This fluffy pancake recipe has the perfect amount of fluff, and sweetness in the batter. They’re buttery, so delicious, and easy to make! Sharing everything you need to know to make these fool-proof pancakes!
These fluffy pancakes are perfect for brunch. Pair them with one of our brunch cocktail recipes for the ultimate meal!
We’ve been enjoying this fluffy pancake recipe for years. They are absolutely perfect with crispy buttery edges and a fluffy texture on the inside.
You really can’t go wrong with these and everyone loves them! We have a pumpkin version that is just as good for the fall and the best lemon ricotta pancakes for spring!
In need of some more brunch recipes? Try our monkey bread recipe and our amazing monkey bread muffins!
A Quick History of Pancakes
Table of Contents
The history of pancakes stretches back over 30,000 years ago to a time with stone-age tools and ground flour out of local plants like ferns and cattails.
It’s thought that the flour was mixed with water and then baked on a hot rock, closer to what we know today as a crepe.
The ancient Greeks elevated the dish by topping them with honey, and eventually, the recipe morphed to include modern-day ingredients like egg, butter, and milk.
How to Make Pancakes
We’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best pancakes answer frequently asked questions and share our expert tips for recipe success. If you prefer to jump to the recipe, you can scroll to the bottom where you’ll find the recipe card and measurements.
Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies to make this recipe:
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredient Notes to make Perfect Pancakes
These classic pancakes are made using simple ingredients:
Whole Milk – Use organic whole milk. Milk provides structure and moisture to the recipe.
Butter – Unsalted butter is best for this recipe.
Eggs – Use large organic eggs when possible. Adds egg moisture and structure to the pancakes.
Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla will enhance and add flavor to the pancakes.
All-Purpose Flour – We use King Arthur four. Flour adds structure to the pancakes. You can also use whole wheat flour if you prefer. Make sure you measure the flour properly when baking.
Granulated Sugar – Sugar will sweeten the batter. If you want a healthier option, try monk fruit sweetener. It will change the flavor of the pancakes, but it’s a great alternative.
Baking Powder – This will create a fluffy texture and help them rise.
Making Pancakes Step-by-Step
Follow the below steps to make these delicious, fluffy pancakes:
- Whisk together wet ingredients – Milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. I usually do this in a large glass measuring cup.
- Whisk together dry ingredients – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and give it a few whisks just to lightly combine. The batter should be lumpy!
- Preheat the griddle over medium-high heat. If using an electric griddle set the temperature to 375°F.
- Cook the pancakes – Add a good amount of butter to the griddle and push it around where the pancake batter will be. Add 1/3 cup dollops of batter onto the griddle. Add what you can, giving the battered space to spread and cook.
- Cook for 2 – 3 minutes on one side until bubbles form.
- Then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Do not flip the pancakes again.
- Once the pancakes are cooked, remove them from the griddle and onto a plate. Continue making more pancakes until the batter is gone.
- Enjoy – Serve these fluffy pancakes warm with butter and maple syrup!
Tips For the Perfect Pancake Recipe
- Do not over-mix the batter. The batter should be lumpy and not smooth.
- Use a griddle or a large non-stick pan to cook the pancakes.
- Use 1/3 cup batter for each pancake.
- Carefully and gently wipe the hot griddle between pancakes and add new butter so the butter won’t burn. I usually do this with a paper towel.
- Always use, whole organic ingredients when possible.
- Never flip a pancake twice. Once you flip it let it cook on the other side and then remove it from the griddle.
What Can You Add to Pancakes?
Here are some fun suggestions for what you can add to your pancake batter before cooking them on the griddle.
- Chocolate Chips
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Ricotta
- Strawberries
- Gingerbread Spices
- Peanut Butter
- Coconut
- Cocoa Powder
- Matcha Powder
If you’re serving guests, set up a pancake bar for a fun entertaining idea. Similar to our waffle bar, you place out toppings and sauces for guests to make their own pancake combinations.
Have Fun with Pancake Shapes
Making pancakes in fun shapes is a great way to get creative and make breakfast more exciting.
To make pancake shapes, all you need is a squeeze bottle and some creativity! Fill the squeeze bottle with your favorite pancake batter, then draw or write whatever design you’d like onto a pre-heated griddle.
Flip the pancake when it’s golden brown and cook for an additional minute, then remove it from the griddle and enjoy your pancake creation.
The Perfect Pancake Toppings
When it comes to the perfect toppings, it’s all a matter of personal preference. If you’re going with traditional batter, you can opt for butter and syrup or keep things fresh with a fruit compote.
If you add some fun flavors to your pancakes, try to think of complementary pairings. Fruity pancakes go well with more subdued toppings, whereas chocolatey pancakes are delicious with a bright, tart topping.
Here are some of our favorite toppings:
- Berries
- Caramel Sauce
- Crème Fraîche
- Chocolate Ganache
- Nutella
- Sliced Bananas
- Preserves
- Whipped Cream
- Pecans and Walnuts
- Powdered Sugar
- Whipped Butter
- Gingerbread Syrup
- Peanut Butter
How to Keep Pancakes Warm
If you’re making pancakes for a family or larger group, it can be difficult to keep them warm while everyone is served. To keep the pancakes warm, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). As you finish each batch of pancakes, place them on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
How to Store Leftover Pancakes
Refrigerate
Leftover pancakes can last for several days if stored properly. The best way to store them is to wrap each pancake individually using aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help to keep the moisture in and prevent them from drying out. Once wrapped, place the pancakes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freeze
You can freeze them by layering each pancake between wax paper or parchment and placing them in a sealed plastic bag or another airtight container. Label the bag with the date and freeze it for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, remove from the bag and thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a toaster oven or microwave.
When to Serve Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast and brunch staple. They can be served any time of the year and are great for a relaxing weekend morning or for special occasions such as:
Spring Brunch or Fall Brunch
Pancake Breakfast
What to Serve with Pancakes
We suggest serving eggs and bacon with pancakes. You can also serve a fresh fruit platter with the best fruit dip too. Here are some recipes we love:
Frequently Asked Questions
A smooth griddle is best for making pancakes. The flat, broad surface gives you enough area to make multiple pancakes at once to speed up your cooking time.
Griddles also distribute even heat and the pancake batter won’t stick to the griddle while it’s cooking.
Here are a few secrets to making super fluffy pancakes:
Do not overmix the batter. Just like muffin batter, pancake batter should not be whipped or over-mixed. If it is, you will have flat, chewy pancakes rather than fluffy pancakes.
Cook them on a griddle with a little butter. This allows them to cook evenly without sticking.
Use quality ingredients when making pancakes. Whole butter, organic eggs, pure vanilla extract.
Lastly, make sure all of the ingredients are not out of date and that they are fresh.
Here are the three most popular types of pancakes:
Danish Aebleskiver
American-Style Pancakes
Crêpes
More Brunch Recipes You’ll Love!
Here are a few more of our favorite brunch recipes:
The Best Brown Butter Overnight Yeast Waffles
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Homemade Ricotta
And to wash those delicious pancakes down, make one of our favorite coffee recipes!
Let us know what you think!
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Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Whisk together wet ingredients – Milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. I usually do this in a large glass measuring cup.
- Whisk together dry ingredients – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and give it a few whisks just to lightly combine. The batter should be lumpy!
- Preheat the griddle over medium-high heat. If using an electric griddle set the temperature to 375°F.
- Cook the pancakes – Add a good amount of butter to the griddle and push it around where the pancake batter will be. Add 1/3 cup dollops of batter onto the griddle. Add what you can, giving the battered space to spread and cook.
- Cook for 2 – 3 min on one side until bubbles form. Then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Do not flip the pancakes again.
- Once the pancakes are cooked, remove them from the griddle and onto a plate. Continue making more pancakes until the batter is gone.
- Enjoy – Serve these fluffy pancakes warm with butter and syrup!
Notes
- Do not over mix the batter. The batter should be lumpy and not smooth.
- Use a griddle or a large non-stick pan to cook the pancakes.
- Use 1/3 cup batter for each pancake.
- Carefully and gently wipe the griddle between pancakes and add new butter so the butter won’t burn. I usually do this with a paper towel.
- Always use, whole organic ingredients when possible.
- Never flip a pancake twice. Once you flip it let it cook on the other side and then remove it from he griddle.
Nutrition
These pancakes are so good! A must try!!
These truly are the perfect pancakes! We use this recipe all the time!
This is seriously the best pancake we’ve tried! My kids really loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
My teens love this recipe for breakfast! Pancakes have always been my teens go to comfort food! So delicious and very yummy! Definitely going to make these soon!
These pancakes are so good!! This recipe really makes the perfect pancake! They are so buttery, light, & fluffy!
You can never go wrong with pancakes for breakfast! We love this recipe!
This is my favorite pancake recipe! YUM!!!!!!