“I grew up in Iowa and my dad used to take me to get these all the time! I’ve missed them so! My whole family loved them and we’ve made them three times already.”

I remember the warm summer days in Iowa when my dad would take me to our favorite little spot for these delicious treats. There was something so special about the aroma in the air and the joy of biting into something delightful that not only filled my tummy but also warmed my heart. My family loved them, and now that I’ve grown up, I find myself yearning for those flavors again. Since rediscovering this recipe, we’ve made them three times already! Let me share the magic with you.

What You’ll Need for Our Family Favorite

To recreate these delightful memories at home, here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Optional: fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor

How to Make Our Family Favorite

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish or lining it with parchment paper.

  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

  5. Add Extras (Optional): If you’d like to toss in some fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, fold them in gently now.

  6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before slicing.

Serve & Enjoy Our Family Favorite

When it comes to serving, the best way is to enjoy these treats warm. You can slice them into squares and plate them up nicely, perhaps dusting a bit of powdered sugar on top for that extra bit of charm. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning coffee. You can even serve them with maple syrup for a brunch vibe!

Helpful Tricks for Our Family Favorite

  • Storage: If you have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for a month—just thaw and warm them when you’re ready to eat!

  • Spice it Up: Get creative with spices! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can give these treats a cozy flavor that’s perfect for any season.

  • Healthy Twist: For a healthier version, consider substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or swapping out the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Our Family Favorite FAQs

What can I add to the batter?

You can add a variety of ingredients! Berries, chopped apples, nuts, or even chocolate chips work beautifully and can elevate the flavor.

How do I know when they are done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it’s wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before baking it the next day.

Take a step back into cherished memories with this delightful recipe that my entire family has come to love once again. I can’t wait for you to try this and hopefully create your new traditions!