Nothing beats the taste of homemade fluffy pancakes! These pancakes are light, airy, and perfectly golden, making them a breakfast favorite for the whole family. Whether you love them with butter and syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream, this recipe guarantees perfect pancakes every time.
Why You’ll Love These Pancakes
✔ Super Fluffy – The perfect balance of baking powder and buttermilk creates an airy texture.
✔ Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples.
✔ Versatile – Add chocolate chips, blueberries, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
✔ Better than Store-Bought – No need for a mix when you can make these from scratch!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Cooking spray or additional butter (for the pan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. (Do not overmix – lumps are okay!)
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes
⭐ Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing makes pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
⭐ Let the batter rest for 5 minutes – This allows the baking powder to activate for extra fluffiness.
⭐ Use a medium-low heat – High heat can burn the pancakes before they cook inside.
⭐ Wait for bubbles before flipping – This ensures even cooking and prevents a raw center.
⭐ Use buttermilk for ultra-fluffy pancakes – If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Tasty Variations
💛 Blueberry Pancakes – Fold ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto each pancake before flipping.
🍌 Banana Pancakes – Mash 1 ripe banana and mix it into the wet ingredients.
🌰 Nutty Pancakes – Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy bite.
🍏 Apple Cinnamon Pancakes – Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ½ cup grated apple.
Serving Suggestions
🥞 Classic: Butter and maple syrup
🍓 Fruity: Fresh berries and whipped cream
🍫 Indulgent: Nutella and banana slices
🥜 Nutty: Peanut butter and honey
Storage & Reheating
How to Store Leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Layer pancakes between wax paper and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Toaster: Toast on low for crispy edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my pancakes fluffy?
If your pancakes turn out flat, check that:
- Your baking powder is fresh. Expired baking powder won’t work properly.
- You didn’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay!
- You let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but you may need to stir it gently before cooking.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for regular milk and use vegan butter.
What’s the secret to restaurant-style pancakes?
For extra fluffy pancakes, separate the egg and beat the egg white until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the batter.
Final Thoughts
These fluffy homemade pancakes are soft, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you keep them classic or customize them with your favorite mix-ins, they’re sure to be a breakfast favorite.
Try them today and let me know how you like them! 🥞