EUREKA! The Best Pancake Recipe Ever. Guys, I’m not even kidding when I say I’ve been looking for this buttermilk pancake recipe for my entire life. They are fluffy, crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and completely stackable. The search is over!! Originally posted March 10, 2016.
Table of Contents
- Get ready for the BEST pancakes EVER
- Homemade pancake ingredients
- Should I use baking soda or baking powder in pancakes?
- What kind of flour is best for pancakes?
- Should I use milk or water for pancakes?
- What is the secret to making the best pancakes?
- How to make the best pancakes from scratch
- How to get crispy edges on your pancakes?
- How to serve the best pancakes ever
- How to store, freeze, and reheat pancakes
- Fluffy homemade pancake recipe FAQs
- More amazing sweet breakfast recipes you´ll love:
- Best Pancakes I’ve Ever Made Recipe
A few weeks ago, my friend Courtney over at Neighborfood posted her Top 15 Favorite Family Recipes. I have a special place in my heart for Courtney because she was one of the first bloggers to start reading The Food Charlatan, back when it was just me, myself and my computer. She introduced me to our food blogging community. Plus her blog is totally amazing. Check out these Lemon Rosemary Melting Potatoes she just posted. What?? I’m nabbing that recipe next Courtney!!!
Anyway, back to her Top 15 post. The first recipe on the list was for these Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. I decided to give them a go because every time someone tells me they have a favorite pancake recipe, I try it…but then I usually mess them up. Don’t get me wrong, the recipes are fine. I’m just a terrible pancake maker (and an even worse pancake flipper, but that’s a whole other story).
So I tried Courtney’s recipe. AND THEY WERE AMAZING. I thought it had to be a fluke (I’m a pancake charlatan, after all), so I made them again. AMAZING. I made them a 3rd time to do this photoshoot and do you see that stack? I ate all of it.
Okay, I’m totally lying, the kids and I all shared it (what else are you going to do with a giant stack of pancakes totally soaked in syrup from all the pour shots I tried to get? Life’s tough).
Get ready for the BEST pancakes EVER
Other people have late-night pizza cravings; I have late-night pancake cravings. Seriously, I am the one going to IHOP at 10 pm because I need to get myself a stack. I love pancakes like a fat kid loves cake. You want to know the sad part?
I’m TERRIBLE at making pancakes. Seriously, I have tried a dozen recipes, probably. No matter what I do, they always turn out rubbery or flat or gummy (ugh, that’s the worst) or just plain flavorless. I am a chronic over-beater, it’s an addiction. I have some great specialty pancake recipes (Like these Gingerbread Pancakes with Lemon Syrup or these Banana Macadamia Pancakes with Coconut Syrup), but I had yet to find a good everyday recipe for when I want straight-up, no-fuss, buttermilk heaven.
Featured Comment
“These pancakes are hands down the best buttermilk pancakes ever! My husband has decided he will never order pancakes at a restaurant again cause he loves when I make these so much. Thank you!!”
– Mollie S.
Homemade pancake ingredients
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you’re already about 75% of the way to homemade pancakes! The rest? They take your pancakes to the next level—looking at you, bacon grease!
Here’s a quick shopping list to help you gather your ingredients. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients and instructions!
- butter. I use salted butter, but unsalted is fine too.
- all-purpose flour
- sugar
- salt
- baking soda
- baking powder
- buttermilk (yes, you can substitute milk mixed with a little vinegar, but try to get your hands on some actual buttermilk!! Are you making the best pancakes or not?)
- eggs
- bacon grease!!! Or butter is fine too.
- milk (preferably whole milk)
This list brings up a few good questions, which are:
Should I use baking soda or baking powder in pancakes?
Yes. Ha!
Okay, generally, you want to use baking powder for run-of-the-mill pancakes as baking soda only activates with an acid like that found in buttermilk. But we have buttermilk, so we’re using both leavening agents. The double guns of both baking powder and baking soda (activated by the buttermilk) make for a fluffy bed of heaven, waiting for a syrupy covering!
What kind of flour is best for pancakes?
I definitely recommend using regular old all-purpose flour. It creates the perfect light and fluffy texture! And I wouldn’t want anything getting in the way of that.
In theory, you could use whole wheat flour, but the measurement may not be quite the same, and your pancakes will be much more dense. Bread flour is a definite no: the extra protein in bread flour creates a great chewy texture for pizza or French bread but makes pancakes tough.
Should I use milk or water for pancakes?
Milk. Definitely milk! I’d even go so far as to recommend using whole milk in this recipe. At the very least, you need to use 2% milk. Not only does it add flavor, but the milk fat makes the pancakes much more rich and tender. Instant pancake mixes have dumbed down pancakes to the point that they often use powdered milk in their dry mix (and call for the user to add water, because hello easy.) But now we’ve got a whole generation of people who think water goes in real pancakes. NOPE.
What is the secret to making the best pancakes?
Here’s how it’s done my friends, the grand secret: a separated egg. You don’t have to whip the egg whites or anything, just beat them with a fork for 30 seconds or so.
This 30-second step gives your egg white some space from the yolk and time to shine. Beating the whites breaks up all the protein, so instead of stringy gloopy whites holding together in your pancake batter, it is beaten until bubbly and helps each pancake rise into perfectly fluffy little cakes when being cooked. Magical, right?? I just love that the secret is something SO EASY!
How to make the best pancakes from scratch
First, let´s mix the wet and dry ingredients into separate bowls. When measuring out the flour, use the “fluff and scoop” method. Simply fluff up your flour with a spoon, then scoop it into a measuring cup until it’s overfull. Gently level it off, then add to your bowl.
Now for the step that makes this recipe worth it: the egg whites. Start by separating the yolks from the whites. The yolks go in with the other wet ingredients. Now whisk up the whites with a fork for about 30 seconds to get them a little frothy. Set them aside for now and then gently mix everything else together (seriously, don’t overdo it!). Then, fold those fluffy egg whites into the batter. Viola! Your pancake batter is ready!
How to get crispy edges on your pancakes?
Can I tell you the other little secret about this recipe?
That’s right. I’m busting out the BACON GREASE. I got the bacon-grease-for-pancake-frying tip from my mother-in-law. If you are not the kind of person who has a little jar of bacon grease in your fridge at all times (seriously, who ARE you?), then the solution is obvious. Make some bacon. Then use a pastry brush to get the grease onto your griddle. If you really don’t want to bother, butter will work fine, but I’m telling you, the bacon grease adds a hint of flavor (but not overpowering–they taste like pancakes, not bacon) and the BEST crispy edges. Mmm. And what are pancakes without a side of bacon anyway?
How thick should pancake batter be?
I feel like this is so easy to SHOW you, but so hard to TELL you. One of the many reasons I wish I could just have my readers here in my kitchen! But basically, it’s like this: you don’t want it to be so thin you can easily pour it, and you don’t want it to be so thick you can’t pour it at all. (Clear as mud, right?) When you scoop some of the batter onto the hot griddle, it should gently and slowly spread into a slightly larger circle than the one you poured. After you make this recipe a couple times, you’ll know exactly what I mean!
How to serve the best pancakes ever
Butter. Syrup. Side of bacon.
Or, be extra and go crazy with the toppings…
Best pancake recipe toppings
- Strawberries, bananas, blueberries, basically any fruit is a win
- Jam or jelly
- Any fruit reduction syrup (cook fruit with a little sugar for a while)
- Whipped cream homemade of course, if you know what’s good for you
- Peeled and cooked apples with cinnamon
- Flavored yogurt
- Toasted pecans or granola
- Peanut butter and powdered sugar (I’m telling you guys!!)
- Ice cream. My daughter is obsessed with doing this for her birthday breakfast, the only time of the year I will let her!
- Melted chocolate or caramel. I mean right? Try the ganache from these Dark Chocolate Waffles.
- Fried chicken (Why should waffles get all the love?)
How to store, freeze, and reheat pancakes
No need to store leftover pancakes–you’ll never have any leftovers. Ever.
Okay, fine. Maybe you made a triple-batch.
- Refrigeration: These pancakes do just fine stored in the fridge for a few days in a sealed container.
- Freezing: Place your pancakes single-layered on a cookie sheet and freeze them for 20 minutes before putting them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. They will keep for 2-3 months! (Or you can toss them in a ziplock all at once without flash-freezing, and pry them apart when frozen, hoping they don’t break. I like to live on the wild side, people. Also, LAZY)
- Reheating: reheating is so easy and delivers, yo. I personally feel you can’t beat warming them in a toaster or, even better, a toaster oven. I often toast them straight from frozen, just toast on a low setting twice in a row. You can also warm pancakes in the microwave on 50% power. Just don’t forget to love them as much as the first time!
And just for fun, here’s my photo set up. My stack looks like it’s about to fall!
Fluffy homemade pancake recipe FAQs
Your pancakes will be fluffy if you follow this recipe. Promise! I mean just look at this gorgeous rise. I’ll reiterate a few fluffy-guaranteeing points so you can see them all in a list:
– Use milk, preferably whole or at least 2% ( you need the fat!)
– Don’t over-mix the wet and dry ingredients
– Whisk the egg whites and add them last
– Make sure an acid like buttermilk or a milk+vinegar substitute (see recipe notes) is used to activate your baking soda
– Drop the batter onto the griddle only when it is very hot. Test it by sprinkling on some water droplets, they should immediately sizzle.
Anything you want! There isn’t a Pancake Topping Enforcement Squad; you get to do whatever you want here. Fruit, jam, yogurt, whipped cream, nuts, nut butter, chocolate, ice cream, you name it! See above for a list of other topping ideas.
The pancakes are ready to be flipped over when the edges start to set and you can see bubbles forming on the top. If you’re not 100% sure, you can slide your pancake turner under the edge and peek. We’re looking for light golden brown – if they’re pale and pasty, it’s not time yet.
To get fluffy pancakes, you need to follow a few important steps:
– Don’t over-mix the batter. Once it’s just barely combined, you’re ready to go. A few streaks of flour mean you’re doing it right.
– Make sure your griddle is hot.
– Use milk instead of water (you need the fat for fluffy pancakes).
– Use acid to activate the baking soda. You can use buttermilk or “cheater buttermilk” which is milk combined with vinegar.
– Beat your egg whites separately. This way there won’t be any gloopy strands to weigh your pancakes down.
No way, don’t do it! The baking soda is activated as soon as you mix it into the batter, and it becomes less effective over time. Pancake batter doesn’t take long to mix up. If you want to have pancakes to eat quickly in the morning, save yourself even more time and freeze the cooked pancakes.
More amazing sweet breakfast recipes you´ll love:
- Oatmeal Buttermilk Pancakes >> this is an oldie but a goodie
- Deep Dish Buttermilk Pancakes >> why flip? make one giant pancake!
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake, with a Ridiculous Amount of Streusel >> yes, I said RIDICULOUS amounts of streusel.
- Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls >> A decadent recipe worthy of a bakery.
- The FLUFFIEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls of Your Life (Can Make Overnight) >>f you’ve never tried making cinnamon rolls with a simple sweet dough, you are totally missing out.
- Classic Waffle Recipe >> crispy, buttery, fluffy, breakfast-y. So good. These are Eric’s favorite.
- Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes from Mom on Timeout
- Peach Pecan Pancakes from Buns in My Oven
- Easy Sourdough French Toast Recipe from Sugar & Cloth
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Best Pancakes I’ve Ever Made
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, 1 stick, melted and cooled
- 2 & 1/2 cups flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda, see note
- 2 teaspoons baking powder, see note
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk, I used whole milk
- 2 eggs, separated
- bacon grease, for frying (butter works too)
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 170 degrees F, sometimes called the “keep warm” setting.
- Get out 3 mixing bowls: large, medium, and small.
- Add the butter to the large bowl and microwave until it is melted. Set aside to cool a little bit.
- In the medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add the buttermilk and milk to the melted butter.
- Separate the eggs: add the whites to the small bowl and the yolks to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Whisk in the yolks.
- Use a small whisk of fork to beat the egg whites a little bit, just 20 seconds or so until they start getting a little bubbly. It will help them fold in evenly.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir roughly with a wooden spoon. Don’t overdo it! Just barely combine it. There should still be streaks for flour. See photos.
- Beat the egg whites a little then add them to the batter. Fold in gently. It’s okay if there are still streaks of egg white.
- Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat.
- When it is hot, smear a little bacon grease over the griddle.
- Scoop the batter using a half cup measurement.
- When bubbles on top start to pop, flip the pancakes. They should be a nice golden brown.
- Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they are golden on both sides.
- Remove the pancakes to a cooking rack and keep warm in the oven that you turned on.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve with lots of butter and syrup. And peanut butter. What, am I the only one??
I enjoy your blog so much! I like people with a sense of humor. Good reciepes.
thank you so much Norma! You are so sweet. Enjoy the recipes! Thanks for commenting!
I usually have all the ingredients for this to make last minute EXCEPT buttermilk, so I replace that with 1 cup of plain yogurt (which I ALWAYS have) and increase the milk to desired consistency (depending on the thickness of your yogurt, especially if using greek yogurt). We do keep a mason jar of bacon fat in the fridge, but I also sometimes like to make these with coconut oil–both are good. My family (including my picky daughter) says these are the best pancakes.
That is awesome Wendy! Love the yogurt sub. Great idea! Thanks for the review!
Raising hand! (About breakfast time)
And yes, please for the sour cream pancakes. Should I do it? Yes, absolutely.
I will try this, thanks so much…take care.
I think you should try it Laura! I think I usually replace about 1 cup or less of the buttermilk with sour cream. let me know how it goes! Brunch erryday for quarantine!! lol!
I grew up where my dad cooked our pancakes in bacon grease and yes I keep a reserve in my refrigerator just for pancakes! If you’ve never tried it’s a game changer!
Bacon grease for the win Sue! I’m so glad to meet another believer!! :)
I have been making buttermilk pancakes for years and they have been a favorite of my family, but I am always looking for one just a bit better. So I tried this one and I have to say I think I have found it. Did the bacon grease too.. It is much like mine but with just a few little things that apparently make the difference.
Thanks. I’m going to try some more of your recipes.
So happy to hear the pancakes were a success Gwen! It’s nice when the search is over. Thanks for the review! Let me know what other recipes you try!
Normally I don’t comment on these blogs, but I have to say, omg! U must b from my family. Lol I thought we were the only family who are peanut butter on pancakes. More people should try it cause it’s delicious. Extra something that most in my family do also. Add over easy eggs to the top. They love the yellow yolk mixed in with the pancakes. Good luck and enjoy!
We must be related then Joanne! haha! Peanut butter forever. Also I’m SO excited to try this with a fried egg on top. Why do I never eat my pancakes savory??? Thanks for the idea!!
Do you use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe?
Hi Melissa! I always use salted, but either one will work just fine!
You are so right! I’m not a good pancake maker, either…but these are the bestest ever!
Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you like them Janice! Thanks for reviewing!
I saved the bacon grease from the Kirkland (Costco) Maple Bacon and oh my, does that ever kick up the flavour of the pancakes. You can almost eat them without the syrup, and sometimes I just sprinkle a little sugar on top and then a little lemon juice. Very delicious.
Okay I didn’t think you could one-up bacon grease, but maple bacon grease might just take the cake :) That sounds amazing! I need to try it. Thanks for the idea!
Perfect recipe. No changes. Delicious, fluffy, with crispy edges. Makes a large batch. So several went into freezer. We added blueberries to some of them. Deleing my other pancake recipes.
I’ve deleted them all too Tootie! So glad you’ve found “the one” :) Blueberries sounds delicious! genius.
definitely recommend REAL buttermilk – use it all the time and it’s still good for at least a week after expiration date
Freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays for later use.
What!!! Does that really work Lloyd? Genius!! I’m trying it!
Yes! It was fantastic!! This is a keeper recipe. I added a little vanilla but not necessary. Thank you!!!
Yes vanilla is so good in these pancakes! Thanks for the reminder Monica!
These are the best pancakes I have ever made!!! I love a fluffy pancake with crispy edges and these pancakes do just that!!! These have been a permanent fixture at our house. Now I am going to try your waffle recipe tonight!!
Woohoo! Another believer! ;) We just made these (dyed green) for St. Patrick’s Day. They never fail! I hope you love the waffle recipe too!
I am so excited to find the perfect pancake recipe!! I’ve tried so many but none compared to these.
Woohoo! They really are the best. I’m glad the search is over!
These really are the best. Haven’t tried the soured milk trick. Like the real buttermilk too much!
Agreed Aaron! Stick with the real stuff! :)