Fluffy Pancake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect stack of morning joy, this Fluffy Pancake Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how these pancakes turn out—soft, airy, and just the right amount of sweet—that classic breakfast treat everyone craves. Whether you’re making a lazy weekend brunch or just want to elevate your weekday mornings, this recipe is straightforward, dependable, and downright delicious. Stick around because I’m going to share some insider tips to help you master these fluffy delights every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the perfect balance of baking powder and careful mixing, these pancakes are light as air every time.
  • Simple Ingredients: No fancy extras required—just pantry staples you probably already have.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready to enjoy in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.
  • Customizable: You’ll find different variations to suit your tastes or dietary needs below.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Fluffy Pancake Recipe plays a crucial role to create that tender, airy bite. I like to use whole milk for richness, and melting the butter ahead of time helps it blend perfectly without overworking the batter.

Flat lay of a small mound of sifted all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with fine granulated sugar, a small white bowl with a pinch of salt, a small white bowl holding baking powder, a small white bowl containing whole milk, a small white bowl with golden vanilla extract, one large brown whole egg, and a small white bowl with melted butter, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Fluffy Pancakes, easy fluffy pancake recipe, homemade breakfast pancakes, soft airy pancake ideas, perfect pancake stack
  • All-purpose flour: Sifting this ensures no lumps and a lighter pancake texture.
  • Baking powder: This is the magic leavener that makes your pancakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and boost flavor.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness without overpowering.
  • Whole milk: Provides creaminess; you can substitute with plant-based milk, but results differ slightly.
  • Vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
  • Egg: The binding agent that adds structure and moisture.
  • Butter: Melted and cooled for a rich taste and soft crumb.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that you can easily personalize this Fluffy Pancake Recipe to suit whatever mood or diet you’re in. Whether it’s adding mix-ins or making it gluten-free, the recipe molds nicely to your tastes.

  • Blueberry pancakes: Fresh or frozen blueberries stirred into the batter—my kids go absolutely crazy for these!
  • Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add a bit of xanthan gum for structure—I found it works well with minimal adjustments.
  • Vegan pancakes: Use almond milk and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg; you might want to add a touch more baking powder to keep them fluffy.
  • Chocolate chip delight: Mixing chocolate chips into the batter is my guilty pleasure hacking weekend breakfasts.

How to Make Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Step 1: Sift Dry Ingredients Together

Begin by sifting the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Sifting is a game changer—it not only removes lumps but aerates your mixture, which helps your pancakes become light and fluffy. I realized this little extra step makes a huge difference after a few trial runs!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry mix and add the milk, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter. Using a whisk, stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can develop gluten, making pancakes tough rather than fluffy, so I always remind myself to stir just enough.

Step 3: Cook on a Warm Griddle

Heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium heat, then lightly grease it with butter, oil, or cooking spray. I pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake—this size is just right for flipping without a mess. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, signaling it’s ready to flip. Flip gently and cook the other side until golden brown. Patience here is key—if your pan is too hot, pancakes will brown too fast on the outside and remain raw inside.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve these warm from the griddle with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup is classic, but I also love fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These pancakes stay moist and fluffy even as they cool, perfect for lingering breakfast chats.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Pancake Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Sifting: I always sift the dry ingredients for airier, lump-free batter—it really changes the texture.
  • Mix Gently, Not Thoroughly: Overmixing will make pancakes dense, so I stop as soon as batter is mostly combined.
  • Medium Heat is Your Friend: Too hot and pancakes burn outside but stay raw inside; medium heat cooks them evenly every time.
  • Use Melted Butter Cooled to Warm: Adding hot melted butter can scramble eggs or ruin batter, so always let it cool first.

How to Serve Fluffy Pancake Recipe

A stack of three thick, golden brown pancakes sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. On top of the stack, a small square of butter is melting, and golden syrup is being poured from a small shiny metal cup held by a woman's hand, dripping down the sides of the pancakes. Around the pancakes are some fresh berries including raspberries and blueberries, with a few bright green mint leaves adding color. In the blurred background, there is another thick stack of pancakes on a white plate and a white bowl filled with more colorful berries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fluffy Pancakes, easy fluffy pancake recipe, homemade breakfast pancakes, soft airy pancake ideas, perfect pancake stack

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I keep it simple but impactful—freshly sliced strawberries, a handful of blueberries, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add texture and freshness I just love. A drizzle of pure maple syrup is classic, but honey or fruit compote also make fantastic toppings.

Side Dishes

My family pairs these pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage, and sometimes scrambled eggs on the side. For a lighter spin, Greek yogurt and fresh fruit make a lovely accompaniment. Trust me, balancing the richness with a protein or fresh fruit keeps breakfast feeling satisfying and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered pancakes with mascarpone and berry compote to elevate the plate. You can stack smaller pancakes into a tower and drizzle with chocolate sauce or whipped cream for a fun twist kids adore. Even using cookie cutters for themed shapes adds a playful touch to your breakfast table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing pancakes in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for about 2 days. I learned that stacking them with parchment paper in between prevents sticking perfectly.

Freezing

Freezing pancakes is a lifesaver. After cooling completely, layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. This means you can whip up a batch on the weekend and enjoy fluffy pancakes straight from the freezer on busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop pancakes in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast them for a bit of crispiness on the edges. Microwaving with a damp paper towel on top keeps them moist, while the toaster adds a slight crunch I love.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of flour for this Fluffy Pancake Recipe?

    Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works best for traditional fluffiness, you can substitute with whole wheat, oat, or gluten-free blends. Keep in mind that alternative flours may change the texture and density slightly, so you might need to adjust liquid amounts or add a bit more baking powder.

  2. What causes pancakes to not be fluffy?

    The two main culprits are overmixing the batter and using expired baking powder. Overmixing develops gluten, which toughens the pancakes, while old baking powder loses its leavening power. Make sure to mix gently and check your baking powder’s freshness for best results.

  3. Can I make this Fluffy Pancake Recipe vegan?

    Yes! Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg alternative, and swap whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk. Using melted coconut oil or vegan butter works too. You may need to add a touch more baking powder to keep them super fluffy.

  4. How do I prevent my pancakes from sticking to the pan?

    Make sure your pan or griddle is properly preheated over medium heat and lightly greased with butter or oil before adding batter. Avoid pressing down on pancakes, and flip only once bubbles appear on top. Using a non-stick pan also helps tremendously.

  5. Can I prepare the batter the night before?

    I don’t recommend making the batter too far ahead because baking powder starts reacting once wet. That said, you can pre-measure and sift the dry ingredients the night before to speed things up in the morning.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Pancake Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s reliable, delicious, and so easy to make. I love sharing it with friends who tell me it’s their new favorite too. There’s something so comforting about that perfect, fluffy bite first thing in the morning. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly earns a spot in your breakfast rotation just like it did in mine!

Print
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Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Fluffy Pancake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Fluffy Pancake Recipe delivers tender, light, and airy pancakes perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, baking powder, milk, egg, and melted butter, these pancakes are easy to whip up in just 15 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup for a classic treat that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to ensure an even distribution and to avoid lumps.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth, taking care not to over mix which can toughen the pancakes.
  3. Preheat Pan: Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to look set, then flip with a spatula. Cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Serve: Serve the pancakes warm topped with maple syrup or your favorite toppings. Store any leftovers in an airtight bag in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave.

Notes

  • Do not over mix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
  • Use medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring the pancakes cook through.
  • Feel free to add blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter for variation.
  • Leftover pancakes freeze well; separate layers with parchment paper before freezing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3 pancakes)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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