hey Erika – Can you share your e-mail? If you don’t want to post it online, can you e-mail me at LeahMC0612@gmail.com?

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Recipe Rating




Instagram

Best lemon poppy seed muffin bake off is live!! Li Best lemon poppy seed muffin bake off is live!! Link in profile and tap the photo to see all the participating recipes/bloggers 🎊🎊

I always love to hear your guesses—based on looks alone, who do you think won?! 

And excitingly there is a bonus recipe at the end! I love lemon poppy so much that when a certain blogger I love (ahem @ful.filled) reached out with her intriguing looking recipe after the fact, I immediately tried it and reported my thoughts at the end of the post 💕
#pancakeprincessbakeoff #muffins #lemonpoppyseed #bakeoff
New year, new profile pic surrounded by cookies ✨

For those of you who like to plan, here’s a very tentative guide to what I’m envisioning for this year’s bake offs (if the world doesn’t blow up). Thank you, as always, for your constant enthusiasm and support for the bake offs! 💕💕💕 

🍪Jan: lemon poppy muffins, Levain choc/pb cookies?
🍪 Feb: cream cheese kolaches, loft house copycat cookies, flourless chocolate cake?
🍪 March: carrot cake
🍪 April: liege waffles??
🍪 May: tres leches
🍪 June: key lime pie 
🍪 July: tiramisu
🍪 August: oatmeal cookies
🍪 Sept: doughnuts 
🍪 Oct: shortbread?
🍪 Nov: Mac n cheese 
🍪 Dec: ginger molasses or chocolate crinkle cookies

Photo credit: @juliejulez.jpg 👹💕
{HOUSTON GIVEAWAY} Hi friends! If you’ve been f {HOUSTON GIVEAWAY}

Hi friends! If you’ve been following me for a little bit, hopefully you know how obsessed I am with @happyearthcompost and their mission to make composting more accessible and easy for the Houston community! Here is just a sneak peek of all the eggshells and lemon peels from the lemon poppy seed muffin bake off that are going straight into my Happy Earth compost bucket instead of the trash 🎊

I’m thrilled to be partnering with @happyearthcompost to do a giveaway for one lucky winner! Here are the deets:

🌱 you will win 2 free months of monthly pick ups from @happyearthcompost! You’ll get a little counter top bin (pictured here) and a larger bucket to keep outside (in the second pic)
🌱 must be located in Houston or Bryan/College Station to win
🌱 to enter, just make sure you’re following me and @happyearthcompost and tag a friend in the comments! Each comment is a separate entry
🌱 giveaway will close this Saturday (1/16) at midnight! GOOD LUCK!!!
Thankful for another year of bake offs with you gu Thankful for another year of bake offs with you guys! Loving the appreciation for the coffee cake, blueberry muffin, pecan pie, gingerbread and Levain cookie bake offs (more Levain to come in 2021 hopefully!) 🎊💕

While on vacation, I’ve scraped a lot of recipes for future bake offs (thanks to your help) and I feel refreshed and ready to get back to baking ASAP! On the list for 2021 bake offs: carrot cake, oatmeal cookies, copycat lofthouse cookies, Levain chocolate pb cookies, shortbread, lemon poppyseed muffins, etc. Let me know if there’s anything else you’re dying to see in the comments!

THANK YOU for all of your support, your kind comments, your reviewing of different recipes and your spreading of joy through baked goods this past year. Thanks to my tasters for their critical tasting and hilarious comments. Can’t wait to do it all over again next year 💕
Gingerbread bake off is up! Commence all the ginge Gingerbread bake off is up! Commence all the gingerbread baking!! 🎄🎄🎄

Tap the pic to see all participating recipes and tell me which one looks the best or which recipes you’re most excited to try!! You really can’t go wrong with any of them 🎊🎊🎊 and if you’re planning on baking any other holiday cookies this weekend, gimme the deets on what you’re making! I need more inspo for my cookie boxes 🍪🍪🍪 #pancakeprincessbakeoff
@THEPANCAKEPRINCESS

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