Franklin Graham’s ‘Butter Cakes’: A Fun Recipe to Make for Family

By   •   December 19, 2019

Just this week, Franklin Graham made butter cakes at Samaritan's Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina.

Franklin Graham often enjoys making his signature pancakes, whether for loved ones or staff at the annual Operation Heal Our Patriots retreat for wounded veterans and their spouses.

These much talked about “butter cakes” have one not-so-secret ingredient:

“Butter. This is the key,” Graham says.

As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, try this simple recipe that’s sure to please:

The Recipe

Well, Franklin Graham admits, “There really isn’t one.” But he does have a few tips.

  • You’ll need pancake mix—he uses Krusteaz Complete Buttermilk Pancake Mix—water, a griddle or nonstick pan, spatula and plenty of butter, softened.
  • The batter consistency is key. Graham suggests adding more water than called for to give the batter a thin consistency.

Keep in mind, the pancakes are meant to be large (about 6-8 inches wide). Graham also uses a spoon to mix, but a whisk means less lumps.

  • Next, rev up the stove. He prefers using gas, but electric is fine, and recommends heating the griddle top to 350 degrees or medium to medium-high for electric.
  • The secret to his great pancakes is melting the butter, about a tablespoon, in the pan until it’s sizzling and bubbling, then pouring the batter into the middle of the butter. The more butter used, the crispier the edges.
  • While it’s heating, smother your spatula with butter on both sides so the batter doesn’t stick.
  • When is it time to flip? “Wait for the bubbles,” Graham says.

Once you see bubbles in the center of the pancake, get ready to flip, but not too quick. “You don’t want it to splatter.”

  • Graham adds that, after flipping, the other side of the pancake will only take about a minute to cook.
  • Top the finished pancake with more butter (of course).
  • Repeat steps for every butter cake.
  • For the topping, Graham prefers real maple syrup heated for about 30 seconds in the microwave.

“You can’t ask for a better pancake!” he insists.

A fresh batch of butter cakes for staff at Operation Heal Our Patriots.