If you have a craving for something warm, fluffy, and just a little bit sweet, this Homemade Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless breakfast favorite that combines simple pantry staples into golden, tender pancakes that practically melt in your mouth. Each bite brings the perfect balance of fluffiness and flavor, making it an irresistible start to any morning or even a delightful treat any time of day. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for effortless, crowd-pleasing breakfasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential for achieving that perfect pancake texture and flavor. Each one plays a key role—flour for structure, baking powder for fluffiness, and vanilla extract for a hint of sweet aroma that makes your pancakes memorable.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your pancakes structure and a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is your secret weapon for fluffy pancakes that rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps create a moist texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking): Adds richness and helps the pancakes brown perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
How to Make Homemade Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures that the rising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout your batter for consistent results.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients separately before adding them to the dry mix helps create a smoother batter and prevents overworking the flour.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter is a bit lumpy—that’s actually a good sign for tender pancakes. Overmixing can make them tough, so keep the stir light.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet or Griddle
Warm up a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. A properly heated pan will give your pancakes that golden-brown finish and keep them from sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to look set, then flip and cook until the other side is golden brown. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes per side but keep an eye on the color.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve
As you finish cooking, keep the pancakes warm by placing them in a 200°F oven if desired. This way, everyone gets to enjoy them hot and fresh at the same time. Now you’re ready to serve these beauties with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Homemade Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates pancakes quite like the perfect garnish. Classic options include a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream turn simple pancakes into a delightful feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded breakfast, serve your pancakes alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or fluffy scrambled eggs. These savory sides complement the sweetness of your pancakes, making the meal feel balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your pancakes into a towering stack and layering in chocolate chips or nuts between each layer. You can also create pancake art using colored batter or arrange fresh fruit in pretty patterns on top. This Homemade Pancakes Recipe is versatile enough to inspire your creativity every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover pancakes, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to two days and taste wonderful when reheated.
Freezing
To freeze pancakes, separate each one with parchment paper and stack them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab just what you need for later breakfasts.
Reheating
Reheat your pancakes in a toaster, microwave, or oven. Using a toaster creates a crisp edge while maintaining that soft center, bringing back the fresh-from-the-griddle experience in a flash.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds nuttiness and fiber but can make pancakes a bit denser. To keep them light, you might want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
What causes pancakes to be tough, and how can I avoid it?
Overmixing the batter develops gluten, which can make pancakes chewy. Mix just until ingredients are combined, leaving a few lumps for tender, fluffy results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The pancakes will still be delicious and moist.
How do I know when to flip pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and the edges starting to look set and slightly dry. This usually means the bottom is cooked and ready to flip for even browning.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely. This Homemade Pancakes Recipe scales up easily. Just mix larger quantities of ingredients and cook in batches, keeping the pancakes warm in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Homemade Pancakes Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you’re just minutes away from enjoying a batch of perfect pancakes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch it become an instant breakfast favorite in your home.
Print
Homemade Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic homemade pancakes that are light, fluffy, and perfect for a comforting breakfast. Made with simple ingredients like flour, milk, eggs, and butter, these pancakes can be whipped up quickly and served with your favorite toppings such as syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s okay to have some lumps; do not overmix to keep pancakes tender.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly melt some butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Keep warm: Repeat with the remaining batter, placing cooked pancakes in a warm oven set at 200°F to keep them warm without drying out.
- Serve: Serve pancakes hot with your choice of syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; lumps help keep pancakes fluffy.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring pancakes cook evenly.
- Keeping cooked pancakes warm in a low oven helps serve them all at once.
- For dairy-free, substitute almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Pancakes can be frozen and reheated in a toaster or oven for quick breakfasts.
