Looking for a simple, delicious pancake recipe that doesn’t require a box mix? Look no further! This easy recipe for Fluffy Pancakes can be made from scratch with just a few basic ingredients.
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Are you a breakfast lover? If so, this fluffy pancakes recipe is for you! Perfect for a quick breakfast (or dinner option) and can be customized to fit your tastes. Serve with some crispy bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit and you have a classic meal the entire family will enjoy. Also check out my Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes and Pumpkin Spice Pancakes for more pancake recipes!
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Why you’ll Love these Fluffy Pancakes
- Just as easy as using a boxed pancake mix– using simple ingredients you may already have on hand, these homemade pancakes can be made just as quickly and easily as using a boxed mix from the grocery store.
- Customizable– feel free to add in some fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can add in some chocolate chips or sprinkle some cinnamon to change them up.
- Perfect any time of the day– if you’re like my family, breakfast for dinner is always a winner. You can enjoy these any time that craving hits!
- Fail proof– perfectly moist, fluffy, thick, and tender every time! No need to stress over this recipe, any experience level can perfect it!
Ingredients Needed to make the best fluffy pancake recipe
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed as well as a few substitution options. To see printable recipe card with exact amounts, scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Milk– any type works, we use 2% because it is what we have on hand, however, use what you have in your refrigerator. Almond milk and oat milk are great non-dairy milk options.
- Vinegar– white distilled vinegar will combine with the milk to create a buttermilk substitute. This keeps the pancakes perfectly fluffy and tender. If you have buttermilk already on hand, use ¾ cup and omit the milk/vinegar mixture.
- Flour– all purpose flour is best for this recipe.
- Sugar– white granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness throughout. You can also use stevia, coconut sugar, or even brown sugar if desired.
- Baking Soda/ Baking Powder/ Salt– this gives the pancakes their rise and fluffy texture. Ensure freshness by changing out you baking soda and powder every 6 months.
- Egg– one large egg at room temperature is best as it combines into the liquids easier.
- Butter– I use unsalted butter since salt is added to the pancake batter. You can use salted butter if that is all you have on hand. You will want to melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly before adding it in with the other ingredients.
Variations
So many great ways to make these your own from various ingredients to add in, and more ideas to top these with!
In the Batter:
- Blueberries
- Chocolate Chips
- Cinnamon
- Diced Strawberries
On Top:
- Whipped Cream
- Syrup
- Honey
- Fresh Fruit (fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, banana slices, etc.)
- Powdered Sugar
How to make Buttermilk Pancakes
- Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl. Set aside for about 5 minutes to let the milk “sour”. This is your buttermilk substitute.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk in egg and melted butter into soured milk.
- Pour the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
- Heat a large skillet, pan, or griddle over medium heat and coat with cooking spray.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula and cook until browned on other side. Continue making pancakes until batter is gone.
- Serve warm with butter and maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruit or topping of choice.
Tips and Tricks for Homemade Fluffy Pancakes
- Do NOT over-mix the batter! Stir until just combined and lumps are gone. Over-mixing results in the pancakes becoming dense, flat, and not as fluffy.
- You can tell your buttermilk pancakes are ready to flip over when the edges begin to look set and the bubbles in the batter begin to burst on top. Use a spatula and peek underneath the pancake, if golden brown, it’s time to flip over.
- Measure correctly! Simply scoop measuring cup through the flour and use a knife to level off. No need to pack the ingredients into the measuring cups.
- It is best to prepare the batter when ready to use. You don’t want the baking powder to deactivate and cause flat pancakes. Prepare batter when ready to use and be sure to use up all batter versus saving some for later. Pancakes reheat perfectly, so no need to save the pancake batter for later.
- If you don’t need to feed a lot of people, you can easily cut this recipe in half.
- For added flavor, add about 1-2 tsp. vanilla extract into your pancake batter.
Storing Fluffy Pancakes
- Once batter is used up and all pancakes have been made, allow to full cool. Place in an airtight bag or container in the fridge up to 5 days.
- To freeze, stack 2-3 pancakes on top of each other and cover in plastic wrap. Wrap again in a piece of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes and place in the microwave or toaster to heat through.
More Breakfast Recipes to try
- German Pancakes– Dutch Baby, also known as German Pancakes, are made with a batter of flour, eggs, sugar, butter, milk, cooked in the oven! Baked to golden fluffy perfection!
- Easy Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake– combines all the flavors you love in homemade cinnamon rolls with a moist and fluffy coffee cake. Easy to make and a family favorite, this easy Cinnabon Cake is perfect for any occasion!
- Belgian Waffles– easy and makes the most delicious, authentic, Belgian waffles! Crisp on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, you’ll never need another waffle recipe again!
- Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche– easy to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in only about 5 minutes! A great way to use up any leftover ham from the Holidays!
- Spinach and Mushroom Quiche– made with yummy vegetables and a creamy egg filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Quick and Easy Fluffy Pancakes (from scratch)
Looking for a delicious and easy pancake recipe that you can make from scratch? Look no further! These Fluffy Pancakes are sure to become a family favorite breakfast treat.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 cup flour *all purpose
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon butter *melted
Instructions
- Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl. Set aside for about 5 minutes to let the milk “sour”.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk in egg and melted butter into soured milk.
- Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula and cook until browned on other side.
- Serve warm with butter and syrup, powdered sugar, fruit or topping of choice.
Nutrition
Serving: 2pancakesCalories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 408mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 206IUCalcium: 86mgIron: 1mg
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Amanda Dorton says
I have been using this exact recipe for about 15 years and love it!!! I teach culinary and I have my kids do this one at school. It teaches them about making “buttermilk” and about what the function of each ingredient does in the recipe. Being yummy it a huge plus!
Kristin says
Yay!! It is such a tried and true classic! My grandma made these, then my mom, now me! I love them!!
Pam Cates says
Will the pancake recipe work for waffles?
Kristin says
Yes, with a few modifications. The main thing that you will need to add extra oil and fat to the mix to give the waffle the crispy outer layer. Sometimes a toss of sugar is a good idea too! I am not sure on exact amounts, however, this is the waffle recipe my family uses and loves if you want to give it a try! https://thecookinchicks.com/homemade-belgian-waffles/