Name: Moroccan Pancakes (Baghrir) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups fine semolina flour; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups lukewarm water (+ 2 tbsp more if needed); 2 tsp active dry yeast; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup honey (combine with melted butter)

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Introduction

Moroccan Pancakes, known as Baghrir, are light, spongy, and dotted with tiny holes that soak up melted butter and honey beautifully. These pancakes are cooked on one side only, making them delicate and perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.

A large round white plate holds twelve light yellow pancakes arranged in a circular pattern, each pancake covered with many small, evenly spaced holes creating a spongy texture; in the center is a small white bowl with a blue inside edge filled with amber-colored honey, and a wooden honey dipper resting in the bowl with part of it dipped in the honey. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fine semolina flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups lukewarm water (+ 2 tbsp more if needed)
2 tsp active dry yeast

2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey (combine with melted butter)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a thin kitchen towel to keep the cooked pancakes warm.
Step 2: Place the semolina, all-purpose flour, lukewarm water, yeast, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a blender. Puree for 1 minute until smooth. Pour the batter into a medium bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it stand at room temperature until bubbles form on the surface, about 15 to 20 minutes. The batter should be thin, similar to crepe batter or whipping cream.
Step 3: Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Stir the batter gently, then pour about 1/4 cup into the skillet. Cook without flipping until tiny holes appear all over the surface and the top feels dry, about 2 to 3 minutes. Lower the heat if the edges begin to darken too quickly.

Step 4: Transfer each pancake to the prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking the rest of the batter. Serve warm or at room temperature with melted butter and honey drizzled on top.
Step 5: For a sweeter twist, spread 1 tablespoon of Nutella on a pancake and roll it up to enjoy by hand.

Tips & Variations

If the batter feels too thick, add an extra tablespoon or two of water to reach the desired thin consistency.

Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Try topping with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for additional flavor.
For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover Baghrir in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and tender.

How to Serve

A stack of three thick, fluffy pancakes with a light golden-brown color and visible small holes, placed on a white plate with a turquoise inner surface. On top of the pancakes, there is a round pat of melting light yellow butter, with amber-colored syrup being poured over it from above, dripping down the sides of the stack. A vintage silver fork is resting on the plate, touching the bottom pancake. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of semolina?

Semolina provides the characteristic texture and slight bite in Baghrir, but if unavailable, you can substitute with all-purpose flour. The pancakes will be softer and less textured but still delicious.

Why don’t I flip the pancakes?

Baghrir is traditionally cooked only on one side to preserve its spongy texture and allow the holes to form on the cooked surface. Flipping can deflate the bubbles and change the texture.