Fluffy Pancake Recipe

This fluffy pancake recipe makes soft, airy pancakes with a golden finish, using simple ingredients like whole milk and melted butter. Quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast, these pancakes are easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

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Prep Time5

Cook Time6

Total Time11

Servings

Table of Contents

Fluffy Pancake Ingredients
Tips For Making The Fluffiest Pancakes
How To Measure Dry Ingredients
Homemade Pancake Recipe Topping Ideas
Perfect Pairings for Your Fluffy Pancake Breakfast
How To Store Homemade Pancakes
Fluffy Pancake Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
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Our fluffy pancake recipe is everything you want in a pancake—soft, airy, and bursting with flavor. Each bite has the perfect balance of buttery richness and just a touch of sweetness. Cooked to a gorgeous golden brown, these super fluffy pancakes are delicious stacked high, with your favorite toppings added! One taste, and you’ll understand why these are the best fluffy pancakes you’ll ever make.

fluffy pancakes stacked on top of each other and topped with a slice of butter and syrup

What You Need To Know

MAIN INGREDIENTS: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, whole milk, large egg, vanilla extract, unsalted butter.
QUICK STEPS: Preheat the griddle, mix dry ingredients in a large bowl, whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl, combine wet and dry ingredients, cook pancakes on medium heat until golden brown.
TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 12 minutes total, yields 10 pancakes

Fluffy Pancake Ingredients

fluffy pancake recipe raw ingredients that are labeled

All-purpose flour: The base of the recipe for a soft and tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Baking powder: A key leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise.
Baking soda: Works with the milk to create the fluffiest pancakes.
Salt
Whole milk: Gives richness and moisture to the batter.
Large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, subtle flavor to the pancakes.
Unsalted butter: Mixed into the batter for richness and used for cooking to prevent sticking.

Tips For Making The Fluffiest Pancakes

Making the best pancakes is easier than you think when you follow these essential tips. Each one is designed to help you get perfect pancakes every single time.

Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the egg and whole milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter blend smoothly and encourages even cooking.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until combined. A few lumps in the batter are okay—they’ll disappear during cooking. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
Preheat the griddle to the right temperature: Medium heat (around 350°F) is ideal for evenly cooked, golden brown pancakes. Too high, and they’ll burn before the inside cooks; too low, and they won’t fluff up properly.
Let the batter rest: Allow the batter to sit for five minutes before cooking. This gives the leavening agents time to activate, resulting in lighter, airier pancakes.
Use the right amount of butter for the griddle: A thin layer of melted butter prevents sticking and adds flavor without making the pancakes greasy. Spread it evenly with a pastry brush.
Measure batter consistently: Use a ¼ cup measuring scoop to pour the batter onto the griddle. This ensures even cooking and consistent pancake sizes.
Watch for bubbles: Flip the pancakes when bubbles form around the edges, and the tops look slightly set. This is the best way to get pancakes cooked to perfection on both sides.

How To Measure Dry Ingredients

Getting the measurements right for dry ingredients is crucial for this perfect pancake recipe to turn out flawlessly. Follow these simple tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure your pancakes are always soft and airy.

Flour: Always use a spoon to scoop all-purpose flour into your measuring cup instead of dipping the cup directly into the bag. This prevents the flour from becoming packed, leading to dense pancakes. Level off the top with a knife for an exact measurement.
Sugar: For granulated sugar, fill the measuring cup until it’s slightly over the edge, then use a flat edge to scrape off the excess for an accurate amount.
Leavening Agents: Use dry measuring spoons for baking powder and baking soda. Scoop gently, level off the top with a knife, and avoid tapping or shaking the spoon, which can compact the ingredients.
Salt: Measure salt like leavening agents, using a leveled spoon to avoid adding too much.

Homemade Pancake Recipe Topping Ideas

Take this fluffy pancake recipe to the next level by adding your favorite toppings before serving.

Classic: You can’t go wrong with warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Chocolate Chips: A classic choice for a sweet, gooey addition.
Fresh Fruit: Blueberries, chopped strawberries, or raspberries for a fruity burst in every bite. Our homemade fruit salsa would be perfect on top as well!
Rainbow Sprinkles: Perfect for celebrating a birthday or adding color to your breakfast.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
Banana Slices: Thinly sliced bananas for extra sweetness and moisture.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A pinch of these spices can add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Shredded Coconut: Add a tropical vibe with a sprinkle of sweetened coconut.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle peanut butter on top for a nutty, rich flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Your Fluffy Pancake Breakfast

Enhance your breakfast spread by pairing our easy pancake recipe with these delicious breakfast recipes:

Dunkin Omelet Bites: These omelet bites complement the sweetness of pancakes, offering a savory balance to your meal.
Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A hearty casserole that adds a flavorful, meaty component to your breakfast table.
Breakfast Crescent Ring: This crescent ring filled with eggs and sausage pairs well with pancakes for a complete breakfast feast.
Hashbrown Bites: Crispy hashbrown bites provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soft texture of pancakes.
Raspberry Danish: Add a touch of fruitiness to your breakfast with this sweet raspberry pastry that pairs nicely with pancakes.

How To Store Homemade Pancakes

Keeping pancakes fresh for later is simple when you know the best ways to store and reheat them. Whether you’re making a big batch to save time during the week or want to enjoy leftovers the next day, here’s how to make sure your fluffy pancake recipe stays as delicious as when it was first cooked.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the batter in advance to save time in the morning. Mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately, then combine them just before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the pancakes and store them for later using the methods below.

IN THE FRIDGE: Allow the pancakes to cool completely before storing. Stack them in a single or separate layer with parchment paper, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, arrange the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one to two hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Pancakes will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them using one of the methods below.

REHEATING: For the best results, reheat pancakes in the oven at 350°F for five to seven minutes on a baking sheet.

Warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re short on time. Be sure not to overheat, as this can make them dry.

Fluffy Pancake Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the griddle is at the right temperature?

The griddle should be preheated to medium heat (about 350°F). To test, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface—they should sizzle and evaporate quickly.

What causes pancakes to be fluffy?

Pancakes get their fluffiness from leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, which release air bubbles into the batter during cooking.

Why do room temperature ingredients matter?

Room-temperature ingredients blend more evenly, helping to trap air in the batter for lighter pancakes.

Why are my pancakes sticking to the griddle?

This can happen if the griddle isn’t greased properly or if it’s too hot. Use melted butter or cooking spray and keep the heat at medium for best results.

This fluffy pancake recipe delivers soft, airy pancakes with a golden finish perfect for any breakfast table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a go-to recipe you can count on for consistently delicious results.

Fluffy Pancake Recipe

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Total Time 11

Servings

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, divided (3 tablespoons to mix into the pancake batter and 1 tablespoon to lightly grease the griddle or fry pan for cooking)

Optional Toppings

Pats of butter
Pure maple syrup
Fresh berries, strawberries and blueberries

Instructions

Preheat a large (approximately 20×12 inch) electric griddle over medium heat (350°F). While the griddle is preheating, make the fluffy pancake batter.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Form a slight well in the center of the bowl of dry ingredients.
To a small bowl whisk together the whole milk, large egg, vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until the egg has been fully incorporated with the other ingredients.
Pour the wet ingredients into the well of dry ingredients and stir just until combined and no large dry pockets remain. A few lumps in the batter is fine as you do not want to overmix the pancake batter or your pancakes will not cook up as light and fluffy.
Lightly coat the preheated griddle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter, spreading it evenly with a heat-safe pastry brush.
Using a medium (approximately ¼ cup or 2 inch diameter) cookie scoop, scoop out a level portion of fluffy pancake batter and place onto the preheated, and buttered, griddle. Repeat until all the batter has been placed onto the griddle. The pancake batter portions should be placed approximately 1 ½ inches apart. A large griddle should easily fit 8-10 pancakes.
Cook the fluffy pancakes for 3-4 minutes, or until bubbles start to form around the edges and center of the pancakes, then gently flip the pancakes and cook another 2-3 minutes on the second side. Repeat steps 6 and 7 if needed to cook any remaining pancake batter.
Remove the fluffy pancakes from the griddle and place onto a large clean plate.
To serve, you can stack 2-3 pancakes onto a plate and add a pat of butter to the pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup. You can serve them with a side of fresh berries as well if desired.

Notes

You can make these fluffy pancakes in a large 10-12 inch non-stick skillet over medium to medium-low heat. You should be able to cook 3-4 pancakes at a time in the skillet. You will need to note that the longer the batter sits to rest, while the other pancakes are being cooked, you will not get quite as much of a rise from the last batches cooked as you do from the first 1-2 batches. This is due to the baking powder being activated with the wet ingredients and starting to work immediately.
I find that making the fluffy pancakes on a large non-stick electric griddle allows you to cook all the pancakes at once and serve them warm all at the same time.
Using a cookie scoop allows you to get a uniform size and shape for all your pancakes. This ensures they all cook up at the same rate.
If using a ¼ cup dry measure to scoop out your pancake batter, you will need to note to fill the measure cup just shy of a full ¼ cup. This should yield 10 (approximately 3 ½ – 4 inch in diameter) fluffy pancakes.

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!