Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
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There’s nothing quite like a tall stack of golden, fluffy pancakes to start the day. Light and tender on the inside with just the right amount of crisp on the edges—this is the only pancake recipe you’ll ever need. Made with everyday ingredients, it’s quick, easy, and just right for slow weekend mornings or busy weekday breakfasts.
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Why We Love This Pancake Recipe
My husband, Rick, is the pancake maker in our house, and his pancakes are rather famous in our extended family. When he begins to heat the griddle, family members within driving distance find their way to the table, wherever that might be.
If you’re looking for more cozy, pancake-style recipes, try our oven-baked Dutch Baby Pancake, easy Drop Scones, or hearty Whole Wheat Waffles—all perfect for weekend mornings.
What Makes Them Fluffy?
- It’s all about the leavening, a gentle mixing technique, and a few simple tricks:
- Use a hot skillet or griddle to get that golden brown crust.
- Baking powder gives them lift.
- Letting the batter rest for a few minutes helps achieve the fluffiest texture.
Key Ingredients
These pantry staples come together for a simple, foolproof batter.
- All-purpose flour – the base of the batter.
- Baking powder – for that signature fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar – just enough sweetness.
- Salt – to balance the flavors.
- Egg – adds structure and richness.
- Milk – whole or buttermilk preferred.
- Butter – melted into the batter for moisture and flavor.
- Vanilla extract – optional, but adds warmth.
Shortcut: This recipe is perfect as a base for add-ins like blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips.
How to Make Fluffy Pancakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl or measuring cup.
- Combine gently – Stir until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Rest the batter for 5–10 minutes while the skillet preheats.
- Scoop and cook – Pour ¼ cup portions onto a hot griddle and cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook until golden.
Making Pancakes
We make pancakes two ways. The first method is tall, thick, and perfectly formed, well-suited to special holidays and occasions, such as Mother’s Day or Christmas morning. The second is easier, and more rustic, perfect for casual gatherings and weekends!
Tall and Thick Pancakes
The recipe is the same; the difference is in using an egg ring. It provides structure and uniformity.
Place an egg ring on a prepared skillet or griddle. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the ring. Cook the pancake until the raw side begins to bubble and the edges of the batter begin to pull away from the ring.
Gently lift the ring from the pancake and flip to cook the other side.
Every Day Pancakes
Every Saturday, pancakes are made in our house. These rustic pancakes are cooked on a well-greased griddle or sometimes in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan. They are not always perfectly formed, but oh my are they incredibly delicious! You can read more details by jumping to the recipe card below.
What is the Secret to Making Fluffy Pancakes?
These easy and simple tips will help produce the thickest, fluffiest pancakes ever.
- Check the freshness of your baking powder. Expired or tired baking powder will result in flat, thin pancakes.
- Whisk dry ingredients before adding liquid to avoid overmixing and lumpy pancakes. A few small lumps are fine. Overmixing can lead to a stiff and sticky batter.
- Use a large nonstick skillet or griddle.
- Preheat the griddle over medium heat. Then, once it’s hot, lower the heat to low-medium. Let it cool down slightly before greasing the pan.
Rick’s Best Cooking Tips
These are Rick’s best tips for making delicious pancakes at home.
- Watch the pancakes and adjust the heat.
- If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Are they sticking to the pan or griddle? Add more butter or oil, wiping out the skillet between batches helps reduce burn bits from sticking to the pancake.
- Flip the pancakes when the underside turns a golden brown and when bubbles begin to form on the batter side.
Variations to Try
- Dairy-Free – Use almond milk and melted coconut oil.
- Blueberry Pancakes – Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen berries.
- Banana Pancakes – Add ½ mashed banana and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Whole Grain – Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
What to Serve With Fluffy Pancakes
Pair your pancakes with:
- Whipped cream and lemon zest for a fresh twist
- Warm maple syrup and fresh berries
- A pat of butter and dusting of powdered sugar
- Fresh in-season fruit and berries
Frequently Asked Questions
To have fluffy pancakes, you need a thicker batter. A thin batter will result in flat, thinner pancakes.
Most often, it is because the batter is too thin. Reduce the liquid slightly and allow the batter to rest before cooking. Check your baking powder—if it’s expired, your pancakes won’t rise. Also avoid overmixing the batter.
It’s all in the leavening. Thicker pancakes need either baking powder or baking soda to help them rise. Both will create the bubbles visible in the pancake batter resulting in thick, airy cakes. Most of the rise comes from baking powder, which is why we use this leavening in our pancake recipe.
Full-fat milk produces a better flavor in pancakes. But use whichever milk you have on hand!
More Pancake Recipes You May Also Enjoy
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Fluffy Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the oil, milk, egg, and vanilla.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the combined milk and egg mixture. Whisk until the batter is smooth.
- Coat a nonstick skillet with oil, butter, or cooking spray, then wipe off any excess. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Reduce the heat slightly and add 1/4 cup measure of batter to the center of the skillet.
- When the edges begin to bubble, gently flip the pancakes and cook for another minute or so until it browns beautifully.
- If you're making pancakes with a fry ring, place the ring in the center of the skillet, carefully pour in 1/4 cup of batter and let cook until it begins to pull away from the sides and bubbles on top. This could take anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes. Gently pull up on the ring and remove it. Then carefully flip the pancake and let cook on the other side.
Video
Notes
Variations to Try:
- Dairy-Free – Use almond milk and melted coconut oil.
- Blueberry Pancakes – Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen berries.
- Banana Pancakes – Add ½ mashed banana and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Whole Grain – Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Hi I have made these several time and fluffy and delicious every time, without fail!.
Can I check the nutritional information is for 1 pancake of for all 8?
Hi Nadia, I’m so glad you are enjoying this recipe! It’s a weekend regular at our house. And yes, the nutritional information is per serving (1 serving).
I read the entire post and the comments before posing this question – can butter be substituted for the oil? Or would that change the texture and/or rise of the pancakes?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Trish! That is a great question— I tested these this morning using an equal measure of butter instead of oil. They were delicious! Texture and rise were very similar and the flavor is outstanding.
Filled the recipe, unfortunately these were the flatest pancakes I’ve ever made 🙂
Thank you for this recipe! I make these pancakes for the family every Sunday! It is now a tradition. The directions were also extremely easy to follow.
Hi Katherine! I’m so glad your family enjoys them. They are an every weekend treat for us too!
omg this is so good recipe, all my girls love it
Yay! It was, once again, our Saturday morning breakfast today too. Thanks for letting me know :)!
This is the best recipe for pancakes I have ever used. Delicious 😋
You made my day! I’m SO glad you enjoy them. They are definitely a treat in our house!!
I had an entire conversation with my sister while flipping these pancakes, and she stopped and commented how every pancake had turned out picture perfect. I also added some vanilla extract/vanilla bean and they were fluffy, with just the right touch of sweetness. I also made fresh pumpkin spice butter, as a nod to spooky season coming, and they paired perfectly! Thanks for sharing!
Amazing recipe. I substituted the sugar for date granulated sugar. I added vanilla extract and cinnamon.
LOVED IT
I’m so glad you liked it! Love adding cinnamon to waffle batter too. ❤️❤️
The best recipe for fluffy pancake. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much!! They are our favorite weekend treat.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best recipe for fluffy, yummy pancakes! I used the egg ring.
I’m so glad you liked them! They are a favorite at our house for sure. The egg rings make them extra special.