There’s something delightfully nostalgic and comforting about pancakes made from scratch, and this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe delivers every time. Imagine golden rounds stacked high, their tender middles redolent of vanilla and creamy butter, all ready to soak up maple syrup or showcase your favorite toppings. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast for the family on a lazy Sunday or sneaking in a quick weekday treat, this is the foolproof recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe shine is its simplicity—a collection of tried-and-true, pantry staples that each play their own important role. Every ingredient has its own purpose, from creating lift and fluffiness to ensuring warmth and flavor permeate every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Foundation of the pancakes, flour supplies structure and gives that perfect bite.
- Baking powder: This is your lift-off! Baking powder ensures the pancakes puff up tenderly and don’t fall flat.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch brings out subtle sweetness without making them overly sugary.
- Salt: It balances the flavors and stops your pancakes from tasting bland—don’t skip this!
- Milk: Lending richness and moistness, milk seamlessly brings all the dry ingredients together.
- Large egg: Eggs bind everything, giving your pancakes shape and a lovely golden color.
- Melted butter (plus more for the pan): Butter adds richness and that homey, irresistible flavor throughout.
- Vanilla extract (optional): A touch of vanilla deepens the aroma and gives a bakery-style finish—highly recommended if you’ve got it.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This key step ensures everything is well combined and that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which leads to those signature fluffy pancakes we’re all after.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together your milk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract if you’re treating yourself. Whisking these separately first helps the batter mix up easier later on, preventing lumps and ensuring a tender crumb in every pancake.
Step 3: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ones, and gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour; a few lumps are absolutely fine and actually make for lighter pancakes. Overmixing can make pancakes tough, so go easy here!
Step 4: Rest and Preheat
Let the batter rest for five minutes. This tiny pause allows the flour to hydrate and the baking powder to start its magic. While waiting, set a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it lightly with melted butter or a swirl of oil.
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes
Ladle about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. You’ll notice small bubbles forming on top and the edges looking set around 2 to 3 minutes in—that’s your cue to flip. Cook another minute or two until golden brown, then repeat with the rest of the batter, greasing the pan as needed.
Step 6: Serve While Warm!
Plate up the pancakes immediately if you can—these are best enjoyed fresh from the pan! Top generously with maple syrup, a pat of butter, or the fruits and extras your heart desires. There’s nothing better than digging in while they’re still warm and fluffy.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your stack with an extra square of butter, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for classic charm. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream instantly elevate the Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe to a brunch-worthy centerpiece.
Side Dishes
A stack of homemade pancakes pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage if you crave something savory. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt on the side—it’s a spread that makes everyone feel spoiled!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn breakfast into a special occasion by creating a pancake “bar”—arrange toppings like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, fruit compotes, and syrups for everyone to customize their stack. Or, use cookie cutters to shape pancakes for holidays or birthdays. The Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe is your blank canvas, just waiting for whatever fun twist inspires you.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra pancakes (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature, then layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days—they’ll still be soft and satisfying!
Freezing
To freeze the Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe, lay cooled pancakes in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. Pancakes will keep in the freezer for up to two months and are a lifesaver for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes straight from the fridge or freezer either in a toaster for crispy edges or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. You can also microwave them in 20-second bursts, loosely covered with a damp paper towel for moisture retention.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk, and use a vegan butter substitute or even a neutral oil. The pancakes will still turn out fluffy and delicious.
What can I add to the batter to change up the flavor?
This is a wonderfully versatile base recipe! Gently fold in ingredients like blueberries, chocolate chips, or diced bananas after mixing the batter. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of lemon zest for bright, unique twists.
Is the Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, these pancakes freeze beautifully! Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then stack with parchment paper between each one. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag and you’ll have quick breakfasts ready whenever you need them.
Why did my pancakes come out flat or tough?
The most common culprit is overmixing the batter or using old baking powder. Be gentle when folding everything together, and try to mix only until the dry spots disappear. Also, check your baking powder’s expiration date for those lofty pancakes every time.
Can I double or halve this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe?
Definitely! You can easily scale this recipe up for a crowd or halve it if you’re serving just one or two people. Just keep the ratios the same and you’ll get consistently tasty results!
Final Thoughts
If there’s ever a moment to treat yourself and those you love, let it be with this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe—simple, soul-warming, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Give it a try, top it your favorite way, and get ready to make a new breakfast tradition you’ll crave time and time again!
PrintEasy Homemade Pancake Recipe
A simple and delicious recipe for homemade pancakes that are perfect for a quick breakfast. These fluffy pancakes are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract if using. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; the batter may be slightly lumpy. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
Notes
- For fluffier pancakes, do not overmix the batter.
- You can fold in blueberries, chocolate chips, or sliced bananas before cooking.
- Leftover pancakes can be frozen and reheated in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg