There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup to start the day! These homemade pancakes are incredibly soft, light, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make the best pancakes ever—no box mix required! Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or treating yourself to a weekend brunch, these pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Extra Fluffy & Soft – Thanks to a perfect blend of baking powder and buttermilk.
✔ No Special Equipment Needed – Just a bowl, whisk, and a frying pan.
✔ Customizable – Add chocolate chips, blueberries, or spices for extra flavor.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish!
✔ Better Than Restaurant Pancakes – Light, buttery, and packed with homemade goodness.
Ingredients for Fluffy Pancakes
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or substitute, see below)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for greasing the pan)
How to Make the Fluffiest Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. (A few lumps are okay—don’t overmix, or your pancakes won’t be fluffy!)
Step 4: Preheat the Pan
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes).
- Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Stack the pancakes high and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
The Secret to Super Fluffy Pancakes
✅ Use Buttermilk – It reacts with baking soda for an airy texture. (No buttermilk? See substitution below!)
✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined; lumps are fine!
✅ Let the Batter Rest – Letting it sit for 5 minutes allows the ingredients to activate.
✅ Medium-Low Heat is Key – High heat can burn the pancakes before they cook through.
Pancake Variations & Add-Ins
🍫 Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
🫐 Blueberry Pancakes – Add ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
🍏 Cinnamon Apple Pancakes – Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and diced apples.
🍌 Banana Pancakes – Mash 1 ripe banana into the wet ingredients.
🥕 Carrot Cake Pancakes – Add ½ cup grated carrots and a pinch of nutmeg.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Pancakes Without Buttermilk?
Yes! You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing:
- 1 ¾ cups milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use it in the recipe.
Can I Make These Pancakes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the pancakes, let them cool, and store them:
- In the fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- In the freezer: Up to 2 months (separate layers with parchment paper).
To reheat, warm them in the microwave, toaster, or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Why Are My Pancakes Flat Instead of Fluffy?
This can happen if:
- The baking powder is expired (make sure it’s fresh!).
- The batter was overmixed, causing gluten to develop.
- The pan was too hot, cooking the pancakes too fast.
How Do I Make Pancakes Without Eggs?
Substitute 1 egg with:
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ mashed banana
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water
The Best Pancake Toppings
🥞 Classic: Maple syrup & butter
🍓 Fruity: Sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries
🍫 Indulgent: Chocolate sauce, Nutella, peanut butter
🍯 Healthy: Greek yogurt, honey, nuts, chia seeds
🍦 Dessert Style: Whipped cream & sprinkles
Final Thoughts
This fluffy pancake recipe is the perfect go-to for lazy weekend breakfasts, brunch with family, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. Once you try homemade pancakes, you’ll never go back to store-bought mixes!
So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a stack of soft, buttery, and ultra-fluffy pancakes today! 🥞💛
👉 Did you love these pancakes? Let us know in the comments and share your favorite toppings! 😊