What preparation method is used for American pancakes?

The preparation method used for American pancakes is the muffin method, which is a straightforward and efficient way to combine dry and wet ingredients. This method involves mixing the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Once both are prepared, the wet ingredients are gently added to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. This technique helps to ensure that the pancakes remain tender and fluffy, as overmixing can develop gluten and lead to tough pancakes.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned have different applications. The rubbing method is typically used for incorporating fat into flour when making pastries such as pie crusts, while the creaming method is used for cookies and cakes, where butter and sugar are beaten together for a light and airy texture. The whipping method involves incorporating air into ingredients, commonly used for egg whites or cream, but it is not suitable for the pancake batter, which benefits from a less aerated mixture.