Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of Fluffy Pancakes sizzling on the stovetop. These pancakes strike the perfect balance between cloud-like softness and rich, buttery flavor. They’re a breakfast classic for good reason, and once you master this recipe, you’ll never reach for the boxed mix again. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special occasion, these pancakes are guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of kitchen staples can create pancakes this delicious. Each ingredient plays a small but crucial role in creating the signature height, tenderness, and golden color of Fluffy Pancakes.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base, giving structure and just the right amount of chewiness to your pancakes.
- Baking powder: The secret behind those irresistible fluffy bubbles that make pancakes rise beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness and helps the pancakes brown to perfection.
- Whole milk: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and soft.
- Large egg: Binds the batter and adds a touch of richness for that perfect pancake crumb.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the pancakes with buttery goodness, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash transforms the whole batch with warm, inviting aroma and subtle flavor.
- Butter or oil for cooking: Helps the pancakes crisp up around the edges while staying soft in the center.
How to Make Fluffy Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, setting you up for pancakes that rise evenly and taste fantastic in every bite.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and completely blended, so every pancake gets that rich, buttery vanilla flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Mix Gently
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little lumpy—that’s actually the secret to tender, fluffy pancakes! Overmixing can make them tough, so a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
Step 4: Preheat and Grease Your Skillet
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil, creating the perfect nonstick surface and adding a hint of extra flavor to the pancakes’ edges.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
How to Serve Fluffy Pancakes

Garnishes
Classic pancakes beg for a pat of melting butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, but don’t stop there! Try topping your Fluffy Pancakes with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a side of scrambled eggs to transform breakfast into a full feast. For a lighter touch, serve with a fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Fluffy Pancakes high for a dramatic centerpiece, or cut them into fun shapes for kids. You can also layer pancakes with fruit and yogurt in a trifle dish, or roll them up with chocolate spread and sliced bananas for a playful twist on the classic stack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Fluffy Pancakes (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely before stacking with parchment paper between each one. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing
Fluffy Pancakes freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months and make for a quick, satisfying breakfast on busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pancakes in the toaster for crispy edges, or microwave them for about 20–30 seconds for a soft, just-made texture. You can also warm them in a low oven if reheating a larger batch for the family.
FAQs
How do I make my pancakes extra fluffy?
The key to extra fluffy pancakes is not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are your friend! Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh for maximum rise.
Can I add mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Gently fold in your favorite mix-ins right before cooking. Blueberries, chocolate chips, or even sliced bananas turn these pancakes into something special.
What’s the best way to tell when it’s time to flip?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and slightly set edges. Once you see these signs, gently flip to reveal a golden underside and cook the other side until done.
Can I make Fluffy Pancakes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your preferred plant-based milk and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the dairy butter. The results are still light, tender, and delicious.
Why are my pancakes coming out flat?
This often happens if the batter is overmixed, the baking powder is old, or the skillet isn’t hot enough. For best results, mix gently, check your leavening, and preheat the skillet properly.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Fluffy Pancakes a try—there’s nothing quite like making a fresh batch from scratch and sharing them with loved ones. Every bite is a little celebration of comfort and joy, and once you master this recipe, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your breakfast routine. Happy flipping!
Print
Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 pancakes (about 4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for fluffy pancakes delivers light and airy results perfect for a comforting breakfast. Made with basic pantry ingredients like flour, baking powder, milk, and eggs, these pancakes achieve a tender texture and golden brown finish. The simple batter can be easily customized with add-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips, and the pancakes pair beautifully with butter, syrup, or fresh fruit.
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 whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the whole milk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep pancakes fluffy.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges look set, approximately 2 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each pancake carefully and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed. Serve the pancakes warm topped with butter, syrup, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps help keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
- For added flavor or texture, fold in ingredients such as blueberries, chocolate chips, or sliced bananas before cooking.
- Use whole milk for best tenderness, but you can substitute with other milk varieties as needed.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm by placing them in a low oven while finishing the batch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 to 3 pancakes
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg