The Best Easy Fluffy Homemade Pancakes Recipe (No Buttermilk Needed!)
Craving the perfect stack of light, airy pancakes? This Easy Homemade Pancakes Recipe delivers incredibly fluffy results every single time, all without needing any buttermilk! Made with simple pantry staples, these pancakes are ideal for a delightful breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a fun “brinner” (breakfast for dinner). They’re absolutely perfect topped with classic butter and syrup, or you can get creative and pile on fresh berries and whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
I originally published this beloved recipe back in 2014, and it has since become a cherished staple in countless kitchens. Over the years, I’ve refined the instructions and added new, vibrant photos, along with essential success tips to ensure you achieve pancake perfection with utmost ease.
These truly are my absolute favorite pancakes and my go-to recipe when the craving hits. They offer a delightful balance of subtle sweetness and a wonderfully tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. While I occasionally enjoy variations like my Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes (whenever I happen to have buttermilk on hand) or my High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a slightly different experience, this no-buttermilk version remains a timeless classic. Its simplicity, consistent deliciousness, and the fact that it uses readily available ingredients make it an undeniable winner.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Fluffy Pancake Recipe
There are countless reasons why this particular pancake recipe stands out from the rest and has garnered such widespread popularity. If you’re looking for a reliable, delicious, and easy pancake recipe, here’s a quick look at what makes these homemade pancakes an absolute must-try for your next breakfast or brunch gathering:
- Made with Simple, Everyday Ingredients: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it requires no special trip to the grocery store. It relies on common pantry staples you likely already have on hand, such as all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The most important convenience? No buttermilk is needed! This makes it incredibly convenient to whip up a batch anytime the craving for warm, fluffy pancakes strikes.
- Freezer-Friendly for Busy Mornings: Life often gets hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on a satisfying homemade breakfast. These pancakes freeze beautifully, making them an excellent candidate for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekend and simply pop them into the toaster or microwave on busy weekdays for a quick, wholesome, and delicious start to your day.
- Unbelievably Soft and Fluffy Texture: The secret to their irresistibly cloud-like texture lies in the precise balance of ingredients and a specific mixing technique. You’ll be genuinely amazed at how incredibly light and airy they turn out, rivaling, if not surpassing, any diner-style pancake you’ve ever had.
- Perfectly Adaptable to Your Taste and Preferences: While these pancakes are absolutely delicious on their own, they also serve as a fantastic, versatile canvas for a wide array of additions and toppings. Whether you want to fold in fresh fruit or chocolate chips, or drench them in different syrups and sauces, you can easily customize every single serving to suit individual tastes and culinary whims.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make from Scratch: Don’t let the “homemade” label intimidate you. This recipe is remarkably straightforward and surprisingly quick to prepare, often taking only marginally more time than using a pre-packaged boxed mix. The substantial payoff, of course, is a vastly superior, fresh taste that is miles ahead of any store-bought alternative.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pancakes
The true brilliance of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and the universal availability of its ingredients. You very likely have most, if not all, of these kitchen staples in your pantry and refrigerator right now. Let’s delve a little deeper into what goes into making these delicious pancakes and the specific role each component plays in achieving the perfect texture and flavor:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of our pancakes. While all-purpose flour is the standard and recommended choice for its consistent results, you can certainly experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix if you’re aiming to make them gluten-free. (Refer to the FAQ section for more detailed guidance on this adaptation.)
- Granulated Sugar: A modest amount of sugar serves multiple purposes in this recipe: it adds a pleasant underlying sweetness and, crucially, it assists in the caramelization process during cooking, contributing to that desirable golden-brown exterior on your pancakes. For those who prefer, alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar can be used.
- Baking Powder: This is our powerhouse leavening agent. It’s solely responsible for creating those wonderful, characteristic bubbles and the incredibly fluffy, airy texture we all crave in a perfect pancake. Always ensure your baking powder is fresh and active for the best possible rise!
- Salt: Although used in a small quantity, salt is an absolutely crucial ingredient. It doesn’t just add its own flavor; it masterfully balances the sweetness from the sugar and significantly enhances the overall depth and complexity of the pancake’s taste profile. Never omit it!
Wet Ingredients:
- Milk: Any type of dairy milk (whole milk, 2%, or even skim milk) will work wonderfully in this recipe, providing the necessary moisture and helping to create a smooth, pourable batter. For those who require a dairy-free option, your preferred plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, can be substituted seamlessly without compromising the final result.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are vital for contributing to the structural integrity, richness, and binding properties of the pancakes. They also play a significant role in creating a tender and moist crumb, ensuring the pancakes hold together beautifully.
- Melted Butter: Using melted butter is highly recommended for this recipe as it imparts an incredible depth of rich, nutty flavor that a simple neutral oil cannot quite replicate. It also significantly contributes to the moistness and tenderness of the pancakes. If, however, you’re out of butter or prefer an alternative, a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used as a direct substitute, though you might notice a slight difference in that signature buttery taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A single teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract lends a subtle yet profoundly delightful aromatic note that truly elevates the overall flavor of these pancakes. Pure vanilla extract is always recommended for achieving the most authentic and pleasant taste.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Homemade Pancakes
Making these easy fluffy pancakes is a surprisingly straightforward and rewarding process that even novice cooks can master with confidence. Here’s a quick, detailed overview of the method to help you visualize each step and ensure success. For precise measurements and more explicit, printable instructions, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Preheat Your Griddle or Skillet: The first crucial step is to begin by preheating a large griddle or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Maintaining the correct temperature is paramount; cooking pancakes on too high a heat will result in rapidly burned exteriors with raw, undercooked centers. Conversely, heat that is too low can lead to dry, overly crispy pancakes. A well-preheated griddle ensures even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful, uniformly golden-brown results. You can test if it’s perfectly ready by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface; if they sizzle immediately and evaporate within a second or two, your griddle is at the ideal temperature.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, meticulously whisk together all of your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This initial whisking step is vital as it ensures that all these components, especially the leavening agent and salt, are thoroughly and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This uniformity is essential for consistent rising and balanced flavor in every pancake.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, or by creating a deep well in the center of your dry ingredients, combine the milk, large eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Give these wet ingredients a quick but thorough whisk to ensure they are well-incorporated before introducing them to the dry mixture. This prevents overmixing later.
- Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Now, pour the prepared wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir them together *just until they are combined*. This is perhaps the single most critical tip for achieving truly fluffy pancakes: DO NOT OVERMIX THE BATTER! It is not only perfectly normal but actually desirable for there to be a few small lumps remaining in your batter. Overmixing causes the gluten in the flour to develop excessively, which will inevitably result in tough, chewy pancakes instead of the desired light and airy texture.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Once your batter is ready and your griddle is perfectly preheated, use a 1/4-cup measuring cup or an ice cream scoop (for optimal uniformity) to pour individual portions of batter onto the hot cooking surface. Allow the pancakes to cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side. You’ll know they are ready to flip when you observe numerous bubbles forming and popping on the surface, and the edges appear set and slightly dry. The bottom should also be a lovely golden brown. Using a thin spatula, gently flip each pancake and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes on the second side, until it too is golden brown and completely cooked through.
- Serve Immediately: For the absolute best flavor and texture, pancakes are always best enjoyed fresh off the griddle! Serve them piping hot with your favorite accompaniments and toppings.
PRO TIP: Keep Large Batches Warm
If you’re preparing a generous batch of pancakes to feed a hungry crowd, keeping them all warm and perfectly ready can be a bit of a culinary juggling act. To simplify this, simply preheat your oven to a very low temperature, around 175°F (80°C). Place a large baking sheet inside the oven. As your pancakes finish cooking and come off the griddle, transfer them to the warm baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer initially. This method effectively keeps them hot and ready for serving without any risk of them overcooking or becoming soggy. Once warm, you can stack them lightly if needed.
Endless Delicious Pancake Topping Ideas
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making homemade pancakes is the incredible freedom to customize them with an extensive array of delectable toppings. Whether your heart desires classic, comforting flavors or you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous and innovative, here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your pancake experience from great to truly unforgettable:
- The Unbeatable Classic: Nothing quite beats the timeless combination of a generous pat of melting butter and a drizzle of rich, pure maple syrup. Investing in a good quality pure maple syrup makes an enormous difference in flavor!
- Vibrant Fresh Fruit: Brighten your stack with slices of fresh banana, juicy blueberries, sweet raspberries, perfectly ripe strawberries, or a delightful mix of seasonal berries. For an extra touch of homemade goodness, consider making a vibrant Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce to pour over.
- Luxurious Creamy Delights: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream can instantly transform your breakfast pancakes into a dessert-like indulgence that’s hard to resist.
- For the Chocolate Lovers: Satisfy your sweet tooth by sprinkling chocolate chips (whether mini or regular, dark or milk) directly onto the batter once it’s on the griddle. Alternatively, you can lavishly drizzle your cooked pancakes with a rich chocolate sauce.
- Homemade Fruity Spreads: Beyond fresh fruit, explore the wonderful world of fruit spreads. Try your favorite jam or jelly, or homemade gourmet sauces such as zesty Lemon Curd, comforting Applesauce, or a festive Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce for a burst of flavor.
- Rich Nutty Notes: A smooth spread of any nut butter—be it classic peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter—adds both protein and a wonderfully rich, earthy flavor. For a delightful chocolate-hazelnut twist, a generous smear of Nutella is always a popular choice.
- Savory Pairings (Don’t Knock It Till You Try It!): While less common for the pancake itself, many enjoy the irresistible contrast of salty and sweet. Serve crispy bacon or savory sausage links alongside your sweet pancakes, or even top a stack with a perfectly fried egg for a truly hearty and unconventional breakfast experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Pancakes
Have more questions about making, storing, or adapting this easy pancake recipe? Here are detailed answers to some common inquiries to help you achieve absolute pancake perfection every single time you cook:
Proper storage is essential for enjoying your delicious pancakes days after they’re made. Once your cooked pancakes have cooled completely to room temperature, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, which is fantastic for meal prepping, allow the cooked pancakes to cool fully. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If stacking, place a small piece of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent them from sticking together. Once they are solid (typically after about 1-2 hours in the freezer), transfer the frozen pancakes to a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be safely frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating pancakes is simple and quick, offering a few convenient methods! For a single serving or two, placing a pancake in a toaster or toaster oven often yields the best texture, warming it through and giving it a slight crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat a serving in a microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until it’s heated through (though this might result in a softer texture). For larger quantities, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), arrange the pancakes on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed and soft.
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable for a gluten-free diet. To make these pancakes gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount (a cup for a cup) of your favorite gluten-free baking mix. Many brands, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour, are specifically designed for this type of substitution and work exceptionally well. Follow the rest of the recipe instructions as written, and you’ll still achieve delicious, fluffy pancakes.
Yes, they certainly can be made dairy-free without compromising taste or texture! For a dairy-free version, simply replace the cow’s milk with an equal amount of your preferred dairy-free milk alternative. Excellent choices include almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Additionally, replace the melted butter with an equal quantity of a neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil (just ensure it’s fully melted and liquid before adding). The resulting pancakes will still be wonderfully flavorful and have a fantastic texture!
While pancakes are generally at their fluffiest and best when the batter is made fresh and cooked shortly after mixing, you do have some options for preparing ahead. You can combine all the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container for future use. For the wet ingredients, you can whisk them together separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Combine the wet and dry mixtures just before you are ready to cook. If you mix the entire batter and let it sit for an extended period, the baking powder can lose some of its leavening power, potentially resulting in slightly less fluffy pancakes. If you opt to make the full batter ahead, give it a very gentle stir (do not whisk vigorously) just before you start cooking.
The ideal temperature for cooking pancakes is medium-low heat. This allows the pancakes to cook evenly all the way through, developing a beautiful golden-brown crust without burning. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn quickly while the inside remains raw and doughy. If the heat is too low, the pancakes can become dry and overly crispy. A good way to test your griddle’s temperature is to drop a small amount of batter on the surface; it should sizzle gently and spread slightly, cooking evenly. For electric griddles, a temperature setting between 325-350°F (160-175°C) is usually perfect.
Top Tips for the Fluffiest Homemade Pancakes Ever
Achieving perfectly light and fluffy pancakes isn’t a secret art, but rather a mastery of a few simple yet crucial techniques. By following these expert tips, you’ll consistently create pancakes that are incredibly airy, tender, and utterly delicious:
- DON’T OVERMIX THE BATTER: This tip is, without exaggeration, the golden rule for fluffy pancakes. Overmixing the batter vigorously or for too long will develop the gluten strands in the flour. This leads to a tough, chewy, and rubbery pancake texture, completely contrary to the soft and tender results you desire. Instead, mix the wet and dry ingredients together just until they are barely combined. It is absolutely okay—and actually preferred—for there to be a few small lumps remaining in the batter. Resist the powerful urge to whisk them completely smooth!
- PAY ATTENTION TO BATTER THICKNESS: The consistency of your pancake batter plays a profoundly crucial role in the final texture and height of your pancakes. If the batter is too runny, your pancakes will tend to spread out too thinly on the griddle and won’t achieve that desirable fluffy height. Conversely, if the batter is excessively thick, the pancakes might turn out dense, heavy, or even slightly doughy in the very middle. The ideal consistency is thick enough to hold its shape when gently poured, yet still flows easily from your measuring cup or scoop. You can fine-tune this: add a tiny splash more milk if it appears too thick, or a tablespoon of flour if it seems too thin.
- LET THE BATTER REST FOR EXTRA FLUFFINESS: For truly exceptional, cloud-like fluffiness, incorporate a simple resting period. After you’ve mixed your pancake batter (and remember, don’t overmix!), allow it to rest undisturbed for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This brief resting period serves two important purposes: it gives the flour ample time to fully hydrate, and it allows the baking powder to fully activate, which collectively results in a significantly lighter, more tender, and notably fluffier crumb. Crucially, do not stir or whisk the batter again after this resting period!
- ADD-INS GO ON THE GRIDDLE, NOT IN THE BOWL: If you’re incorporating delicious additions such as chocolate chips, fresh blueberries, or colorful sprinkles, resist the temptation to stir them directly into the entire batch of batter in the mixing bowl. Instead, spoon or pour your individual portion of plain batter onto the hot griddle first. Then, immediately sprinkle your desired add-ins evenly over the top of each individual pancake while it’s cooking on the griddle. This ingenious method ensures that your add-ins are perfectly and evenly distributed, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the bowl or potentially burning on the cooking surface.
- DON’T COOK ON HIGH HEAT! PATIENCE IS KEY: When it comes to cooking pancakes, patience truly is a virtue. It is always best to cook them over a consistent medium to medium-low heat setting. While this approach might mean a slightly longer cooking time per side, it guarantees that your pancakes cook evenly all the way through. This results in a beautiful, uniform golden-brown exterior without any risk of burning, and a perfectly cooked, airy, and fluffy interior. High heat, on the other hand, will quickly char the outside while leaving the inside disappointingly raw and undercooked.
- ENSURE YOUR GRIDDLE IS PROPERLY PREHEATED AND LIGHTLY OILED: A consistently hot and evenly heated griddle is absolutely essential for achieving consistently good results, including even cooking and that desirable golden crust. Always test your griddle’s temperature (as mentioned in the instruction section). For greasing, apply a very light coating of butter or a neutral oil to the griddle surface, using a paper towel to wipe off any excess. Too much oil can lead to greasy pancakes that don’t brown as nicely. Reapply sparingly between batches.
- USE AN ICE CREAM SCOOP OR MEASURING CUP FOR UNIFORMITY: For creating perfectly round, consistently sized, and uniformly thick pancakes, a simple trick is to use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a dedicated ice cream scoop to portion and pour the batter onto the griddle. This not only makes the flipping process significantly easier but also ensures that all your pancakes cook at approximately the same rate, resulting in a batch of beautifully identical fluffy delights.
Armed with these comprehensive tips and this foolproof recipe, you’re now fully equipped to master the art of homemade pancakes. Get ready to create the best, fluffiest stack imaginable. Enjoy your delicious culinary creation!
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Easy Homemade Pancakes Recipe
16
pancakes (about)
Malinda Linnebur
View Recipe
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1⅔ cup (395ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat a large griddle or skillet over medium to medium-low heat.
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined. There should be some lumps in your batter; do not overmix.
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Pour ¼ cupfuls of batter onto the preheated griddle. Cook on one side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes on the other side or until golden and cooked through. Serve immediately with butter and syrup if desired.
Notes
- NUTRITION: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.
Nutrition
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