Baghrir (Moroccan Pancakes) Recipe

The Fluffiest Baghrir: A Charming Moroccan Pancakes Recipe

Baghrir, a delightful Moroccan specialty, captures the essence of North African culinary creativity with its unique honeycomb-like texture.

These spongy, tender pancakes represent a cultural treasure that transcends ordinary breakfast fare.

Intricate surface patterns emerge during cooking, creating delicate holes that make baghrir instantly recognizable among pancake varieties.

Soft and light, these creations absorb sweet syrups and toppings with remarkable grace, converting simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

Traditional techniques passed through generations ensure each batch maintains its characteristic airy consistency and delicate charm.

Moroccan kitchens celebrate this beloved dish as a symbol of hospitality and comfort, inviting families to gather around the table.

You’ll find these pancakes irresistibly delicious and surprisingly easy to master.

Baghrir (Moroccan Pancakes): A Breakfast Like No Other

  • Effortless Bubble Magic: Baghrir creates stunning honeycomb-like surfaces with countless tiny holes, making each pancake look like an edible work of art that delights both eyes and taste buds.
  • Quick Kitchen Convenience: These Moroccan pancakes come together super fast with just a blender, minimal ingredients, and a simple one-sided cooking method that eliminates complicated flipping techniques.
  • Versatile Sweet Sensation: Perfect for breakfast or dessert, baghrir offers flexible serving options from classic honey and butter to decadent Nutella roll-ups, satisfying different flavor preferences with minimal effort.
  • Cultural Culinary Adventure: Experience a traditional Moroccan treat that brings international flavor to your breakfast table, introducing a delightful twist on standard pancake recipes with unique preparation and presentation.

Ingredients That Make Baghrir Light and Fluffy

Pancake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fine white flour that provides the main structure and texture for the traditional Moroccan pancakes.
  • Semolina Flour: Coarse wheat flour adding a unique grainy texture and authentic Moroccan characteristic to the pancakes.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Provides essential leavening and helps create the signature bubbly surface of baghrir.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Warm Water, Milk: Liquid base that hydrates flour and helps create a smooth, thin batter consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pancakes.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness to the pancake batter.
  • Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
Optional Serving Ingredients:
  • Butter, Honey: Classic Moroccan toppings that add richness and natural sweetness.
  • Nutella: Optional chocolate spread for a modern, indulgent variation.

How to Make Traditional Moroccan Baghrir

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to warm at 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a soft kitchen towel to keep pancakes cozy.

Step 2: Create Magical Batter

Gather your ingredients:
  • Semolina flour
  • All-purpose flour
  • Active dry yeast
  • Warm water
  • Salt
  • Sugar

Blend all ingredients in a mixer until smooth. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until tiny bubbles form across the surface. The mixture should look light and airy like whipped cream.

Step 3: Cook Pancake Masterpieces

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Gently stir the batter and pour 1/4 cup per pancake. Watch magic happen as tiny holes emerge across the surface. Cook only on one side until the top looks dry and edges turn golden. Avoid flipping the pancake.

Step 4: Keep Pancakes Warm

Transfer each pancake to the prepared baking sheet. Slide the sheet into the warm oven while cooking remaining batter.

Step 5: Serve With Delicious Toppings

Plate the pancakes and drizzle with:
  • Melted butter
  • Honey
  • Nutella

Enjoy your Moroccan breakfast treat warm or at room temperature. Roll up with Nutella for a sweet handheld version.

Tips for the Best Baghrir Pancake Texture

  • Batter Bubble Boost: Let the batter rest at room temperature to develop tiny air pockets, ensuring those signature holes form perfectly.
  • Heat Control Mastery: Maintain a consistent medium heat to create evenly cooked pancakes with delicate, lacy surfaces.
  • Batter Consistency Check: Aim for a thin, cream-like texture- too thick will prevent the characteristic holes from developing.
  • No-Flip Technique: Resist the urge to flip; these pancakes cook only on one side, creating a unique tender texture.
  • Storage Smart Move: Keep cooked baghrir warm in a low-temperature oven to maintain their soft, spongy consistency while preparing the entire batch.

Keeping Baghrir Fresh After Cooking

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover baghrir in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stack pancakes with wax paper between each to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Warm pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Restore softness by covering with a damp paper towel while heating to prevent dryness.

What to Serve with Baghrir Pancakes

  • Pair with Moroccan Mint Tea: Brew a traditional mint tea with fresh mint leaves and green tea, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet pancakes. The cool, aromatic tea balances the rich, warm flavors of baghrir.
  • Create a Mediterranean Breakfast Spread: Serve baghrir alongside Greek yogurt, fresh figs, chopped dates, and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. This combination offers a delightful mix of textures and complementary Middle Eastern flavors.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream Pairing: Enjoy baghrir with a warm cup of hot chocolate made with dark chocolate and a touch of cinnamon. The rich, velvety drink enhances the pancake's delicate texture and sweet honey drizzle.
  • Fruity Morning Delight: Prepare a fresh berry compote with strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of orange zest to accompany the baghrir. The bright, tangy fruits cut through the sweetness and add a vibrant morning freshness.

Creative Flavor Ideas for Baghrir

  • Nutty Delight: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Citrus Burst: Mix in orange or lemon zest to give the baghrir a bright, refreshing taste.
  • Chocolate Swirl: Fold in cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent version of the classic pancake.
  • Savory Spin: Replace honey with herb-infused olive oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast treat.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Baghrir (Moroccan Pancakes) Recipe

Baghrir (Moroccan Pancakes) Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Moroccan baghrir showcases delicate semolina pancakes with unique honeycomb texture. Delightful North African breakfast treats drizzled with golden honey and butter offer a sweet morning indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) fine semolina flour
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Liquid and Leavening Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) lukewarm water
  • 2 tablespoons additional water
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Serving Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a gentle 200°F, preparing a baking sheet with a protective parchment layer or delicate kitchen cloth to cradle the delicate Moroccan pancakes.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a blender, whirling them into a silky, smooth liquid for precisely one minute. Transfer the gossamer batter to a medium vessel, drape with a soft cloth, and allow it to rest quietly at ambient temperature until tiny bubbles dot the surface, approximately 15-20 minutes. The mixture should resemble a delicate, flowing cream.
  3. Activate a non-stick cooking surface over medium heat, allowing it to warm for two minutes. Gently stir the rested batter to reintegrate any settled ingredients. Using a quarter-cup measure, cascade the batter onto the heated surface, watching intently as characteristic honeycomb-like perforations emerge across the pancake’s surface.
  4. Monitor the cooking process carefully, adjusting heat to prevent excessive browning. The pancake should transform from liquid to a dry, spongy texture within 2-3 minutes. Note that baghrir cooks exclusively on one side, requiring no flipping.
  5. Carefully transfer each completed pancake to the warm oven, allowing them to maintain their delicate temperature while continuing the cooking process.
  6. Present the baghrir at the table, either warm or at room temperature. Enhance the experience by drizzling with golden honey or melted butter. For an indulgent variation, spread a generous layer of Nutella and roll into a delightful handheld treat.

Notes

  • Rest the batter allows yeast to activate, creating signature tiny holes and light, airy texture.
  • Use medium heat prevents burning and ensures proper hole formation on baghrir surface.
  • Cook only on one side to maintain unique spongy texture and traditional Moroccan pancake method.
  • Keep pancakes warm in low-temperature oven prevents cooling and maintains softness while preparing entire batch.
  • Drizzle honey or spread Nutella creates delightful sweet variations for different taste preferences.
  • Thin batter consistency is crucial for achieving classic baghrir’s delicate, lacy appearance with multiple small holes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star