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There is something truly comforting about waking up to a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes, and that’s exactly what this Homemade Pancakes Recipe delivers every single time. It’s all about simplicity and warmth, transforming everyday pantry staples into a breakfast that feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a leisurely weekend treat, these pancakes are wonderfully soft, subtly sweet, and perfectly buttery—making them a timeless classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward pancake perfection. Each component has its own crucial role, contributing to the taste, texture, and even the lovely color of your final stack.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your batter, providing structure and that tender crumb.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Just enough to add a gentle sweetness without overpowering the pancakes.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: This is the magical leavening agent that makes your pancakes fluffy and light.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Adds moisture and helps create that smooth, pourable batter.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to your pancakes.
- 3 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for cooking): Provides a luscious flavor and keeps the pancakes tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, subtle depth that elevates the entire recipe.
How to Make Homemade Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that your leavening and seasonings are evenly dispersed, helping your pancakes rise beautifully and have consistent flavor.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first allows you to evenly incorporate the richness, moisture, and flavor that will make your pancakes irresistibly soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ones and gently stir until just combined. Remember, it’s perfect if the batter is a little lumpy—overmixing can make your pancakes tough instead of tender.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small pat of butter. A properly heated pan is key to cooking the pancakes evenly and getting that gorgeous golden-brown color.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto your skillet. Wait patiently until bubbles form on the surface before flipping, then cook the other side until it’s golden and cooked through. This is what gives pancakes their signature light texture and irresistible look.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve
Repeat with the remaining batter, keeping your cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven if you like. This little step ensures everyone gets to enjoy their pancakes hot and fresh, just like straight off the griddle.
How to Serve Homemade Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pancakes with classic toppings like maple syrup, a pat of butter, or fresh berries. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can instantly turn your stack into something worthy of a brunch celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a side of scrambled eggs for a hearty meal. Even a simple fruit salad or Greek yogurt can provide a refreshing counterbalance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering pancakes with nut butter and sliced bananas for little pancake sandwiches or drizzle them with chocolate sauce and sprinkle crushed nuts for a decadent treat. Presentation makes the Homemade Pancakes Recipe feel even more special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and honestly, who doesn’t love a few pancake extras?), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to two days without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
Pancakes freeze beautifully and are a fantastic time-saver for busy mornings. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then stack and store in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you want a quick breakfast, you’re just minutes away from something delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, pop pancakes in the toaster or microwave until warm. Using a toaster gives you a slightly crispy edge again, almost like they’re fresh off the griddle—pure breakfast magic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber, though the texture will be denser. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to keep the fluffiness of your pancakes.
Why does my pancake batter have lumps?
Having lumps in pancake batter is perfectly normal and actually preferred. Overmixing causes gluten to develop, making pancakes tough. Those little lumps will disappear during cooking and won’t affect the taste or texture negatively.
Can I make this Homemade Pancakes Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap milk for your favorite plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The pancakes will still turn out moist and delicious.
What’s the best way to flip pancakes?
Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set before flipping. Use a thin, wide spatula and flip confidently to keep your pancakes intact and evenly cooked.
How do I keep pancakes warm without drying them out?
Keeping them in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet works perfectly. Cover lightly with foil to prevent the pancakes from drying out while you finish cooking the rest of the batch.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Pancakes Recipe is truly a little morning miracle in batter form. It’s simple, forgiving, and endlessly satisfying. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—it might just become the go-to recipe that starts your day with a smile and a full belly. Nothing beats the joy of homemade pancakes shared with the people you love.
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Homemade Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 16 pancakes)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and fluffy homemade pancakes made from scratch using simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast for the whole family, these pancakes are light, tender, and easy to prepare in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until well mixed.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter should be a bit lumpy; do not overmix.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook pancakes: Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges look set, then flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Repeat and keep warm: Continue cooking with the remaining batter, adding more butter as needed. Keep cooked pancakes warm by placing them in a 200°F oven if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm topped with syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or any favorite toppings.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the pancakes light and fluffy; some lumps are okay.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for best results and easy flipping.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Keeping cooked pancakes warm in the oven helps serve all pancakes hot and fresh.
- These pancakes freeze well; reheat in toaster or microwave for quick breakfasts.
