Start your weekend off right by whipping up a stack of the Best Fluffy Pancakes. Pass the maple syrup!
Pancakes are an all-American breakfast, but you may be surprised to learn that pancakes may have been around as far back as 600 BC in ancient Greece. Apparently, a Greek poet wrote about warm pancakes in the oven during that time. See? Pancakes are so beautiful, they even made their way into poetry.
Okay, you may not feel like a philosophical poet on Saturday morning, but you can still create an amazing breakfast for the fam with this easy recipe. A stack of pancakes makes getting out of bed a bit more exciting.
My favorite part about this pancake recipe is the melted butter. Just the smallest amount adds a richer flavor and better texture. You’ll love how fluffy and tender these pancakes turn out. Drizzle them with maple syrup, crown them with fresh fruit, or serve them with a side of crispy bacon. The possibilities are endless!
Are fluffy pancakes Healthy?
I wouldn’t consider them a health food, but they’re not particularly unhealthy, especially if enjoyed in moderation. Of course, it also depends on how you serve them. Fresh fruit will boost their nutritional profile, while sweet toppings like maple syrup will add extra sugars.
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or whole-wheat pastry flour. The recipe can be made vegan by substituting the dairy with plant-based versions and the egg with three tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).
Give the batter a break
To make the fluffiest pancakes, you’ll want to make sure your batter has time to rest. Five to ten minutes is ideal, but you can also leave it for up to 30 minutes. This resting period gives the flour time to hydrate and the baking powder time to fully activate. No need for vigorous whisking. In fact, doing so can make pancakes dense and chewy. Resting the batter rather than overmixing results in light, tender pancakes, which is exactly what we want! That said, don’t let the batter sit out for more than an hour. The baking powder will become less effective, and this will result in flat pancakes!
How to Make Ahead and Store
Place pancakes in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze pancakes for up to 2 months. In that case, place some baking paper between each pancake before placing them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag.
Serving Suggestions
What can you serve with pancakes? The sky’s the limit! These golden cakes are fun at any meal because they are a blank slate for yummy toppings and sides.
My go-to for breakfast is pancakes with a side of bacon or scrambled eggs. However, at dinnertime, I like a well-rounded meal with an egg casserole or a fruit salad. Even with nothing on the side, you can top pancakes with anything you want. How about bananas and this decadent Dairy-Free Vegan Caramel Sauce? Or, why not top them with Roasted Strawberries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup? There are so many delicious options!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk (substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled (substitute with plant-based butter for dairy-free)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add the milk, cooled melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg into the well. Begin by whisking the wet ingredients in the center, gradually incorporating the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. If your batter is too thick, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until pourable.
- Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat a nonstick pan or griddle over low-medium heat. Lightly grease with a small amount of butter.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan, spreading into a round shape. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown and the pancake is cooked through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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