Start by making the strawberry syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine quartered strawberries, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of sugar. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. You'll want to keep an eye on it, as it can bubble up quickly!
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You'll notice the strawberries releasing their juices, creating a beautiful syrup. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, pour the mixture through a fine-meshed strainer into a bowl. Make sure to press down on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract all the delicious liquid. Set this syrup aside for serving later.
Now, let’s make the pancakes! In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will be your dry mixture.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and buttermilk until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thick.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined. The batter should be thick; don’t overmix it. If it feels too thick, you can add a little more buttermilk for the right consistency.
Heat a large nonstick griddle pan or skillet over medium heat. Add about ½ teaspoon of oil for each pancake. Once hot, use a measuring cup to scoop about ¼ to ⅓ cup of batter and pour it onto the oil. You should hear a satisfying sizzle!
Watch closely for bubbles to form on the surface of the pancakes. Once you see bubbles, it’s time to flip! Carefully turn them over and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, usually 2 to 3 minutes more.
These pancakes are hearty, so ensure they’re cooked all the way through. If they still feel gooey in the middle, lower the heat slightly and give them a bit more time.
To serve, stack your pancakes high! Place sliced strawberries between each layer, then generously drizzle with the strawberry syrup. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream on top and extra strawberries for garnish. Enjoy the bliss!