Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder (approx. 24 g)
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt (5 g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature (about 150 g total)
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk (600 ml) — or 2 cups (480 ml) for slightly thicker texture
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (56 g)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (225 g) or 1 cup chocolate chips (170 g) or 1 cup chopped apples + 1 tsp cinnamon (optional mix-ins)
  • Confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or melted butter for finishing (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and position rack in center. Line a half-sheet rimmed baking pan (18 x 13 in / 33 x 46 cm) with parchment and lightly butter or spray the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon fine salt; whisk to aerate and remove lumps.
  3. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk 3 large eggs, then add 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or 2 cups for thicker), 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk just until combined. Batter should be somewhat smooth with a few small lumps; do not overmix. For an ultra-smooth batter, briefly blend in a blender or use an immersion blender.
  5. Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate and bubbles to form, which improves fluff and rise.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, tilting slightly to level if needed. Scatter chosen mix-ins (blueberries, chocolate chips, or apples with cinnamon) evenly and press gently so they are partly submerged.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven 18–22 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway if your oven has hot spots. The top should be golden and set, edges lightly browned and pulling from the parchment; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Internal temperature ~200–205°F (93–96°C) if using a thermometer.
  8. Remove the pan to a cooling rack and let rest 5 minutes for easier slicing. For crisper top/edges, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 8 large or 10 smaller squares and serve warm with butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or preferred toppings.
  9. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave single pieces 20–30 seconds.