Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pancakes are incredibly fluffy, easy to prepare, customizable, and consistent. They cook evenly, hold their height well, and pair beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings.
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Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe: Light, Tender, and Perfect Every Time
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 10–12 pancakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tried-and-true, perfectly fluffy pancake recipe that yields tall, tender, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes every time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and gently combine. Batter should remain a little lumpy—do not overmix.
- Let batter rest for 5 minutes to ensure fluffy rise.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium and lightly grease with butter.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set, then flip and cook until golden.
- Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or fruit toppings.
Notes
- Resting the batter helps activate the leavening agents for taller pancakes.
- For extra fluffy pancakes, separate the egg and fold whipped egg white into the batter.
- Buttermilk creates the best rise; if not available, mix milk with 1 tbsp vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
- Add blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips after pouring the batter onto the pan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Provides structure while keeping the batter light enough for tall, fluffy pancakes.
Baking powder
Creates lift and airiness, ensuring the pancakes rise beautifully on the griddle.
Sugar
Adds light sweetness and helps create golden, tender edges.
Salt
Balances flavor and enhances the mild sweetness of the batter.
Egg
Binds the batter and adds richness, contributing to the tender interior.
Milk or buttermilk
Milk keeps the batter light, while buttermilk adds extra fluffiness and subtle tang.
Butter (melted)
Adds richness and keeps the pancakes soft, with a slight buttery aroma.
Vanilla extract
Provides classic warmth that enhances the pancake’s flavor.
Directions
Begin by whisking the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few small lumps are normal and help maintain tenderness; overmixing can make pancakes dense.
Allow the batter to rest for a few minutes while you heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil. Scoop the batter onto the hot surface, using about a quarter cup per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, then flip and cook until golden on both sides. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm with your preferred toppings.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster or warm oven for best texture. Pancakes freeze well; stack with parchment between each and freeze for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.
Variations and Customizations
Blueberry Pancakes
Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for bursts of sweetness.
Chocolate Chip Version
Add chocolate chips to the batter for a dessert-like pancake.
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Swirl cinnamon sugar through the batter for warm, aromatic flavor.
Banana Pancakes
Stir in mashed ripe banana for added moisture and natural sweetness.
Whole Wheat Option
Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for heartier texture.
Lemon–Poppy Seed Twist
Add lemon zest and poppy seeds for a bright, bakery-style variation.
Protein-Boosted Pancakes
Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder and extra milk if needed.
Buttermilk-Only Batch
Use buttermilk exclusively for the fluffiest version.
Nutty Pancakes
Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Savory Pancake Stack
Skip vanilla and sugar, then top with eggs, bacon, or smoked salmon.
FAQs
Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Overmixing can deflate the batter; mix only until combined.
Can I use buttermilk?
Yes, it makes the pancakes even fluffier.
Do I need to rest the batter?
A short rest helps the batter hydrate and rise better.
Can I make the batter ahead?
Mix dry and wet separately, then combine just before cooking.
Why are my pancakes pale?
Increase the heat slightly or wait for the skillet to heat fully.
Can I substitute nondairy milk?
Yes, oat, almond, or soy milk all work.
How do I get evenly round pancakes?
Use a measuring scoop to portion the batter consistently.
Can I freeze pancakes?
Yes, they freeze and reheat very well.
Why are my pancakes dense?
Too much flour or overmixing can cause density.
Can I add fruit directly to the pan?
Yes, sprinkle fruit onto each pancake before flipping.
Conclusion
This Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe delivers height, tenderness, and irresistible flavor with minimal effort. With simple ingredients and dependable results, it belongs in every home cook’s collection. Whether you prepare them for a special breakfast or a relaxed weekend morning, these pancakes bring warmth, comfort, and endless adaptability to your table.
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