If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes that practically melt in your mouth, this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe is exactly what you need. With a perfect balance of lightness and tenderness, these pancakes come together effortlessly with simple pantry staples, making breakfast not just a meal but a joyous experience. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick weekday treat, these pancakes promise warmth, comfort, and a deliciously satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to pancake perfection. Each one plays a crucial role: from the flour creating the structure, to the baking powder providing that irresistible fluff, and the butter adding a rich, tender crumb. Let’s take a look at these simple yet essential components that make this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe a true classic.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your pancakes their tender body and a light crumb.
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: The secret behind those delightful fluffy bubbles every pancake needs.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or plant-based): Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and brings richness.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A wonderful flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Sifting ensures that your dry ingredients are mixed evenly and helps create an airy batter that’s perfect for fluffy pancakes. This foundation is key to the texture we all love.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract if using. Whisking these together helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture that will blend perfectly with your dry ingredients without overmixing.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently stir the batter until just combined — make sure to leave a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so a few lumps are a good thing here!
Step 4: Prepare the Cooking Surface
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil. A well-heated pan is crucial for cooking pancakes evenly and achieving those gorgeous golden brown edges.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour a ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges begin to set. This signals that it’s time to flip them over carefully.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the pancakes gently and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on the other side until both sides are golden brown and the pancakes are cooked through. Repeat these steps with the remaining batter, greasing your pan as needed between batches.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
Start with the classic maple syrup and a pat of butter for a nostalgic touch. For extra flair, add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the presentation and flavor in delightful ways.
Side Dishes
Pancakes shine best alongside savory sides that balance the meal. Try crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a hearty accompaniment. Pairing these pancakes with fresh fruit or yogurt can add a refreshing and healthy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your pancakes into a tall tower, layering each with nut butter or fruit preserves between layers for a special surprise inside. For a brunch party, consider turning pancakes into mini sliders by folding them over sweet or savory fillings. The possibilities are endless and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (not likely for long!), store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, ready to be enjoyed again without losing their delicious texture.
Freezing
To keep pancakes longer, individually freeze them on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag where they can last up to 2 months. Freezing is a fantastic way to have breakfast ready in minutes anytime you desire.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a toaster, oven, or skillet over low heat to restore their warmth and softness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make pancakes rubbery. This way, you’ll keep that fresh-from-the-griddle experience intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives the best classic texture, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just be mindful substitutions might slightly change the fluffiness and flavor.
What can I use instead of milk?
Any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk works wonderfully in this recipe, keeping it dairy-free without sacrificing moisture or taste.
How do I make my pancakes more fluffy?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and use fresh baking powder. Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking can also help fluffiness develop.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Before cooking, give it a gentle stir since some separation might occur.
What is the best fat to use in the batter?
Butter adds a rich flavor, but vegetable oil or melted coconut oil are excellent alternatives that keep pancakes moist and tender. It’s all about what flavor you prefer!
Final Thoughts
Making pancakes from scratch is one of those simple pleasures that never goes out of style, especially with this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these pancakes are forgiving, fast, and just plain fun to make. So don’t hesitate — gather your ingredients, whip up the batter, and treat yourself to a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate. Your mornings will thank you!
Print
Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This easy homemade pancake recipe delivers fluffy, tender pancakes perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast. Made with simple ingredients like flour, milk, and eggs, these pancakes are lightly sweetened and can be customized with vanilla extract for extra flavor. The recipe yields 8 servings and uses a stovetop skillet to cook pancakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed and the mixture is light and airy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and optional vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently mix the batter without over-stirring; leaving some lumps will help maintain fluffiness.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Cook Pancakes – First Side: Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Cook Pancakes – Second Side: Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
- Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining batter in the same way, greasing the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as syrup, fresh fruit, or butter.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy; some lumps are fine.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for best results.
- Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring pancakes cook through.
- For dairy-free options, substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use vegetable oil instead of butter.
- Vanilla extract enhances flavor but is optional.
- Leftover pancakes can be frozen and reheated in a toaster or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
