Best Ever Pancake Recipe
Pancake Recipe made with simple ingredients that takes only a few minutes time. Load these perfect homemade pancakes up with fresh fruit or drown them in your favorite maple syrup.
I’ve included tips below (with a video) to help answer any questions on how to make the best ever pancakes. This post contains affiliate links.
I know food bloggers have a bad rap for throwing around the phrase “best ever” a little too frequently. Friends. Look at my eyes… these easy pancakes are the real deal. I’ve been searching for the best pancake recipe ever, and I’ve finally perfected it. Thick and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness, but not too much so you can still drown them in syrup.
This is one of my favorite go-to recipes because I always have what I need to make it on hand. I love that it only requires a few simple ingredients, takes only a few minutes to make, and tastes a million times better than box mix. This recipe makes ten perfect pancakes every single time.
How to Cook Pancakes
- Make sure you have even heat (I like to use an electric griddle)
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes (to activate the baking powder)
- Use nonstick baking spray (yes, even on nonstick pans)
Make sure you have even heat, especially if you are using a skillet. Let your pan heat up while you make the batter; an easy way to test if your pan is ready is by flicking a tiny bit of water onto the pan. If it’s hot and ready to go the water will sizzle immediately.
Always spray your pan with a little bit of nonstick spray to keep your pancakes from sticking (Yes, even in non-stick pans. I’ve also tried butter, but it does change the surface of the pancake, so I prefer nonstick spray, like Pam.)
I received an Electric Griddle
How to Pour Pancake Batter
Another tip to use when making this recipe is to use a 1/4 cup measuring cup
Keep in mind that this pancake batter will be very thick. This is what you want! There is no need to thin it out with more milk or liquid. It will be thick! It won’t “pour” like boxed mix, it will scoop. Use a measuring cup to scoop the batter onto the griddle.
How to Flip the Perfect Pancake
- Wait until the underside is ready
- Shove the spatula all the way underneath
- Use your wrist instead of your whole arm
Don’t rush your pancakes- let that first side get gorgeously golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when bubbles start to form and pop on the top (the uncooked side).
To get a perfect flip without batter sliding around, be sure to purposefully shove your spatula (I like silicone or plastic, not metal) all the way underneath and use your wrist to turn them over.
My husband taught me that. I was flipping them using my whole arm, instead of a gentle turn of the wrist, which was resulting in lopsided pancakes.
How to Make Pancakes Fluffy
I get comments all the time about the amount of baking powder in this recipe. This recipe calls for 3 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Teaspoons NOT tablespoons. Baking powder NOT baking soda.
No, using that much baking powder will not make the pancakes taste weird or metallic. I promise you I make this recipe weekly. This pancake recipe has been rigorously tested and duplicated by many. This recipe is solid.
That said, apparently some people are sensitive to the taste of some baking powders. (Much like how some people think cilantro tastes like soap and others love it.) If you are sensitive to baking powder, I would recommend buying an aluminum-free baking powder.
Learn more about the differences between baking powder and baking soda here, like how to test if your baking powder is still good. Baking powder should really be replaced every three months for best results.
Delicious Pancake Toppings
If maple syrup isn’t your thing, slather these homemade pancakes with Homemade Strawberry Butter! We also like to top them with this Homemade Blueberry Syrup.
My oldest loves when I add blueberries in the batter and my younger two love chocolate chips. Honestly, I usually end up eating mine plain, straight off the griddle, because they’re just that good!
Note: When I add blueberries, I mix them directly into the batter. Coating them in the batter helps prevent them from bursting (and making a huge mess on my griddle). When I add chocolate chips, I scoop the batter onto the griddle and then immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips directly on top.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pancakes
Can this pancake recipe be used to make waffles? Yes! The ratios need to be changed up slightly, but this recipe can be used to make homemade waffles. Get my Fluffy Waffle Recipe here.
Can this pancake recipe be made into mini pancakes or “silver dollar” pancakes? Yes! I have used this recipe to make miniature pancakes before. Mini pancakes are perfect for kids, a pancake breakfast bar, or to serve at brunch. Get tips on how much batter to use and more in this post: Strawberry Banana Pancake Skewers.
Can this pancake recipe be made with buttermilk? Yes! Just sub out the whole milk for buttermilk. You can really use whatever milk you have on hand (skim, 2%). I have not tried it with milk alternatives, like cashew or almond, but these should be okay also. In fact, I use buttermilk (or a “cheater” lemon/milk mixture) in these Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes.
Can this pancake batter be made ahead of time? No. Most baking powder sold today is double acting, which means that the first leavening occurs when the baking powder gets wet. (The second leavening occurs when the baking powder is heated.) You may notice that after you mix the dry ingredients with the wet, the batter may “puff up” some in the bowl. The longer is sets without being heated up, the more it will lose that initial rise.
Can these pancakes be frozen? Yes! Freeze them individually before combining in an airtight bag. We reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Can this recipe be doubled? Yes. I have doubled this recipe and it works great.
Can this pancake recipe be made dairy free? Yes. I have made these before using cashew milk and omitted the butter completely, the results were very similar. Others have used other dairy free milks, nut milks, and vegan butter alternatives with for dairy free pancakes with great success.
Can you make these pancakes with egg? Yes. Others have used an egg replacement, applesauce, and pumpkin successfully, though I personally have not tried this.
Can these pancakes be made using whole wheat flour, almond four, oat flour, arrow root flours, etc? I personally have not tried this, but read through the comments as others have done this with great results.
More Breakfast Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in microwave for 30 seconds, set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Stir milk and egg together.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Pour the butter, vanilla, and milk mixture into the well.
- Use a wire whisk to stir everything together until just combined. It will be slightly thick and lumpy, but should be well incorporated.
- Allow the batter to rest while heating a lightly oiled skillet or griddle to medium high heat.
- Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
- Cook each side for 3-6 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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These are AMAZING!
I kept searching for a recipe that makes the fluffiest of pancakes and this is the one!
I didn’t have to change anything or alter it! It’s perfect!
Also the makes a great amount of pancakes without being left with a ton of leftover batter.
Can I use this recipe with whole wheat flour? I tried looking for someone who already asked but you have so many positive comments it would have taken a week!
Hi Ainsley,
I haven’t personally tried that, but I searched through the comments and found this info for you:
Jewels says: “Delicious. I’ve made as is and they were tasty. This time I added a little cinnamon, subbed 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, and added a ripe banana. My son nearly swallowed them whole.”
Mama says: “this is a great recipe. I think the person who’s pancakes tasted like flour most likely forgot the salt. I always do one and taste test and add stuff accordingly…. I used whole wheat grain flour and buckwheat so I added a pinch more salt and some water. they came out perfect. thanks for sharing your recipe.”
Nico says: “WOW. These are AMAZING pancakes! Every member of my picky family loves them. They said throw out your other recipes. FLUFFY. SWEET. Great texture. I have tried variations also -a dash of vanilla and cinnamon, using all whole wheat flour, a tablespoon of wheat bran. Any creative additions are gracefully accepted into this delicious recipe. We made them with dairy free milk, too! These are now a go to for company and kid sleepovers. Thank you for this recipe. It’s THE BEST.”
It sounds like these three had great success. Hope this helps. Let me know how it works out for you! 🙂
Why do all these food blogs have a whole life story about how life changing every recipe is? Gotta scroll down for 5 days to find the actual recipe.
But it’s a good one. Not the best. Just okay.
Hi Tina, if you actually read the post it is full of tips to make these pancakes. Not once do I say the words “life changing” 🙂
It’s a blog…. AM I RIGHT?! jeez Luiz people. If you don’t like the read…just move on! Great recipe! Made them with my 8 year old this morning, thanks!
So glad you enjoyed them, Rita! 🙂
First time today making pancakes that were not from Bisquick! LOl. I typically like thinner pancakes but decided to give these a try. OMG! These really are the best pancakes ever! So light and fluffy and just delicious. I added some blueberries to it and topped it with maple syrup. I will never go back to Bisquick pancakes again! Thank you so much for the recipe!
So happy to hear this, Cassie! 🙂
Well, it took me less than 4 seconds to scroll down to the recipe (jus sayin’) which was wonderful. And the very definition of a blog as per Merriam Webster is the “online personal reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks, videos, and photographs provided by the writer” so why be surpised that there are personal insights? I love to find recipes via PInterest and read the blogs because I want that personal story or special tips and tricks the blogger shares. Otherwise, I would just go to the ton of cookbooks that I have.
Thank you for your support 🙂
People like to explain things so it’s easier to understand and to add a little bit of the whys and hows their recipes came to be. Also if you bothered reading the “whole life story”, you will find gems of information sprinkled throughout. Perhaps scrolling will benefit you so you don’t feel the need to leave rude remarks/comments like this.
That being said, I appreciate your recipe and the pancakes taste awesome! This will be my go-to when I make pancakes!
So glad you liked them, Elizabeth! Thank you for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Holy WOW these are amazing! So fluffy and perfectly seasoned. My husband literally asked, “Are these real??” Thank you for this recipe!! Also, I added the vanilla and it was game changing.
Haha, that’s awesome! Glad you all enjoyed!!
Yes!! I tried this recipe and this is THE BEST ever!! I’m not kidding. I have tried every recipe under the sun but this one is THE one.
The only thing I do differently is add a touch of almond extract and a bit of apple cidar or white vinegar to the milk and they come out so perfectly fluffy and tasty! My daughter used to hate my pancakes. Now she cant stop begging for them!!
Oh my goodness, my family devoured these! There is nothing left, I only got one. I was reading reviews and I think that baking soda was used by those that didn’t like them, I was a bit skeptical about the amount of baking powder but it worked perfectly. I did add vanilla.
These are SO much better than the box mixes. My family really enjoyed them. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
The best pancake recipe! I’ve never been able to make pancakes the way my grandma makes them. They are always too flat when I use box mixes. Every time I try a recipe from scratch it’s always too runny or just not any good. They are fluffy and just the right amount of sweetness. I added just a splash more milk because my batter so thick I couldn’t get it out of the scoop lol. I also added some vanilla
This is the best pancake recipe EVER ! ! ! I make this recipe all the time at my house and I’m only 12 so you can tell how easy it is.The pancakes are so fluffy and flavorful and sometimes, for fun, I add chocolate chips in it. These are by far the best pancakes ever ! ! !
The. Best. Pancakes. EVER!
I have been searching for the perfect pancake recipe…and I found it here! I’m very serious…it’s the perfect texture and even when I do substitutions it works well. I’ve added chocolate chips, coconut, you name it. I have it saved as a favorite in my browser and I almost know it by heart now.
My husband is no longer the best pancake maker in the house and that makes me so happy LOL!
Thank you!!!!!
So happy to hear that Alicia, your comment made my day!
best pancake recipe I’ve tried
thank you
So simple. the measurements are spot-on for perfection.
My boys told me these are the best pancakes they ever tasted!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. My son is a picky eater and I needed a recipe that can mask his medication. This recipe was a hit for him. As soon as he took his first bite, he was hook. He had the biggest smile on his little face and he couldn’t stop eating it. I would have rated this a 5 stars but I had a little problem with my pan being a little too hot so my first 2 attempts of cooking the pancake was burnt. I had to adjust my temperature to a medium-low temperature for it to cook perfectly.Other than that, I will be making this recipe again.
This is a really delicious pancake recipe!
I have tried so many different pancake reciepies over the years and this one hands down is the BEST. Fluffy flavorful pancakes and so easy to make.
These pancakes taste it amazing! However I’ve been trying to find ways of adding extra protein into my diet. I found that if I added two extra eggs the pancake consistency didn’t vary that much but I did get the increase protein. One other thing. I noticed that this pancake recipe didn’t have vanilla in it. It tastes great without it but if you happen to like vanilla just add a teaspoon of vanilla to the batter. I just happened happened to be obsessed with vanilla. But the pancakes tasted great!
these pancakes came out perfect! never had any pancake recipe work better!
I have made this recipe a bunch of times now, with several different brands of gluten free 1-for-1 flour. It has been great every time! We usually add chocolate chips, and use just a few drops of syrup. SO GOOD! I am permanently converted from boxed mixes.. My daughter and I even used metal cookie cutters, to make butterfly pancakes today! We are in love with these. Thanks for posting!!!
amazing fluffy pancakes
Did not like the taste of these. I made them for my kids and right away they said the pancakes tasted strange. I didn’t believe them so I tried for myself and yuck. Strange salty metallic taste. Wanted to love but won’t be making these again.
This sounds like your baking powder may be old. Nothing in the recipe should be causing that taste. Try to find aluminum free baking powder.
Hands down the best pancake recipe I’ve come across. They are so fluffy and the flavor is perfect. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe.
Best pancake recipe ever! I’ve always made pancakes from boxed mix, but we were out so I found this recipe and these turned out better than any other pancakes I have ever made! They are thick and fluffy, better even than restaurant pancakes!
I have been making pancakes for nearly 50 years and these were the VERY. BEST. I ever ate! Love that the measurements are so easy and love that you shared !
I have tried making pancakes from the box so many times but it seemed like pancakes were the one thing I just could not master. Just tried this recipe and they were a breeze to make and tasted fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing. This will be my go to recipe from now on!