Best Pancake Recipe

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Fluffy, golden, and kissed with just the right amount of sweetness, these are the best pancakes you’ll ever make at home. Whether you’re cooking up a lazy weekend brunch or want to start your weekday with a warm bite of comfort, this recipe brings together the perfect texture and flavor. The pancakes are thick, buttery, and wonderfully soft inside, with a golden crisp edge that gives a delightful contrast.

One bite in, and you’ll taste the difference: a pillowy interior that practically melts in your mouth. This is not just your average pancake recipe—this is the kind that gets family members out of bed and hovering around the kitchen. With ingredients you likely already have on hand and a simple process that doesn’t demand expert skills, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Best Pancake Recipe

• Incredibly Fluffy Texture: Thanks to just the right balance of leavening agents and mixing technique, these pancakes rise beautifully and stay tender.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Slightly sweet, with a hint of vanilla and butter, they’re perfect as-is or paired with toppings like fruit, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• No Fancy Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for busy mornings.
• Family Approved: Kids and adults both rave about these.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get flipping, having the right tools can make all the difference in how smooth and enjoyable the cooking process is:

• Mixing Bowls: At least two sizes (one for wet and one for dry). Helps keep ingredients properly combined without overmixing.
• Whisk: Ensures your wet ingredients are fully blended, and dry ingredients are aerated.
• Non-stick Skillet or Griddle: This is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden brown.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy in measurement is key for pancake perfection.
• Spatula: A thin, flexible one makes flipping effortless without damaging the pancakes.
• Sifter (optional): If you want extra fluffy pancakes, sifting your dry ingredients helps avoid lumps.

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Ingredients for the Best Pancake Recipe

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to the pancakes. Make sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid dense results.
• Baking Powder: The main leavening agent that gives the pancakes their signature fluffiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough to lightly sweeten without overpowering the flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other ingredients.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: The liquid base that brings everything together. Whole milk is preferred for richness.
• Melted Butter: Infuses the batter with buttery flavor and keeps the pancakes moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall taste.

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How To Make the Best Pancake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent and sugar are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might scramble the egg.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir just until combined. A few small lumps are perfectly okay—overmixing leads to tough pancakes.

Step 4: Preheat and Grease Your Pan

Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil and allow it to heat up properly before adding batter.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer to a plate, add your favorite toppings like syrup, berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar, and serve immediately.

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How to Serve and Store These Fluffy Pancakes

These pancakes are best served fresh and hot off the griddle. Stack them high and dress them up with your favorites: classic maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of lemon curd for a zesty twist. For a savory edge, try topping them with crispy bacon and a pat of melting butter.

To store leftovers, let the pancakes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or skillet to bring back their fluffy texture without drying them out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these pancakes so fluffy?

The combination of baking powder and gentle mixing creates air pockets in the batter, which puff up during cooking for that signature fluff.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to mix the batter fresh. However, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them just before cooking.

Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Yes! Buttermilk adds a slight tang and makes the pancakes even more tender. Reduce baking powder to 2 teaspoons and add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Stir gently and stop as soon as the flour streaks disappear. A few small lumps are fine and actually help keep the pancakes soft.

What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

You can skip it or substitute with almond extract, maple extract, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly, but the pancakes will still be soft and delicious.

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Want More Pancake Ideas?

If you loved making this best pancake recipe, you’re going to want to explore these other irresistible breakfast creations:

• Try the Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack for a fruity layered delight.
• Craving a savory bite? The Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps offer a hearty alternative to sweet breakfast.
• Switch it up with Simple Potato Pancakes — crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• For a refreshing touch, pair your pancakes with Refreshing Mango Strawberry Sorbet.
• And don’t miss the One Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins — an easy addition to any brunch spread.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your pancakes turned out! Did you go classic or get creative with toppings? Have a secret twist you added? I love hearing your kitchen stories.

Looking for even more morning favorites? Visit my Pinterest board at Kitchen By Kate where I share my favorite homemade breakfast and brunch recipes every day.

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