Pancakes are a universal breakfast favorite, known for their light texture and comforting warmth. Whether served plain with butter or stacked high with syrup, fruit, and whipped cream, a well-made pancake brings both satisfaction and joy to the table. This pancake recipe is a timeless staple, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It results in fluffy, golden pancakes every time, with a soft and airy crumb that absorbs toppings like syrup and honey beautifully.
Making pancakes at home doesn’t require any fancy tools or complicated steps. Once you get the basic method down, you can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes, perfect for both busy mornings and relaxing weekend brunches.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ¼ cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Butter or oil for greasing the pan
How to Make the Pancakes
1. Combine the dry ingredients
Start by measuring your flour and sifting it into a large mixing bowl. This helps to aerate the flour and remove any clumps. Add the baking powder, salt, and sugar to the flour. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients evenly. This dry base is what will give your pancakes structure and height, thanks to the leavening from the baking powder.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack one large egg and beat it lightly. Pour in the milk and add the melted butter or vegetable oil. If you’d like a subtle touch of flavor, include a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they’re fully combined and smooth. Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing so it doesn’t cook the egg.
3. Combine wet and dry mixtures
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently stir using a whisk or a silicone spatula. It’s important not to overmix. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will disappear during cooking. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can lead to dense or rubbery pancakes. Stir just until the batter comes together.
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to start working and gives you extra fluffy results.
4. Preheat your cooking surface
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly grease the surface with butter or oil. You can use a paper towel to spread a thin layer evenly across the pan.
5. Cook the pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot surface. Allow the pancake to spread naturally. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. You’ll see bubbles forming on the surface, and the edges will start to look dry. Once the bubbles begin to pop and the underside is golden brown, flip the pancake gently using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm, either by covering them with a clean towel or placing them in a low oven (around 90°C or 200°F) while you cook the rest of the batch.
6. Serve hot
Pancakes are best served fresh off the griddle. Serve them as a stack or side by side. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, banana slices, peanut butter, honey, or chocolate chips.
Add-In Ideas and Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, try customizing the batter with simple add-ins:
Blueberries: Fold in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries just before cooking.
Chocolate chips: Add mini or regular chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
Banana slices: Thin slices of ripe banana in the batter make it extra moist.
Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch and flavor.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth to the flavor profile.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes Every Time
Let the batter rest. A short resting period allows the flour to absorb the liquid and helps bubbles form, giving the pancakes a fluffier texture.
Use a hot but not smoking pan. Medium heat is ideal. If your pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
Avoid pressing down on the pancakes with a spatula. It might feel satisfying but will flatten the air bubbles and reduce fluffiness.
Wipe the skillet clean between batches. A quick wipe removes any burned bits and keeps pancakes from sticking or tasting bitter.
Use consistent measurements. Using a measuring cup or ladle helps ensure evenly sized pancakes that cook at the same rate.
Why This Recipe Works
This pancake recipe strikes a balance between fluffiness and structure. The baking powder acts as a leavening agent, while the egg helps bind the ingredients. The small amount of sugar sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the flavor, making it suitable for both sweet and savory toppings. The oil or butter gives a rich, moist texture and prevents dryness. With no buttermilk or fancy ingredients required, it’s perfect for everyday use.
Storing and Reheating Pancakes
If you have leftovers, let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.
To reheat, place pancakes in a toaster for a crisp finish, or warm them in a skillet over low heat. You can also microwave them for about 20 seconds per pancake, though this may soften the texture.
Serving Suggestions
These pancakes are versatile and can be part of many breakfast or brunch spreads. Serve them with:
Scrambled or fried eggs and bacon
Yogurt and fruit on the side
Nut spreads like almond or peanut butter
Fruit compote or homemade jam
Powdered sugar and lemon juice for a simple twist
You can also turn them into a pancake sandwich by layering two pancakes with Nutella, fruit, or cream cheese between them.
Conclusion
This best pancake recipe is a reliable favorite, offering soft, fluffy pancakes every time with minimal effort and ingredients. The steps are simple enough for beginners, yet the results are satisfying for even the pickiest pancake lovers. Whether you’re making breakfast for your family or indulging in a slow weekend treat, this recipe is one to return to again and again.
Experiment with toppings, add-ins, or even try turning them into mini silver-dollar pancakes for kids. Once you’ve made these once, they’ll likely become a permanent part of your breakfast routine.