Learn how to make the best Fluffy Pancakes that are light, airy, and perfectly golden every time! This easy homemade pancake recipe uses simple ingredients and foolproof techniques for breakfast perfection. Serve with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
There’s nothing quite like waking up to a tall stack of fluffy pancakes on a lazy morning. Golden on the outside, soft and airy inside these pancakes are a breakfast classic loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re making brunch for the family or a cozy breakfast for yourself, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality pancakes right from your kitchen.
The secret to making pancakes extra fluffy lies in using fresh baking powder, the right mixing method, and a touch of patience while cooking. You don’t need any fancy ingredients — just your everyday pantry staples and a few simple tricks that make all the difference.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional for sweetness)
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¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
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1 ¼ cups milk (whole or low-fat)
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1 large egg
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3 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Preparation Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 8 pancakes (serves 3–4 people)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
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In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures an even texture.
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In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon.
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Do not overmix — the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can make pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 2: Rest the Batter
Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and the gluten to relax, resulting in softer, puffier pancakes.
Step 3: Preheat the Pan
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Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
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Lightly grease it with a bit of butter or oil. The surface should be hot but not smoking — test by sprinkling a few drops of water; they should sizzle and disappear.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
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Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet.
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Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
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Gently flip using a spatula and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown.
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Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly as needed.
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Pancakes
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Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are perfectly fine; this keeps the texture light.
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Use fresh baking powder: Old or expired baking powder won’t give enough lift.
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Cook on medium-low heat: Too high, and your pancakes will burn before the center cooks.
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Rest the batter: This step helps develop the fluffiness.
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Flip only once: Over-flipping can flatten the pancakes and reduce airiness.
Flavor Variations
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Blueberry Pancakes: Add ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
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Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Mix in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a dessert-style breakfast.
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Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and stir it into the wet ingredients.
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Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the batter before flipping.
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Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a hearty twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your fluffy pancakes warm with any of these delicious toppings:
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Pure maple syrup or honey
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Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas
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Whipped cream or yogurt
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Nutella, peanut butter, or almond butter
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A sprinkle of powdered sugar
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A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
For a special weekend breakfast, pair them with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or sausage links for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Pancakes)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 1.4 mg |
Note: Values are approximate and depend on the ingredients used.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Stack pancakes with parchment paper between each layer and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the toaster, oven, or microwave until soft and fluffy again.
Healthier Options
If you want to make your pancakes even healthier:
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Use whole-grain flour or oat flour instead of white flour.
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Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a natural sweetener.
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Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version.
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Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
Concluding remarks
These Fluffy Pancakes are a breakfast staple that never disappoints — simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Their soft, airy texture and buttery flavor make every bite irresistible. Whether topped with maple syrup, fruit, or a dollop of cream, they’re sure to brighten any morning.
Once you master this easy recipe, you’ll never reach for store-bought pancake mix again. It’s quick, reliable, and turns out perfectly every time. So grab your skillet and get ready to stack up the fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever made — golden, tender, and deliciously homemade.