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There’s something undeniably special about waking up to the smell of pancakes sizzling on the griddle—and these homemade fluffy pancakes are here to bring that magic to your breakfast table. Light, tender, and oh-so-comforting, this classic recipe is everything you want in a pancake: a golden exterior, pillowy center, and just the right balance of sweetness.
If you’re like me and believe breakfast should feel like a warm hug, then you’re in for a treat. And hey—if you want this recipe straight to your inbox (plus more like it), be sure to subscribe below so you never miss a delicious moment!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Fluffy Pancakes
This recipe isn’t just another pancake—it’s the pancake. The one you keep going back to, week after week. I’ve tested, tweaked, and taste-tested (with great pleasure, I might add!) to get this just right. Here’s why I think you’ll fall head-over-heels:
- Perfectly fluffy texture thanks to the right ratio of leavening and a little resting time.
- Simple pantry ingredients—nothing fancy, just the good stuff.
- Quick to make, from bowl to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile enough for a cozy weekday breakfast or a fancy weekend brunch.
What Do These Pancakes Taste Like?
These pancakes are tender and fluffy on the inside, with just a hint of vanilla and buttery richness. They’re subtly sweet on their own, making them the perfect canvas for maple syrup, fresh berries, or even a swipe of Nutella (no judgment here!). The edges get beautifully golden, offering that slight crisp when you bite in—chef’s kiss!
Health & Comfort in Every Bite
While pancakes may not always scream “healthy,” this homemade version skips the preservatives and additives found in boxed mixes. You control the ingredients here, which means you can easily adjust for dietary preferences or needs. Add whole wheat flour, dairy-free milk, or swap the sugar—this recipe flexes with you!
Ingredients for Homemade Fluffy Pancakes
You’ll likely have all of this on hand already!
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy both work!)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for the pan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ins
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Substitutions:
- Flour: Try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend for a healthier or gluten-free option.
- Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk are all fabulous substitutes.
- Butter: Coconut oil or vegan butter can be swapped in for dairy-free needs.
Add-Ins:
- Blueberries or chocolate chips: Fold them in just before cooking.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Zest: Lemon or orange zest brightens things up beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Fluffy Pancakes – Step by Step
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Gently
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. A few lumps are totally fine—overmixing leads to tough pancakes.
4. Let It Rest
Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes. This gives the baking powder time to activate, making your pancakes extra fluffy!
5. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set—about 2 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm with maple syrup, a pat of butter, and fresh fruits. Or go wild—peanut butter, whipped cream, jam—anything but boring!!
What to Serve With These Fluffy Pancakes
These beauties are a breakfast centerpiece, but here’s how you can elevate your plate:
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast.
- Greek yogurt and granola for a hearty, protein-packed topping.
- Fresh berries for a splash of color and tartness.
- A drizzle of honey or fruit compote for added sweetness.
- A latte or fresh orange juice to round out your breakfast feast.
Tips for Making the Best Pancakes Every Time
- Don’t overmix the batter—a few lumps mean fluffier pancakes.
- Let the batter rest—those few extra minutes make a big difference.
- Use a preheated pan—it ensures an even golden cook.
- Flip once, and only once—wait for those bubbles!
- Keep them warm—store cooked pancakes in a low oven (200°F) while you finish the batch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
These pancakes store beautifully!
- Refrigerate: Stack with parchment paper between them and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Lay flat in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Pop them in the toaster or microwave (30 seconds) for a quick breakfast on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the dry and wet separately and combine them right before cooking. Once combined, the batter should be used within an hour for best results.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure your griddle can keep up!
Why are my pancakes flat?
This usually happens when the batter is overmixed or not rested. Follow the instructions above for pillowy pancakes every time.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can make your own by combining 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cream of tartar. But for best results, stick to the recipe if you can.
Final Thoughts – Your New Go-To Pancake Recipe
So there you have it—your new secret weapon for lazy weekends, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something warm, fluffy, and made with love. These homemade fluffy pancakes are simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable.
Craving more pancake goodness? You have to check out these other mouthwatering breakfast favorites:
- Old-Fashioned Pancakes – a true diner-style classic.
- Potato Pancakes – golden and savory, perfect with sour cream or applesauce.
- German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) – crispy, traditional, and totally crave-worthy.
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you make these pancakes, I’d LOVE to see your creations! Tag your stack on Pinterest and share the breakfast joy. Got tips, toppings, or tweaks of your own? Drop a comment or leave a review below—your feedback helps others and makes my day!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – makes about 6 pancakes)
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
(Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.)
Thanks for cooking with me today. Here’s to golden stacks, big smiles, and breakfast memories worth savoring.
Print
Homemade Fluffy Pancakes That’ll Make Your Mornings Magical
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade fluffy pancakes are everything you want in a breakfast treat—light, airy, golden on the outside, and soft on the inside. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for slow weekend mornings or a sweet midweek pick-me-up. Top them with syrup, fruit, or your favorite spread and savor the comfort in every bite!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
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Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Combine gently: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Lumps are okay.
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Let it rest: Allow the batter to rest for 5–10 minutes for max fluffiness.
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Cook: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease with a bit of butter. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form (about 2 minutes), flip, and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden.
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Serve and enjoy: Stack them up and top with your favorite syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar!
Notes
Don’t skip the resting step—it’s key for fluffy pancakes!
Try folding in blueberries, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for fun variations.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg