Whether you’re rising with the sun or easing into a slow weekend morning, nothing hits the spot quite like a stack of Homemade Pancakes. These golden, fluffy rounds are the ultimate comfort food: simple yet incredibly satisfying, with a soft bite and a touch of sweetness that make every forkful special. Homemade Pancakes bring families together, turn weekdays into celebrations, and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and pantry. With just a few pantry staples and some gentle whisking, you’ll be serving up breakfast happiness in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Homemade Pancakes come together with straightforward ingredients you probably already have on hand, but every item has a job to do. Each one plays a key role in turning out pancakes that are light, flavorful, and perfectly golden every time.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your pancakes, creating a soft yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder: This is what gives your Homemade Pancakes their signature airy lift and fluffiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out all the subtle flavors in the batter.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps encourage browning for that gorgeous golden crust.
- Milk: Brings moisture and tenderness, making sure each pancake turns out soft and supple.
- Egg: Binds everything together while adding a little extra richness to the mix.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the pancakes with buttery flavor and gives them a perfectly tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (optional): For that irresistible, sweet aroma and extra depth—personalize according to your taste.
- Butter or oil for greasing: Ensures your pancakes cook up golden and don’t stick to the pan.
How to Make Homemade Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your Homemade Pancakes, and a quick whisk distributes the leavening evenly for consistent lift throughout each pancake.
Step 2: Prep the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, beat your egg until it’s smooth, then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. The melted butter melds with the milk and vanilla, creating the luscious liquid base that gives your pancakes their tenderness and buttery flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently pour the wet ingredients over your dry mix. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir everything together just until combined—don’t worry about a few small lumps! Overmixing leads to tough pancakes, so a light hand is key here.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest
Set your bowl aside for 5 to 10 minutes. This short rest lets the gluten relax and the baking powder work its magic, ensuring your Homemade Pancakes turn out fluffy and tender instead of flat.
Step 5: Heat and Grease Your Pan
Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, then lightly grease it with butter or oil. Wait until the surface is hot (a drop of water should sizzle) so your pancakes cook evenly and don’t stick.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet. When bubbles start popping on the surface and the edges look dry—usually around 2 to 3 minutes—it’s time to flip! Another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side is all it takes for perfect, golden pancakes.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Transfer your cooked pancakes to a plate, cover gently to keep them warm, and repeat with the rest of the batter. Now comes the best part: decide on your toppings and enjoy your Homemade Pancakes hot and fresh from the griddle.
How to Serve Homemade Pancakes
Garnishes
Topping options are endless: drizzle with classic maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or pile on fresh berries for a juicy burst. A dollop of whipped cream, slices of banana, or a sprinkle of nuts easily turn your Homemade Pancakes into a restaurant-worthy treat.
Side Dishes
To round out your breakfast, serve pancakes alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage, or soft scrambled eggs. For a lighter touch, simple Greek yogurt or a colorful fruit salad balances the richness and makes your meal extra satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner brunch master! Stack your pancakes sky-high for wow-factor, make mini-sized silver dollars for little hands, or cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters. For a festive platter, top each pancake with a different topping and let everyone sample and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Homemade Pancakes (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can easily freeze cooked pancakes for future breakfasts. Lay them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Pancakes will keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To revive refrigerated or frozen Homemade Pancakes, simply pop them in the toaster, microwave, or oven until heated through. This keeps them fluffy and delicious—almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your Homemade Pancakes. Just swap in cup-for-cup, but expect slightly denser, heartier pancakes.
What can I add to the batter for more flavor?
Stir in blueberries, chocolate chips, or even grated apple for fun variations! You can also add spices like cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to change up the flavor profile of your Homemade Pancakes.
How do I make dairy-free pancakes?
For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy, etc) and replace the butter with a neutral oil or vegan butter. You’ll still get fluffy, tempting pancakes with all the joy of homemade.
Why are my pancakes chewy or tough?
Chewy pancakes are usually a sign of overmixed batter. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients—stop stirring as soon as no streaks of flour remain, and don’t worry about a few lumps!
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely! Homemade Pancakes are perfect for feeding a crowd. Just scale up each ingredient equally, and use a larger bowl. Cook in batches and keep finished pancakes warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Homemade Pancakes highly enough—they’re a delicious, uplifting way to turn any morning into a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, homemade really does make all the difference. Grab your whisk, gather your favorite toppings, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Homemade Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade pancakes from scratch with this easy recipe. These fluffy pancakes are perfect for a cozy breakfast at home.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Other:
- butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract if using.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with syrup, fruit, or toppings of choice.
Notes
- You can add blueberries, chocolate chips, or sliced bananas to the batter for extra flavor.
- For dairy-free pancakes, substitute plant-based milk and oil for the milk and butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
