There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of warm, golden pancakes sizzling on the griddle. It’s the kind of breakfast that instantly makes any morning feel special, whether it’s a lazy weekend, a holiday brunch, or even a weekday treat. Pancakes have been a beloved breakfast staple for centuries, enjoyed in cultures all over the world. From the thick, fluffy American-style pancakes to the delicate French crêpes, variations of this comforting dish have been passed down through generations.

Making homemade pancakes from scratch is easier than you might think, and the best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen! No need for a store-bought mix—just a few simple pantry staples come together to create the softest, fluffiest pancakes with a delicious buttery flavor. Whether you top them with classic maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar, these pancakes will quickly become your go-to recipe.

So grab your mixing bowl, heat up that griddle, and get ready to make the best homemade pancakes you’ve ever had!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or special techniques required. Just mix, pour, and flip!
• Fluffy and Delicious – These pancakes rise beautifully, creating that perfect soft and airy texture.
• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, blueberries, or even a hint of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner, these pancakes always hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Easy Homemade Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the pancakes rise evenly when cooking.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The melted butter adds a rich flavor and helps create that perfectly soft texture. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk or spatula. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of light, fluffy ones!

Step 2: Heat the Griddle

Preheat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using a pan, lightly grease it with butter or a little bit of oil. You’ll know it’s ready when you sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface and they sizzle.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. If you want evenly shaped pancakes, try using a squeeze bottle or an ice cream scoop for precision.

Let the pancakes cook until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges start to look set—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the bubbles pop and leave small holes, flip the pancake carefully with a spatula. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pancakes to a plate and keep them warm under a clean kitchen towel while you cook the rest. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings—classic maple syrup, fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Helpful Tips for the Best Pancakes

• Don’t Overmix the Batter – A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
• Let the Batter Rest – If you have a few extra minutes, letting the batter rest for 5-10 minutes allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer pancakes.
• Check Your Baking Powder – Make sure your baking powder is fresh! Expired baking powder won’t give you the fluffy rise you’re looking for.
• Keep the Heat at Medium – Too high, and the pancakes will burn before cooking through; too low, and they won’t get that golden brown color.
• Use a Measuring Cup for Even Pancakes – A ¼ cup scoop ensures all your pancakes are the same size, making them cook evenly.
• Warm Up the Syrup – Slightly warming your maple syrup before pouring it over the pancakes makes everything taste even cozier.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 pancakes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you prefer extra fluffy pancakes, you can separate the egg and beat the egg white until soft peaks form, then fold it into the batter.
• Substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a bit of lemon zest to enhance the flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Pancake)

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, as some separation may occur.

Why are my pancakes not fluffy?

This could be due to overmixing, expired baking powder, or cooking at too low a temperature. Make sure your ingredients are fresh and that your batter has some lumps for the best texture.

Can I freeze pancakes?

Absolutely! Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between each pancake. They’ll last up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop them in the toaster or microwave.

What’s the best way to reheat pancakes?

The quickest way is in the microwave for about 20 seconds per pancake. For a crispier texture, reheat them in the toaster or a skillet over low heat.

Can I make these pancakes without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm pancakes in the microwave, toaster, or on a skillet over low heat.

Related Recipes

If you loved these homemade pancakes, you’ll definitely want to try these other breakfast favorites:

• Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
• Chinese-Style Savory Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes (Vegan Recipe)
• Fluffy Mango Pancakes
• German Pancakes with Homemade Butter Syrup

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about a stack of homemade pancakes, fresh off the griddle and topped with your favorite syrup or fruit. This simple recipe delivers the perfect balance of fluffiness and flavor, making it a must-have for any breakfast lover. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten up your morning, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite.

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