Fluffy, golden, and made from scratch with kitchen staples, this is the best pancake recipe youโll ever try. These pancakes are soft inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and stack beautifully without falling flat. Whether youโre making breakfast for one or feeding a crowd on a slow weekend morning, this recipe delivers comforting, diner-style pancakes right from your own kitchen.
Thereโs something timeless and soul-soothing about a warm plate of pancakes, especially when theyโre homemade. The batter comes together in minutes, and the ingredients are ones you likely already have on hand. Pour some warm maple syrup on top, maybe toss a few berries or chocolate chips in the mix, and youโre in for a treat that never disappoints.
Why Youโll Love This Best Pancake Recipe
These pancakes turn out thick and fluffy every time, with just the right hint of sweetness. Theyโre customizable for mix-ins like blueberries or bananas, and they freeze beautifully if you want to meal-prep for busy mornings. Best of all, they cook evenly and wonโt stick or fall apart when flipping.
What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Pancakes?
All-purpose flour works best for this classic pancake recipe. It gives the pancakes a soft texture with enough structure to hold their shape. You can substitute part of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier bite or use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Ingredients for the Best Pancake Recipe
Making the best pancakes starts with simple, quality ingredients. These are pantry staples that come together into a smooth batter with just the right consistency.
- All-purpose flour โ The foundation of fluffy pancakes. This provides structure and that classic pancake bite.
- Baking powder โ Gives the pancakes their lift. Donโt skip this; itโs what makes them rise and fluff up.
- Sugar โ Adds a hint of sweetness that balances beautifully with syrup.
- Salt โ Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Milk โ Brings the batter together. Whole milk gives richness, but any milk works.
- Egg โ Helps with structure and gives the pancakes a nice golden color.
- Melted butter โ Adds moisture and a rich, buttery flavor to every bite.
- Vanilla extract โ Optional, but recommended for a warm aroma and flavor.

How To Make the Best Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until combined. This helps ensure an even distribution before you add the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
Step 3: Stir It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. A few small lumps are okay. Be careful not to overmixโthis can make the pancakes tough.
Step 4: Preheat and Grease the Pan
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Let it cook for 2โ3 minutes or until bubbles form on top and the edges look set. Flip and cook another 1โ2 minutes until golden.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings like syrup, butter, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
How to Serve and Store These Pancakes
This pancake recipe yields about 8โ10 medium-sized pancakes and serves 4 people comfortably. Theyโre perfect for breakfast or brunch and pair beautifully with coffee or juice.
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely. Stack with parchment between each and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat in a toaster or microwave.
What to Serve With Pancakes?
Fresh Fruit
Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries add color, texture, and a pop of sweetness.
Bacon or Sausage
The savory saltiness of bacon or breakfast sausage complements the sweetness of pancakes perfectly.
Scrambled Eggs
A fluffy side of scrambled eggs makes the breakfast more filling and adds protein.
Whipped Cream
Light, airy whipped cream takes these pancakes into dessert territory. Great for brunch occasions.
Maple Syrup
Classic and essential. Use real maple syrup if you can for the richest flavor.
Nut Butters
Peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella spread over warm pancakes makes them extra indulgent.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt with honey or fruit adds tang and creaminess, balancing out the sweet pancakes.
Breakfast Potatoes
Crispy hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes round out the plate and make it feel like a diner classic.
Want More Breakfast Ideas?
If you love starting your day with something warm and comforting, check out these other reader-favorite breakfast recipes:
- Try this Fluffy Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe, a protein-packed twist on the classic.
- You might also enjoy this Sausage Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole for a heartier morning meal.
- For a quick prep, these Breakfast Roll Ups are a family favorite.
- Want more savory? This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup works well as a cozy brunch pick.
Save This Recipe For Later
๐ Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add blueberries? Did you swap in oat milk or go with the classic?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome tooโletโs help each other create fluffier, tastier pancakes.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Best Pancake Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This best pancake recipe makes thick, fluffy pancakes using simple ingredients like flour, milk, and eggs. A classic American breakfast favorite perfect for cozy mornings, brunch gatherings, or freezing for later. Easy to customize with berries, chocolate chips, or syrup.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; small lumps are fine.
4. Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2โ3 minutes until bubbles form and edges are set.
6. Flip and cook another 1โ2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with syrup, butter, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy.
Use a nonstick skillet or griddle for easy flipping.
Let cooked pancakes cool before freezing or refrigerating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2โ3 pancakes
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg


