Pancakes Recipe
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of warm, golden-brown pancakes sizzling on the griddle. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a family brunch, or a sweet breakfast-for-dinner treat, this classic pancakes recipe delivers fluffy, buttery goodness every time.
Made with simple pantry staples, these pancakes are easy enough for beginners and satisfying enough for experienced home cooks to love. Say goodbye to box mixes—once you try these homemade pancakes, you’ll never look back.
📋 Recipe Overview
- Name: Pancakes Recipe
- Servings: 4 (makes about 10–12 medium pancakes)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American breakfast
🛒 Ingredients
You likely already have everything you need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk (any kind – dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)
Optional add-ins: blueberries, chocolate chips, banana slices, cinnamon, or a pinch of nutmeg.
🧑🍳 Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Griddle or Pan
Set a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat so it’s hot and ready when your batter is done. If using a griddle, aim for around 375°F (190°C).
🥣 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Whisking helps ensure even distribution of ingredients for consistent pancakes.
🥄 Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl or measuring cup, combine:
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
🌀 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
- Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—do not overmix or your pancakes may turn out dense.
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while your pan heats. This helps the baking powder activate and gives fluffier results.
🍳 Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
- Lightly grease your griddle or skillet with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface.
Cook Time:
- Cook the first side for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on top and the edges look set.
- Flip and cook the second side for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown.
Repeat until all batter is used, greasing the pan as needed.
🕓 Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Mixing Ingredients | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Pancakes | 15–20 minutes |
| Total Time | ~25–30 minutes |
🔥 Intensity Level: Easy
This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. No special tools or advanced techniques are required—just a bowl, a whisk, and a pan. Even kids can help with mixing and flipping! The only trick is not to overmix the batter and to watch your heat level so the pancakes cook evenly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These pancakes are endlessly customizable. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- Classic Style: With butter and real maple syrup
- Berry Boost: Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream
- Nutty Delight: Add a smear of peanut butter and banana slices
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter
- Savory Twist: Add herbs and cheese to make savory pancake stacks
Want to go big? Stack 3–4 pancakes with toppings between each layer for an eye-catching breakfast tower.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate:
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then stack with parchment paper between and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds
- Toaster: Great for crisp edges
- Oven: Warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per 1 medium pancake – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Nutrition will vary depending on add-ins and toppings.
🍌 Fun Variations
Want to get creative with your pancakes? Try one of these flavor spins:
- Banana Pancakes: Mash 1 ripe banana into the batter
- Blueberry Pancakes: Add ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in a little flour first)
- Oatmeal Pancakes: Replace ½ cup flour with quick oats
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Add ½ cup ricotta cheese and 1 tsp lemon zest
- Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: Add ½ cup pumpkin purée and 1 tsp pumpkin spice mix
🥄 Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Griddle or non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Ladle or ¼-cup measuring scoop
❓ FAQ
Q: Why are my pancakes flat?
A: Check that your baking powder is fresh, and don’t overmix the batter. Also, let the batter rest before cooking.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: You can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately in advance, then combine just before cooking for the best texture.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for heartier, fiber-rich pancakes.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This classic pancakes recipe is your go-to for fluffy, golden pancakes that come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for slow Sunday mornings, quick weekday breakfasts, or surprise breakfast-in-bed gestures, these pancakes are as comforting as they are easy.
With just a few basic ingredients and a little flipping finesse, you’ll have a stack of warm, homemade goodness ready to go. Add your favorite toppings, pair with coffee or juice, and enjoy the best part of your day.
💬 Did You Try This Recipe?
We’d love to hear how your pancakes turned out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag us on Instagram at #FluffyPancakeLove so we can see your perfect stacks!
