There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a stack of perfectly light, airy pancakes that melt in your mouth. This Fluffy Pancakes Recipe promises exactly that—pillowy pancakes that are simple to make yet utterly delicious. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will turn any breakfast or brunch moment into a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe guarantees pancakes that are soft, tender, and wonderfully fluffy every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create the soft texture, slight sweetness, and golden color that define the best pancakes. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s the leavening agents for lift or the butter for richness.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the pancakes, giving them their body and chew.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors perfectly.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: The key rising agent that makes the pancakes fluffy and light.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and enhances the rise for extra fluffiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides moisture and tenderness to the batter.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, inviting flavor that makes the pancakes extra special.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds depth and a buttery softness to the finished pancakes.
- Pats of butter, pure maple syrup, fresh berries: For serving, adding creaminess, sweetness, and fresh bursts of flavor.
How to Make Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your electric griddle to 350°F, which is the perfect temperature for cooking pancakes evenly without burning. As it warms up, you’ll get a jumpstart by getting your batter ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Creating a slight well in the center helps you incorporate the wet ingredients evenly without overmixing.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the whole milk, egg, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter until completely blended. Using room temperature egg ensures everything combines smoothly.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients’ well and gently stir just until combined. It’s crucial to stop stirring when the batter still has a few lumps—that’s the secret to keeping your pancakes wonderfully fluffy.
Step 5: Butter the Griddle
Use the remaining tablespoon of melted butter and brush it evenly over the preheated griddle surface. This step prevents sticking and adds a rich crust to the pancakes.
Step 6: Scoop the Batter
Using a medium cookie scoop or about ¼ cup measure, drop evenly sized batter portions onto the griddle about 1½ inches apart. This spacing helps the pancakes cook uniformly without merging together.
Step 7: Cook to Perfection
Let the pancakes cook for 3 to 4 minutes until bubbles form and appear around the edges. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2 to 3 more minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat for any remaining batter.
Step 8: Rest and Stack
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a clean plate and stack them in twos or threes for serving. Keeping them warm while cooking the rest makes every bite just as inviting.
How to Serve Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a pat of butter slowly melting into the warm pancakes, topped with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Adding fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries not only brings vibrant color but also a burst of juicy sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your fluffy pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage for a classic breakfast combo. For a lighter touch, yogurt or a fruit salad can complement the richness while keeping the meal refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your pancakes with whipped cream and fresh fruit between each one, creating a stunning and delectable stack. For special occasions, dusting with powdered sugar or adding chocolate chips inside the batter can turn your fluffy pancakes into pure dessert dreams.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover pancakes (which is rare!), stack them with parchment paper in between and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Pancakes freeze beautifully, making this Fluffy Pancakes Recipe perfect for meal prep. Freeze single pancakes separated by parchment paper in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. This way you can enjoy a quick breakfast anytime.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a toaster, oven, or microwave. The toaster is ideal for crisp edges, while the microwave softens them quickly—just be careful not to overheat or they may dry out.
FAQs
Can I use milk substitutes in this Fluffy Pancakes Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but the pancakes will still be delicious.
Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Overmixing the batter is often the culprit. Stir just until the ingredients come together and leave some lumps. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and your griddle is properly heated.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can enjoy fluffy pancakes without gluten. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to flip pancakes?
Wait until bubbles form and start popping on the surface, and the edges look set. Use a thin, wide spatula for an easy flip without deflating the pancake’s fluff.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries?
Definitely! Fold in your favorite mix-ins gently just before cooking. This adds a fun twist and extra flavor while keeping the pancakes fluffy and light.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy Pancakes Recipe is one of those timeless classics that brings pure joy to the breakfast table. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you can’t go wrong making these pancakes your go-to for weekend brunch or any time you crave something comforting and delicious. So grab your griddle and give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever started your day without them!
Print
Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 10 pancakes (serves 10)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Fluffy Pancakes are a classic breakfast favorite, featuring a light and airy texture perfect for stacking high and topping with butter, maple syrup, and fresh berries. These easy-to-make pancakes come together quickly using simple ingredients and a griddle, making them an ideal weekend treat or anytime comfort food.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for cooking)
- Pats of butter (for serving)
- Pure maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh berries (strawberries and blueberries, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle. Preheat a large electric griddle to medium heat, around 350°F, ensuring it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking pancakes evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined and aerated.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large egg, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until fully blended and smooth.
- Create the batter. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, with some lumps remaining to ensure fluffy pancakes.
- Prepare the griddle. Lightly brush the preheated griddle with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Scoop the batter. Use a medium cookie scoop (about ¼ cup) to place portions of batter onto the griddle, spacing them approximately 1½ inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Cook the pancakes. Let the pancakes cook for 3-4 minutes until bubbles form around the edges and centers begin to set, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat as necessary. Continue scooping and cooking remaining batter until all pancakes are ready.
- Serve. Stack 2-3 pancakes on a plate, add a pat of butter on top, drizzle with pure maple syrup, and serve alongside fresh strawberries and blueberries for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; lumps help keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Use room temperature eggs and melted butter to ensure smooth mixing.
- Maintaining the griddle temperature at 350°F allows even cooking without burning.
- Fresh berries add a refreshing contrast to the rich pancakes and syrup.
- For thicker pancakes, you can reduce milk slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
