THE Best Pancakes (No Lie) (2024)

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Get the syrup ready for the fluffiest pancake recipe yet! Just like the ones grandma used to make.

If you are still searching for the best, fluffiest pancake recipe on earth, it is right here.

This is one of those recipes that has been passed down through the family for generations. My auntie is the one who shared it with me and we’ve been making these fluffy pancakes at our house for decades.

I mean, just look at how gorgeous these pancakes are…

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Jump to:
  • How to make Fluffy Pancakes
  • Fluffy Pancake Recipe Ingredients
  • How to Make Fluffier Pancakes From Scratch
  • How to Make the Best Pancake Batter for Fluffy Pancakes
  • How to Make-Ahead Fluffy Pancakes
  • Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe

How to make Fluffy Pancakes

The secret to making fluffy pancakes is fresh baking powder. While we all have baking powder in our pantries, it’s important to note that after 9 months from opening it begins to quickly decline it’s “rising” power.

Meaning, its ability to provide your pancake batter “lift” and help them rise declines quickly or stops working. This is the culprit to pancakes not coming out as fluffy as they should with this recipe.

One simple trick is to mark the opening date with a pen in your baking powder bag or package so you know it’s always fresh! If your baking powder is still sealed but it’s expired, it will also not provide optimal lift.

This recipe is so good, it made itinside my cookbook,truly the perfect pancake recipe.

But don’t take my word for it, see what Sara commented about this pancake recipe after she tried it!

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Fluffy Pancake Recipe Ingredients

The ingredients for fluffy pancakes are simple. For this recipe you’ll need:

  • All-Purpose Flour- I like to use regular all-purpose flour, but you could swap it for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  • Baking Powder: a leavening agent that helps the batter rise and creates fluffy pancakes. If you’re out, I have a recipe for pancakes without baking powder here.
  • Salt: to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
  • Sugar: just enough to make these pancakes lightly sweet.
  • Milk: use regular milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
  • Egg: to bind the ingredients and help the pancakes hold together.
  • Butter (optional): adds delicious, buttery flavor.

How to Make Fluffier Pancakes From Scratch

It’s so easy to make the most amazing pancakes at home. This simple, no-fail recipe will have you flipping pancakes like a pro in no time!

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients
    Sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together in a large bowl.
  2. Make a Volcano
    Form a “volcano” well in the middle and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter, mixing with a fork or whisk until the batter is smooth.
  3. Cook
    Heat a non-stick griddle or pan on medium-high heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake.
  4. Flip
    Wait for bubbles to form, flip and brown on both sides.
  5. Serve!
    Grab butter, syrup and any other pancake toppings that you and your family will enjoy!

You’ve read the steps, now check out this video and I’ll walk you through it, every step of the way!

While some people prefer to make pancakes on a pan, I really like the efficiency of a large non-stick griddle when it comes to making my pancakes. A large surface allows me to make more pancakes at once, which means I can serve them hot and please a crowd (or my kids).

I do feel, however, that a non-stick surface is necessary to make pancakes. And remember, just because your surface is non-stick, it does not mean you can skip using butter or spray. This is essential.

How to Make the Best Pancake Batter for Fluffy Pancakes

The best pancake batter is one that is not overmixed, and its consistency isn’t too liquidy. Pancake batter should be thick, without lumps, and even.

Pancake batter that is too thin will yield flat pancakes without much fluff. In this video below, I share what pancake batter should look like, how to substitute milk in a pancake recipe, and more.

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The Best Syrup for Fluffy Pancakes

These homemade pancakes are so delicious you won’t want to top them with ordinary syrup. Don’t worry, I have you covered with the best homemade syrups ever.

Try my recipe for homemade strawberry syrup. This is so simple to make and is a healthier alternative to what you’d find in the store or even at popular pancake restaurants. My strawberry syrup recipe is made with real ingredients so you can feel good about what’s topping your pancakes!

If blueberries are more your style, then you are going to want this recipe for fresh blueberry syrup. Again, made with real ingredients both because it’s better for you and because it ends up tasting so much better than the more artificial version you get at pancake houses. Seriously, this stuff is the best.

Serve with one of these delicious sides for pancakes!

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How to Make-Ahead Fluffy Pancakes

Freezing pancakes is really simple and a very convenient way to have fresh out of the toaster pancakes in the morning on any given day. After you make the pancakes you simply let the extras cool, then freeze on a lined baking sheet for 1 hour, before placing them in a zip bag.

You can warm up a frozen pancake in the microwave by placing the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and microwaving them uncovered for 30 seconds to 1minute, depending on the number of pancakes until the middles are heated through.

You can also toast the pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven o a “medium” toast setting. Warming up the pancakes in the toaster will give them a crispy outer layer. Top with butter, syrup, or toppings and serve.

If you are looking for other ways to prep your pancakes ahead of time, here’s my pancake mix recipe so you can keep some in stock in the pantry!

Print the Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe

I know, you are really here to learn how to make the fluffiest, tastiest pancakes in the world and I’m excited for you to get started.

If you are thinking about making substitutions, check the notes. Chances are, I’ve already tried it and can point you in the right direction to make sure you get the perfect pancake every time!

I had to quit making these for a few months, whenI gave up grainandmy son switched to a gluten-free diet. The other 3 people in the house continued to eat these pancakes while I perfected my gluten-free pancake recipe(yes, the gluten-free ones are just as fluffy and wonderful!).

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Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe

Laura Fuentes

Get the syrup ready for the fluffiest pancake recipe yet! Just like the ones grandma used to make.

4.98 from 228 votes

Servings 6

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

  • Make a well in the middle and pour in the milk, egg, and butter. Mix with a whisk or fork until smooth.

  • Heat a non-stick griddle or large pan over medium-high heat, I set my griddle at 300-350 F.

  • Pour or scoop ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Wait until bubbles form to flip. Continue cooking for an additional minute to cook through, and brown on the other side. Remove from the pan or griddle and serve.

Notes

  • 100% whole wheat – add an additional teaspoon of baking powder + 1 Tablespoon milk.
  • 50% whole wheat – add ½ teaspoon baking powder.
  • Want to add flax meal? Add ¼ cup ground flax andremove ¼ cup flour + ½ teaspoon baking powder.
  • Add banana: Add 1 mashed banana – no changes.
  • Add up to 1 cup blueberries or nuts – no changes.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 pancakesCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 403mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 319IUCalcium: 176mgIron: 2mg

Love this Recipe?

THE Best Pancakes (No Lie) (2024)

FAQs

Why didn't my German pancake puff up? ›

There are two main culprits to flat, sad Dutch baby pancakes: Your oven wasn't hot enough. The hotter your oven, the more puffed your Dutch baby pancake will be. Make sure to preheat the oven for at least 10 minutes before baking the batter.

What is the secret to super fluffy pancakes? ›

15 Tricks For Making The Most Fluffy Pancakes
  1. Use a fresh leavening agent. ...
  2. Instead of all-purpose flour, use cake flour. ...
  3. Sift the dry ingredients. ...
  4. Add carbonated water. ...
  5. Incorporate mayonnaise into the batter. ...
  6. Mix with a balloon whisk. ...
  7. Don't overmix the batter. ...
  8. If using baking powder, add a bit of lemon juice.
Aug 29, 2022

What makes a Dutch baby puff? ›

As it bakes the batter puffs up, in a similar way to a Yorkshire pudding or a popover. The recipe doesn't contain any chemical leavening as the milk and eggs create steam that causes the Dutch Baby to rise.

Why are my pancakes chewy and not fluffy? ›

Why are my pancakes rubbery and chewy? The most common cause for pancakes turning out dense is over mixing.

Why did my Dutch baby fall? ›

Why did my Dutch baby fall? If your Dutch baby does not rise, a few factors may be the culprit. The ingredients were too cold, the mixture wasn't mixed well (either too much or too little), the pan wasn't hot enough, or you needed more butter.

What makes fluffier pancakes milk or water? ›

Milk helps make pancakes fluffier than water. Since milk is thicker than water, it creates a thicker batter. Further, if you use whole milk or low fat milk, the fat content helps yield tender, fluffy results.

Does adding more baking powder make pancakes fluffier? ›

Top tips for fluffy pancakes

Don't be tempted to add more than the recipe suggests, as too much baking powder will make pancakes taste soapy. Alternatively, you could use self-raising flour, which will add to the amount of raising agent in the recipe and potentially make your pancakes fluffier.

What not to do when making pancakes? ›

Don't let the lumps fool you into overmixing!
  1. You ignore the heat during cooking. If you are not using an electric skillet, you must pay attention to the heat when you start cooking the pancakes. ...
  2. You've been using the wrong pan. ...
  3. You flip your pancakes too soon. ...
  4. You don't fully preheat your pan.

What does adding an extra egg to pancakes do? ›

Eggs are a crucial ingredient. They provide the cakes with the structure to hold light bubbles. Eggs also give the batter additional, richer flavor from the yolk fat. If you add too many eggs, you'll have “pancakes” that look more like custard or crepes.

What does adding more milk to pancakes do? ›

Yes, adding milk to your pancake batter can make them softer and fluffier than if you use water. Milk contains fat and protein, which contribute to the texture and structure of the pancakes. The fat in the milk coats the flour particles, making the pancakes more tender and giving them a richer flavor.

Why are my German pancakes not fluffy? ›

Why Didn't My Dutch Baby Puff Up? Like popovers and Yorkshire pudding, the thing that gives Dutch babies their signature puff is steam. In order for that steam to work the pancake into its signature peaks and valleys, you need two things: enough air in a well-developed batter and a piping-hot pan and oven.

Why does my Dutch baby taste eggy? ›

Eggs: 5 of them! Dutch Babies are “eggier” and taste similar to crepes or popovers. The eggs provide structure and the fat in the yolks adds richness and flavor. Sugar: Just 1 tablespoon sweetens the batter slightly and promotes beautiful browning.

Why is my German pancake dense? ›

Overmixing the batter can cause the gluten in the flour to overdevelop, leading to a dense pancake. Batter Not At Room Temperature: Ingredients that are not at room temperature can cause the batter to be too dense. Make sure all ingredients, including the eggs and milk, are at room temperature before making the batter.

Why wont my pancakes bubble up? ›

Flat pancakes are nearly always because of expired baking powder, too little baking powder for the recipe size, or too thin of a batter.

What causes pancakes not to rise? ›

TIP: Make sure your baking powder is not out of date, or your pancakes won't rise as well. Combine wet ingredients together in a separate jug – this step is more important than you might think. The less you mix the batter, the fluffier your pancakes will be.

Why do my pancakes go flat? ›

Making pancake and waffle batter ahead of time is a huge no-no and will lead to flat, dense results every time. Even letting your batter hang out for just a few minutes after you've mixed it before you start ladling it onto the griddle will lead to less fluffy results.

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