Best Homemade Pancake Recipe With Fluffy Results Every Time

There’s nothing quite like waking up on a slow, cozy weekend morning to the smell of pancakes sizzling on the stove. Whether you’re cooking for sleepy kids, brunching with friends, or treating yourself to a quiet morning with a hot cup of coffee, pancakes have a way of turning an ordinary day into something a little more special.

Fluffy, golden, and topped just the way you like them, homemade pancakes are a warm hug on a plate and they’re surprisingly easy to make.

This recipe is perfect for beginners and pancake lovers alike. Let’s walk through how to make the perfect batch, from classic ingredients to fun mix-ins and flipping like a pro.

Ingredients for Classic Fluffy Pancakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for the pan)

Ingredient Tips:

Flour: Stick to all-purpose flour for the best texture. Whole wheat flour works too but will be a bit denser.

Baking Powder: This is the magic behind the fluff—don’t skip it.

Milk: Regular dairy milk is great, but you can use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.

Butter: Adds rich flavor. Swap with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Easy Variations to Try

• Buttermilk Pancakes: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra tang and fluffiness.
• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), use non-dairy milk, and swap butter for oil.
• Fun Add-Ins: Stir in ½ cup of blueberries, sliced bananas, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Pancake Method

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.

3. Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine—don’t over-mix! Overworking the batter can lead to dense, rubbery pancakes.

Tip: Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking. This helps the baking powder do its job and makes pancakes fluffier.

4. Heat the Pan

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles on the surface.

5. Cook the Pancakes

Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2–3 minutes). Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.

6. Keep Pancakes Warm

If you’re cooking in batches, keep pancakes warm by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven.

Pancake Tips for Fluffy Success

• Use fresh baking powder for the best rise.
• Don’t press down on pancakes with the spatula as it flattens them.
• Resist the urge to flip too early. Wait for bubbles and firm edges.
• Keep the pan at medium heat too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.

Toppings to Make It Yours

The beauty of pancakes? The toppings are just as fun as the batter.

• Classic maple syrup and a pat of butter
• Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or peach slices
• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of yogurt
• Nut butters like almond or peanut butter
• A drizzle of chocolate syrup or honey
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon

Homemade pancakes are one of life’s simple joys easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any morning that needs a little extra coziness.

Once you master the basics, you’ll be flipping stacks like a breakfast pro. So pour that cup of coffee, get your spatula ready, and bring some fluffy happiness to your kitchen.

Happy pancake making!