There’s nothing quite like waking up to a tall stack of fluffy, golden pancakes dripping with syrup and melting butter. This classic pancake recipe is your foolproof guide to creating soft, tender pancakes with just the right hint of sweetness.
Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a cozy family brunch, these pancakes come together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The result? A warm, comforting breakfast that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes these pancakes stand out is their perfectly balanced texture — light and airy inside with a delicately crisp golden edge. A touch of sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder gives them that beautiful rise. The addition of vanilla extract infuses each bite with a warm, inviting aroma that makes them irresistible.
Best of all, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer them plain or packed with flavorful mix-ins, these pancakes are the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings.
🥣 Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter (or oil)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined — a few small lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing to keep the pancakes light.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
- Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
🍓 Variations & Add-Ins
- Fruity Pancakes: Add fresh blueberries, raspberries, or banana slices to the batter for a sweet, juicy twist.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Sprinkle chocolate chips onto the pancakes as they cook for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
- Spiced Pancakes: Mix in 1 tsp of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a cozy, seasonal flavor.
- Savory Option: Reduce the sugar and fold in shredded cheese, cooked bacon bits, or chopped herbs. Top with a fried egg or avocado for a hearty breakfast.
- Healthier Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat or oat flour and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
- Indulgent Twist: Swirl Nutella or peanut butter into the batter for a rich, decadent flavor.
Top your pancakes with whipped cream, yogurt, or fresh berries for a lighter finish — the possibilities are endless!
🔑 Tips for the Perfect Pancakes
- Check your baking powder: Fresh baking powder ensures a great rise and fluffy texture.
- Let the batter rest: Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before cooking for lighter, airier pancakes.
- Don’t overmix: Small lumps are fine — overmixing creates dense, chewy pancakes.
- Control the heat: Medium heat is ideal. Too hot, and they’ll brown outside while staying raw inside.
- Keep them warm: Place cooked pancakes in a 200°F (93°C) oven while finishing the batch.
- Shape them perfectly: Use a measuring cup or ladle to pour the batter evenly for round, uniform pancakes.
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave.
Freeze: Arrange pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen — no thawing needed!
Freeze the Batter: You can also freeze uncooked batter in a resealable freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, stir gently, and cook as usual for fresh pancakes anytime.
💛 Conclusion
This homemade pancake recipe is a timeless classic that never disappoints. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable — perfect for any breakfast occasion. The combination of soft, fluffy texture and golden edges makes every bite pure comfort.
Serve them tall and syrupy, topped with fruit and cream, or simply enjoy them fresh off the pan. No matter how you like them, these pancakes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.
So grab your whisk, heat up the griddle, and start flipping your way to the perfect morning! ☀️🥞
