If there’s one thing guaranteed to brighten up any morning, it’s this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe. Fluffy, golden, and irresistibly tender pancakes come together with simple pantry staples and just a few minutes of your time. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend brunch or surprising loved ones with a heartfelt breakfast, these pancakes deliver that perfect balance of lightness and rich flavor that makes mornings unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t worry—each item here is straightforward and plays an important role in creating the ideal texture, taste, and appearance of your pancakes.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base that gives your pancakes structure and body.
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: The magic leavening agent that makes your pancakes rise and stay fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or plant-based): Moistens the batter; using plant-based milk can add a slight nutty or creamy twist.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together and contributes to tenderness.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or vegetable oil): Brings richness and keeps the pancakes from sticking.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a lovely aroma for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Sifting is important because it aerates the flour and ensures that your baking powder is evenly distributed, which makes for perfect fluffy pancakes every time.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until everything is blended smoothly. Whisking these separately prevents overmixing your batter once combined and keeps your pancakes tender.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Create a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture in. Gently stir them together just until combined—don’t worry if the batter is a bit lumpy, it’s actually better that way. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough rather than fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare Your Skillet
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, giving it a light grease with butter or oil. This step is crucial to achieving those golden brown edges while preventing sticking. The pan should be hot but not smoking.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then carefully flip and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until both sides are golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
Step 6: Repeat and Keep Warm
Continue cooking the remaining batter in batches, greasing the skillet lightly as needed. To keep your pancakes warm, you can place them on a baking sheet in a low oven while finishing the rest.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe is how versatile it is with toppings. Classic maple syrup works wonders, but fresh berries, sliced bananas, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream turn your pancakes into a delightful canvas of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
To make a complete meal, pairing your pancakes with crispy bacon, savory sausage, or scrambled eggs adds that satisfying contrast of salty and rich. For a healthier twist, a side of fresh fruit or yogurt rounds out the plate with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Stack your pancakes high, layering between them with layers of cream cheese or chocolate spread. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for kids, or serve mini pancakes alongside for dipping into chocolate or fruit sauces. The possibilities are endless and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra pancakes, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Stored properly, they stay fresh for up to two days in the fridge.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing pancakes is a fantastic option. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then stack with parchment paper between each pancake and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat pancakes gently in a toaster, oven, or microwave. Toaster reheating brings back some crisp edges, while the microwave helps if you’re in a hurry. Just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour gives your pancakes a nuttier flavor and adds fiber, but it can make them a bit denser. You might want to substitute only half of the flour to keep them nice and fluffy.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
If baking powder is missing from your pantry, you can make a quick substitute using baking soda and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, but it’s best to follow a recipe designed for that swap to get the right texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the milk for any plant-based milk, and use oil instead of butter to keep it vegan and dairy-free. The pancakes will still turn out fluffy and delicious.
Why are my pancakes flat and not fluffy?
This often happens if the batter is overmixed or if the baking powder is old and not active. Remember to mix gently and check that your leavening agent is fresh for the best rise.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Wait until bubbles form across the surface and the edges start to look set but not dry. This is your cue that the pancake is ready to flip without crumbling or sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe is a tried-and-true winner that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast table. With simple ingredients and an easy technique, it invites you to create delicious moments effortlessly. Give it a try and watch how quickly these pancakes become a beloved staple in your home kitchen!
Print
Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy homemade pancake recipe yields fluffy, golden pancakes perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, and eggs, these pancakes come together effortlessly on the stovetop, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal for any morning.
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 all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl to ensure even distribution and a light, airy batter.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and optional vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently mix with a spatula or spoon, being careful not to overmix; it’s fine if the batter is a bit lumpy.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it using butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the heated skillet. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip Pancakes: Carefully flip each pancake and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat Cooking: Continue cooking the remaining batter, re-greasing the skillet as needed to ensure pancakes don’t stick.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pancakes immediately while warm. Top with your favorite syrups, fruits, or other toppings for added flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the pancakes light and fluffy; lumps are okay.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned griddle for best results.
- Milk can be replaced with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Butter can be substituted with vegetable oil or coconut oil for varying flavors and dietary preferences.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
