Introduction
These fluffy pancakes are soft, thick, and cloud-like, with a tender crumb and a lightly golden outside. Once you try them, there’s no going back to thin, flat pancakes. This recipe is simple, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and delivers bakery-style pancakes every single time. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner when carbs call your name.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk (room temperature works best)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
Instructions
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute the leavening. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently stirring with a spoon or whisk until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy—do not overmix, as this will make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the top and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm while cooking the remaining batter.
Cooking Method Tips
- Use medium heat to allow the pancakes to rise without burning.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking for extra fluffiness.
- Do not press pancakes with a spatula—this pushes out the air and ruins the texture.
History
Pancakes are one of the oldest prepared foods in the world, dating back thousands of years. Ancient versions were made with ground grains and water, cooked on hot stones. Modern fluffy pancakes became popular with the introduction of baking powder in the 19th century, transforming them into the soft, airy breakfast favorite we love today.
Benefits
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates
- Easy to customize with healthy add-ins like fruit or nuts
- Kid-friendly and perfect for family meals
- Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
Variations
- Blueberry Pancakes: Add ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Fold in ¼ cup chocolate chips
- Banana Pancakes: Mash 1 ripe banana and mix into the wet ingredients
- Whole Wheat Pancakes: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm stacked high with butter and maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, whipped cream, jam, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. For a savory twist, pair with eggs and crispy bacon.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Conclusion
These fluffy pancakes are proof that simple ingredients can create pure comfort and joy. Soft, airy, and irresistibly delicious, they turn any morning into something special. Once you make them, they’ll become your go-to pancake recipe forever—because life is better with pancakes