The Golden TikTok Pancake Challenge - We Dare You!
guar gum
locust bean gum
pectin
xanthan gum

The Golden TikTok Pancake Challenge - We Dare You!

October 10, 2025
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We Dare You!

We took the viral soufflé-style pancake and perfected it with a few additions. This hybrid recipe delivers that classic diner flavor with a dramatic, café-style rise, glossy surface, and a custardy, cloud-soft interior.

🎥 Join the Golden TikTok Pancake Challenge 🛒 Get the Ingredients

Featured Cape Crystal Brands Ingredients

Ingredient Function Link
Xanthan Gum Viscosity + gas retention for higher rise & glossy finish Shop Xanthan Gum
Guar Gum Moisture retention; tender, bouncy crumb Shop Guar Gum
Locust Bean Gum (LBG) Creamy, custardy interior; structure during heating Shop Locust Bean Gum
Pectin (optional) Stabilizes fruit add-ins; neat slicing & browning Shop Pectin

Ingredients (1–2 golden tower pancakes)

  • 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
  • 10 g (1 tbsp) sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for pan)
  • ¼ tsp vanilla
  • 0.25 g xanthan gum
  • 0.20 g guar gum
  • 0.10 g locust bean gum
  • (Optional) 0.30 g pectin when adding fruit/syrups

Tip: Disperse gums thoroughly with the dry mix for even hydration.

Instructions

  1. Whisk dry: Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and all gums.
  2. Whisk wet: Buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla.
  3. Combine: Pour wet into dry; mix just until glossy and smooth. Rest 10 minutes.
  4. Mold & heat: Lightly grease a 2" tall ring mold. Cook on low-medium (~300°F / 150°C), covered.
  5. Flip once: When sides set and center jiggles slightly, brush top with butter, flip gently; finish until 200°F/93°C internal.
  6. Set: Rest 30–45 seconds in the mold before unmolding. Serve with syrup and fruit.
Expected Height: 1.25" without mold; up to ~2" with ring mold (+ optional softly whipped egg whites).

Why It Works (The Food Science)

  • Xanthan + Guar increases batter viscosity and stabilize microbubbles → taller rise and glossy surface.
  • LBG + proteins provides weak-gel during heating → structure that resists collapse.
  • Moisture binding as the gums keeps crumb elastic, so the pancake stays lofty even after cooling.

👨🔬 Professional Tips for Maximum Height & Gloss

  • Use a ring mold: Fill halfway; the walls promote vertical lift.
  • Cook low & slow: Target ~300°F/150°C, cover to trap steam for even setting.
  • Rest the batter: 10-minutes pre-cook for gum hydration; 30–45 seconds post-cook to set structure.
  • Optional foam: Fold softly whipped egg whites for “soufflé” height; gums stabilize the foam.
  • Don’t overmix: Once smooth and glossy, stop. Viscosity comes from hydration, not agitation.
  • Butter sheen: Brush before flipping for that café-style golden gloss.

🏆 The Golden TikTok Pancake Challenge

Think your rise is bigger than ours? Well do you have the courage to compare without embarrassment? Make this recipe, measure your pancake’s height on camera, and post to TikTok or Reels using the official tags.

Official Hashtags: #GoldenTikTokPancake · #CapeCrystalChallenge · #ScienceStack

📖 Open Official Recipe 🎥 Post & Tag @CapeCrystalBrands

Quick Rules

  • No purchase necessary. Open for fun to all home cooks.
  • Video must show the Golden TikTok Pancake and a quick height measurement (ruler or tape).
  • Include at least one of the official hashtags and tag @CapeCrystalBrands.
  • Safety first: low-medium heat; use oven mitts and stable ring molds.
  • By posting with the tags, you allow us to repost your video with credit.

FAQs

Can I make it without buttermilk? Yes—1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; rest 5 minutes.

Is this gluten-free friendly? Yes—use a 1:1 GF flour blend; keep the same gum ratios.

Why did my pancake spread? Viscosity too low or pan too hot. Rest batter and cook at ~300°F in a ring mold.

Can I freeze them? Yes. Cool fully; reheat at 300°F. Gums prevent dryness and collapse.

🛒 Shop Hydrocolloids 🏆 Join the Challenge

Ed - Cape Crystal Brands

About the Author

Ed is the founder of Cape Crystal Brands, editor of the Beginner’s Guide to Hydrocolloids, and a passionate advocate for making food science accessible to all. Discover premium ingredients, expert resources, and free formulation tools at capecrystalbrands.com/tools.

— Ed

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