Fluffy, golden, and positively irresistible, Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup are the kind of breakfast treat that turns any ordinary morning into a cozy, memorable event. This iconic pairing combines the gentle tang of classic buttermilk pancakes with a rich, silky-sweet white syrup, creating a stack that’s far more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch for family or just spoiling yourself, these pancakes will leave everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe, too!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe has a clear purpose—simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and the perfect pancake texture. Don’t skip or swap; each one is essential for that tender bite and luscious syrup finish.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for thick, fluffy pancakes that rise beautifully on the griddle.
- Granulated sugar (for both pancakes and syrup): Delivers just the right amount of sweetness in the batter and forms the creamy base of your syrup.
- Baking powder: Lifts the pancakes, making them airy and soft inside.
- Baking soda: Teams up with buttermilk for extra tenderness and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps things balanced—don’t omit it!
- Buttermilk: The secret to those signature tender, tangy pancakes (no substitutes will do here).
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding rich flavor and structure.
- Unsalted butter (for pancakes and syrup): Creates the luscious mouthfeel in both your pancakes and syrup—melted for mixing ease.
- Vanilla extract (for both): Adds aroma and warmth, making the pancakes and syrup sing with homemade flavor.
- Heavy cream (for syrup): Brings incredible silkiness and richness to your homemade white syrup.
- Pinch of salt (for syrup): Balances out the sweetness of the syrup and makes the flavor pop.
How to Make Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple act ensures your leaveners are distributed evenly throughout the batter, guaranteeing that every pancake will puff up and brown perfectly. Give it a few extra turns with your whisk for good measure—lumps aren’t invited to this party!
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This blend promises pillowy pancakes with just the right amount of richness and that unmistakable hint of vanilla. Room temperature ingredients help the batter come together best, but don’t stress if you forgot to plan ahead—the pancakes will still be swoon-worthy.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Gently pour the wet mixture into your dry bowl. Using a spatula, stir only until just combined; a few streaks of flour are totally fine. Over-mixing leads to tough pancakes, so a light hand here makes all the difference. Let your batter rest for 5–10 minutes—this helps everything hydrate, resulting in extra fluffiness once cooked.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Get your griddle or large skillet hot over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. For each pancake, scoop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges begin to set, usually 2–3 minutes. Flip, then cook another 1–2 minutes until both sides are golden brown. Marvel as your kitchen fills with the kind of scent that draws a crowd.
Step 5: Make the Homemade White Syrup
While the pancakes rest, it’s time to whip up your dreamy sauce. In a small saucepan, mix together the sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often so nothing sticks. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Off the heat, add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, which instantly transforms it into a pourable, glossy syrup that tastes like it came from a nostalgic breakfast spot.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Stack your warm pancakes high on a plate and drizzle generously with the homemade white syrup. The creamy sweetness cascades down each layer, infusing every bite with pure comfort. Grab your fork and dig in—you’ve just made Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup that could tempt anyone out of bed.
How to Serve Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup
Garnishes
A gorgeous stack deserves a little flourish. Try dusting the top with powdered sugar, adding a scattering of fresh berries, or even a small pat of butter that melts into the homemade syrup. Each bite becomes a celebration of color and flavor, giving your Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup a touch of café-style magic.
Side Dishes
While these pancakes are the star, they play well with others. Serve them alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a hearty twist. A simple bowl of mixed fruit or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt brings freshness and contrast to the meal, making your breakfast both satisfying and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the classic tower, try arranging mini pancakes as a “pancake board” with bowls of white syrup, fruit, and nuts for a fun brunch spread. Or make silver-dollar pancakes for a playful, kid-sized version. For a special touch, set up a DIY bar with toppings like cinnamon, chocolate chips, or toasted coconut alongside that irresistible syrup—guests will love customizing their own Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes and syrup are a treasure! Once cooled completely, store extra pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the homemade white syrup in a separate jar or tightly sealed container. This way, you can treat yourself to a fabulous breakfast even on busy mornings.
Freezing
Pancakes freeze beautifully. Stack them with parchment between each one, then slide them into a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. The white syrup can also be frozen—just place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an almost-instant, made-from-scratch breakfast.
Reheating
Warm pancakes in the toaster, oven, or microwave for a just-cooked taste and texture. For the syrup, gently reheat on the stovetop or zap in the microwave with a quick stir. Both will taste as fresh as the day you made them—perfect for reviving a lazy morning with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
While a mix can save time, you truly won’t get the same fluffy, tangy results as homemade. The balance of buttermilk and fresh ingredients really makes Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup shine, so it’s worth the few extra steps.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mimic its effect by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 2 cups of milk. Let it sit 5 minutes before using. The flavor will be a little different, but your pancakes will still have a nice tender crumb.
What if I want to make the pancakes gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for pancakes or quick breads. Keep an eye on your batter’s texture; you might need slight adjustments to ensure it stays thick but pourable.
How do I make the white syrup thicker or thinner?
Simmer the syrup a bit longer for a thicker consistency, or add a splash more cream for a looser pour. It’s easy to tailor to your preference, and it still brings that essential sweetness to Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup.
Can I add mix-ins to the pancake batter?
Absolutely! Fold in blueberries, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts for a fun twist. Try not to overload the batter, so the pancakes still rise well and cook through evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that warms hearts as much as stomachs, you won’t regret trying these Buttermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup. Give them a spot in your regular rotation—your family and friends will be thrilled, and every stack will bring back that pure, comforting joy of homemade mornings.
PrintButtermilk Pancakes with Homemade White Syrup Recipe
Indulge in a delightful breakfast with these fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes served with a rich Homemade White Syrup. These pancakes are light, fluffy, and perfect for a cozy morning treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the White Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Let batter rest.
- Cook the Pancakes: Preheat a griddle, pour batter for each pancake, cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Make the White Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, cream, and butter. Boil, then simmer until thickened. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Serve: Drizzle warm pancakes with homemade white syrup.
Notes
- Add a dash of cinnamon to the syrup for a cozy twist.
- The syrup can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake + syrup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg