If you have ever yearned for the perfect stack of fluffy, golden pancakes that melt in your mouth and brighten any morning, this Homemade Pancakes Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With its simple ingredients and straightforward technique, this recipe transforms breakfast into a celebration of comfort and joy. Each pancake is tender yet airy, lightly sweetened with a hint of vanilla, making it an irresistible treat for family breakfasts or weekend brunches. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch that serves everyone at the table with smiles and warm bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Pancakes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its role, whether it’s to add fluffiness, a touch of sweetness, or that lovely golden color that screams breakfast delight.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds your pancakes together while keeping them light and tender.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavors and help with browning.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: A rising agent that puffs up the batter, giving you those coveted airy pancakes.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness for a perfectly rounded taste.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Adds moisture and richness, creating a smooth batter that’s easy to work with.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder while adding structure and a bit of richness.
- 3 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for cooking): Introduces a buttery depth that keeps pancakes moist and flavorful.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a warm, fragrant aroma and subtle sweetness.
How to Make Homemade Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures that the rising agent and flavors are evenly distributed, which is crucial for pancakes that rise beautifully and taste consistent in every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture brings moisture and richness, creating a smooth batter that will produce soft and fluffy pancakes.
Step 3: Blend the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t worry if you still see some lumps—overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so a bit of unevenness is perfectly fine and even preferable.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter to coat the surface. This prevents sticking and adds a delicate buttery flavor to each pancake.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour the batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip carefully and cook until both sides are golden brown. This usually takes a couple of minutes per side and results in pancakes with a perfectly tender crumb and just the right amount of crust.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Repeat
As you finish each batch, you can keep the pancakes warm in a low oven set to 200°F. This way, everyone gets to enjoy them fresh, warm, and ready straight from the plate.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Homemade Pancakes Recipe with your favorite toppings and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve Homemade Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Homemade Pancakes Recipe shines brightest when paired with thoughtful garnishes. Classic maple syrup is a timeless choice, but fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream add freshness and texture. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate the presentation and flavor expertly.
Side Dishes
To round out your breakfast, consider sides that complement the softness and sweetness of the pancakes. Crispy bacon, savory sausages, or even scrambled eggs provide a wonderful contrast that turns a simple stack into a full meal. Fresh fruit or yogurt also brings a light and refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer your Homemade Pancakes Recipe with layers of yogurt and fruit to make a breakfast parfait tower. You can also make mini pancakes and serve them on skewers with fruit chunks for a playful finger food option. No matter how you present them, these pancakes always bring a smile to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover pancakes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days, making for an easy breakfast or snack later on.
Freezing
For longer storage, pancakes freeze beautifully. Lay the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack and store them in a freezer-safe bag. This means you can always have a quick homemade breakfast ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover pancakes is either in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat to regain that freshly-cooked texture. Microwaving is quick but can sometimes make them a bit soggy, so a light reheat in the pan is usually preferable.
FAQs
Can I make this Homemade Pancakes Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly to get the right batter consistency.
What can I use instead of milk?
You can swap milk with any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but the texture should remain delightfully fluffy.
How do I keep pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your skillet is well-heated and use a small amount of butter or oil before pouring the batter. Non-stick pans work best, and avoid flipping too early to prevent tearing.
Can I add mix-ins to this Homemade Pancakes Recipe?
Definitely! Blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts stirred gently into the batter before cooking add exciting flavor and texture without changing the cooking process.
Why are my pancakes dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the batter or using old baking powder can result in dense pancakes. Be sure to mix just until combined and use fresh leavening for the best rise and fluffiness.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Pancakes Recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make staple that will quickly become your go-to for weekend mornings or anytime you crave a bit of breakfast bliss. Once you master these fluffy stacks, you’ll find endless joy in customizing and sharing them with loved ones. So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and start flipping those pancakes into a heartwarming tradition!
Print
Homemade Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy classic homemade pancakes with a fluffy texture and a hint of vanilla. These easy-to-make pancakes are perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch and can be topped with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for added flavor.
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
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s okay to have some lumps in the batter as overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to grease the surface.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Keep Warm: Repeat with the remaining batter, keeping the cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm topped with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream according to your preference.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
- You can substitute milk with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Butter can be replaced with oil if preferred to reduce saturated fat.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned griddle for best results and easy flipping.
- Cook pancakes on medium heat to avoid burning and allow even cooking.
