Fluffy Pancake Recipe

If you’re craving light, fluffy, and downright irresistible breakfast treats, this Fluffy Pancake Recipe is the one you’ve gotta try. I absolutely love how these pancakes come out soft and airy every single time — they’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings or whenever you feel like a little comfort food hug on a plate. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to get that perfect pancake stack that everyone at your table will rave about!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra-Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the right amount of baking powder and gentle mixing, these pancakes turn out light and airy every time.
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already, plus little tricks to get the best flavor without fuss.
  • Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have a stack ready in about half an hour — perfect for weekend brunch or surprising guests.
  • Versatile: Whether you like a classic syrup topping or fun mix-ins, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this Fluffy Pancake Recipe, it’s key to understand why the ingredients work together so well. From the flour providing structure to the baking powder creating that perfect lift, here’s what you’ll want to focus on when shopping and prepping.

Flat lay of a small mound of white all-purpose flour, four teaspoons of white baking powder in a small white ceramic bowl, a pinch of coarse salt in a tiny white bowl, three tablespoons of granulated white sugar in a small white bowl, one whole large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl filled with creamy pale milk, a small white bowl containing melted golden butter, and a tiny white bowl with clear vanilla extract, 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 Pancake, light and fluffy pancakes, easy pancake recipe, beginner pancake recipe, breakfast pancake ideas
  • Flour: I always use all-purpose flour because it builds a great base without weighing the pancakes down.
  • Baking Powder: The magic behind fluffiness — make sure it’s fresh for the best rise and not bitter like baking soda can be.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors and enhance sweetness.
  • Sugar (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness, but you can skip it if you’re topping with syrup or fruit.
  • Egg: This brings everything together and helps with the pancake’s rise and tenderness.
  • Milk: Full fat or 2% works well — it keeps the batter smooth and helps create that fluffy texture.
  • Melted Butter: Gives a rich flavor and helps keep pancakes from sticking to the pan.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens up the flavor without overpowering the batter.
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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

One of the things I love most about this Fluffy Pancake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can get creative and make pancakes that suit your mood or the seasons!

  • Blueberry Pancakes: I add a cup of fresh blueberries right into the batter — they burst with flavor and add a fun, juicy twist.
  • Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Toss in half a cup of chocolate chips mixed with the dry ingredients for a treat that my family can’t resist.
  • Lemon Pancakes: Adding the zest of a lemon to the wet mix gives a fresh and zesty note — perfect for spring brunches.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. I’ve tried it, and just be sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your mix doesn’t have it, for proper texture.

How to Make Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. I like to use a wooden spoon because it’s gentler on the flour and helps avoid overmixing later. Setting this aside for a moment lets the baking powder distribute evenly so your pancakes get that perfect rise.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, crack in the egg and add the milk and vanilla extract. Then, melt your butter gently — I usually do this in the microwave in 20-second bursts — and pour it into the wet mix. Give everything a good whisk until the ingredients are fully combined, but don’t worry about lumps here; they smooth out later.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently

Make a little well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Use your wooden spoon to fold the batter just until no dry spots remain. I learned this the hard way: overmixing makes the pancakes tough instead of fluffy. Those tiny lumps you see? Totally fine — that’s a good sign you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Cook Your Pancakes to Perfection

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small knob of butter and let it melt, making sure it coats the pan evenly. Use about ⅓ cup of batter per pancake — I find this size makes the perfect thickness. You’ll see bubbles start popping on the surface after 2-3 minutes and the edges will look set — that’s your cue to flip. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden. Keep the heat moderate; too high and the outside will burn before the middle cooks through.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Stack High

Stack your pancakes up right away to keep them warm. Slather with butter and maple syrup, or get creative with toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream — more on my favorite ways later.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Pancake Recipe

  • Fresh Baking Powder: I always check the expiration date — old baking powder means flat pancakes, and that’s just heartbreak.
  • Gentle Folding: Avoid vigorous stirring; folding gently keeps the batter airy and your pancakes soft.
  • Consistent Heat: Medium-low heat is your friend — it cooks pancakes evenly without burning them on the outside.
  • Butter Your Pan Right: Too much butter can fry instead of cook; just a small knob melted evenly keeps pancakes non-stick and flavorful.

How to Serve Fluffy Pancake Recipe

A stack of five thick, golden-brown pancakes sits in the center of a white plate with a beaded edge, each pancake layered evenly one on top of another. On top of the stack is a small square of light yellow butter slowly melting, with maple syrup glistening and dripping down the sides, pooling slightly on the plate. The pancakes have a soft, fluffy texture with a lightly browned surface. The plate rests on a white marbled texture surface, with a glass of orange juice blurred in the background and a fork and a folded cloth napkin to the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fluffy Pancake, light and fluffy pancakes, easy pancake recipe, beginner pancake recipe, breakfast pancake ideas

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for classic butter and maple syrup — it’s timeless and unbelievably tasty. But I also love topping mine with fresh banana slices and crispy bacon for that sweet-and-salty combo. On special mornings, creme fraiche with fresh berries or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce with whipped cream really impresses my family and friends.

Side Dishes

To round out breakfast, I often serve these pancakes with scrambled eggs, smoky sausage links, or even a fresh fruit salad. A simple yogurt parfait on the side brings a cool, creamy contrast to the fluffy stack.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or brunch parties, I like to stack pancakes and layer between them whipped cream or mascarpone, adding berries or chocolate chips inside the stack. Another fun idea is making a pancake bar so everyone can choose their own toppings and mix-ins — it’s a blast for kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers — and honestly, that’s rare in my house! — store pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I layer sheets of parchment paper between pancakes to keep them from sticking.

Freezing

Freezing pancakes is a game-changer. After cooking, let them cool completely, then separate with parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag. They keep great for about a month, perfect for quick breakfasts when you’re short on time.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a toaster or oven to help them crisp up slightly on the outside while staying soft inside. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the texture isn’t quite as lovely.

FAQs

  1. What makes pancakes fluffy in this recipe?

    The fluffiness mainly comes from the right amount of baking powder combined with gentle mixing. Baking powder creates bubbles that expand in the heat, lifting the batter. I’ve found that avoiding overmixing preserves those little air pockets, making pancakes soft and airy.

  2. Can I substitute milk in this Fluffy Pancake Recipe?

    Absolutely! You can use any milk you prefer — dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that richer milk (like whole milk) lends a creamier texture. If using alternatives, the batter consistency might change slightly, so adjust the amount if needed.

  3. How do I avoid rubbery pancakes?

    The key is not to overmix your batter and to cook pancakes over medium-low heat. Overmixing develops gluten which makes pancakes tough, and too-hot pans burn the outside while undercooking the inside. I always mix until just combined and cook patiently for the best results.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed/chia seeds + 3 tbsp water), use plant-based milk, and swap melted butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine. It might change the flavor slightly, but it’s very doable! Just be sure to watch cooking since plant-based fats behave differently.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Pancake Recipe has been a total game changer in my kitchen — it’s simple enough to whip up on weekdays but special enough to make guests smile on the weekend. The texture and ease are unbeatable, and once you try it, you’ll probably never go back to boxed mixes. Trust me, I’m already daydreaming about my next stack dripping with syrup and berries. Give it a go and see how these pancakes make your mornings feel a little brighter and cozier!

Print
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Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Fluffy Pancake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 100 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Pancakes 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This fluffy pancake recipe creates light and tender pancakes perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch. Combining classic ingredients with simple steps, these pancakes cook to golden perfection in a skillet and can be customized with various toppings and flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups / 190g Flour
  • 4 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 3 Tbsp Sugar (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 Egg
  • 1 1/4 Cups / 300ml Milk
  • 1/4 Cup / 60g Melted Butter
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract


Instructions

  1. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Set aside.
  2. Wet Ingredients: In a smaller bowl, crack in the egg. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat and add to the bowl. Mix the ingredients with a fork or whisk until well combined.
  3. Combining the Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet. Fold the batter gently with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. It’s okay to have small lumps; avoid overmixing to ensure the pancakes stay fluffy and tender.
  4. Cooking the Pancakes: Heat a heavy-based frypan or cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add a knob of butter and let it melt. Measure out ⅓ cup of pancake batter and pour it into the pan, allowing it to spread naturally. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges set and bubbles appear in the center. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat for remaining batter.
  5. Serving the Pancakes: Serve the pancakes stacked high, topped with butter and maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Pancake Toppings: Banana and Bacon, Butter and Maple Syrup, Creme Fraiche and Fresh Berries, Salted Caramel Sauce and Whipped Cream
  • Pancake Variations: Blueberry Pancakes – Add 1 Cup of fresh blueberries to the batter; Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Add 1/2 Cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredients; Lemon Pancakes – Add the zest of 1 lemon to the wet ingredients
  • Baking Powder: Use 4 tsp of baking powder, ensure it’s baking powder, not baking soda, as baking soda will make pancakes bitter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake (approx 70g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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