There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of fresh pancakes sizzling on the griddle. Light, soft, and golden, these fluffy homemade pancakes are everything you want in a classic breakfast. Whether you’re cooking for family, treating yourself on a weekend, or serving brunch to friends, this recipe delivers perfection in every bite.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make foolproof pancakes that are tender inside, beautifully golden on the outside, and irresistibly delicious. We’ll walk through the ingredients, share some helpful techniques, and offer variations to suit your taste.
Why These Pancakes Are a Breakfast Favorite
Soft and Golden Texture Every Time
The secret to these pancakes lies in the balance of ingredients and a few easy tips. Baking powder ensures a lofty rise, while the melted butter and egg bring richness and moisture. When cooked on a properly heated skillet, the result is pancakes that are golden and slightly crisp on the outside with a fluffy, pillowy center.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These pancakes aren’t just a weekend luxury—they’re simple enough for weekday mornings too. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a comforting breakfast in no time. Add fruit, nuts, or a touch of cinnamon for a personalized twist, or keep it classic with maple syrup and butter.
What You’ll Need and How to Make Them
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups (300ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Butter or oil for cooking
Directions
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. - Make the Batter
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula—do not overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in fluffier pancakes. - Rest the Batter (Optional)
Allow the batter to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the baking powder activate, giving the pancakes extra lift. - Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. - Serve & Enjoy
Stack the pancakes high and top with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or nut butter. Serve warm and enjoy the fluffy goodness!
Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Pancakes are best fresh off the griddle, but you can definitely prepare ahead:
- To refrigerate: Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or warm oven.
- To freeze: Lay pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Pop them straight into the toaster when ready to eat.
Creative Toppings and Mix-Ins
Take your pancakes up a notch with these fun ideas:
- Add-ins: Fold blueberries, chocolate chips, or banana slices into the batter.
- Toppings: Try Greek yogurt and honey, peanut butter and sliced banana, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup with crushed nuts.
- Savory twist: Omit the sugar and vanilla, and serve with crispy bacon or eggs.
Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 8 pancakes
Description
Classic, light, and fluffy pancakes perfect for any morning
Ingredients
– 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1¼ cups (300ml) milk
– 1 large egg
– 3 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract if using.
Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
Let it rest: Allow the batter to sit for 5–10 minutes. This step is optional but helps make the pancakes fluffier.
Cook the pancakes: Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve and enjoy: Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a pat of butter.
Notes
For extra fluff, don’t overmix and let the batter rest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: fluffy pancakes, breakfast, easy pancake recipe, homemade pancakes