Buttermilk Pancakes – The Ultimate Fluffy Breakfast Classic

🎉 Introduction

There’s nothing like a tall stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes to brighten your morning. This classic recipe is simple yet delivers soft, tender pancakes with a slightly tangy flavor that only buttermilk can provide. They’re golden, airy, and ready in no time — perfect for weekend brunch or an indulgent weekday treat.

With no pork or alcohol in the ingredients, these pancakes are wholesome, family-friendly, and made with pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this is the go-to recipe for perfect homemade buttermilk pancakes.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Small saucepan (for melting butter)

🛒 Ingredients

🥚 Fresh Produce

• 1 large egg

🥣 Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

🍦 Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)

🧈 Dairy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

• Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
• Gently whisk until just combined. Do not overmix — a few small lumps are okay for fluffy pancakes.

Step 4: Rest the Batter

• Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to allow the leavening agents to activate, creating a light, airy texture.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Lightly grease with a pat of butter or oil.
• Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
• Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2–3 minutes).
• Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

• Stack pancakes on a plate.
• Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, a pat of butter, or your favorite toppings.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Yield: 6–8 pancakes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator:
  Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer:
  Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper, stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  Reheat in the toaster for crisp edges, or microwave for a soft, fluffy bite (20–30 seconds).

🥄 Variations

• Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter.
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto pancakes before flipping.
• Banana Pancakes: Mash a ripe banana into the wet ingredients for extra flavor.
• Lemon Zest Pancakes: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus touch.
• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for a faux buttermilk and plant-based butter.
• Protein Pancakes: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra nutrition.
• Stuffed Pancakes: Add a spoonful of Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese between two layers of batter.
• Cinnamon Spice Pancakes: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
• Savory Pancakes: Skip sugar and vanilla, add herbs and grated cheese for a savory breakfast.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Why use buttermilk in pancakes?
   Buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create light, fluffy pancakes and adds a delicious tang.
2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
   Yes, but add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk to mimic the buttermilk effect.
3. Why should the batter rest before cooking?
   Resting allows the leavening agents to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
   It’s best made fresh, but you can mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before cooking.
5. How do I ensure pancakes are fluffy?
   Avoid overmixing the batter and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cooking.
6. What’s the best pan for pancakes?
   A non-stick skillet or griddle heated to medium is perfect for even cooking and easy flipping.
7. Can I freeze these pancakes?
   Absolutely! Freeze in layers and reheat in the toaster or oven.
8. How do I get golden brown pancakes?
   Ensure the skillet is well preheated and cook over medium heat.
9. What toppings go best with buttermilk pancakes?
   Maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, honey, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
10. Can I add fruit directly into the batter?
    Yes! Fold in chopped strawberries, blueberries, or even diced apples for fruity bursts.

🏁 Conclusion

These Buttermilk Pancakes are fluffy, tender, and bursting with classic breakfast flavor. Made with simple ingredients, no pork, no alcohol, and a quick preparation time, they’re perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or a quick weekday treat.

Once you try these, you’ll never go back to boxed pancake mix again.

Adam

Buttermilk Pancakes – The Ultimate Fluffy Breakfast Classic

There’s nothing like a tall stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes to brighten your morning. This classic recipe is simple yet delivers soft, tender pancakes with a slightly tangy flavor that only buttermilk can provide. They’re golden, airy, and ready in no time — perfect for weekend brunch or an indulgent weekday treat. With no pork or alcohol in the ingredients, these pancakes are wholesome, family-friendly, and made with pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this is the go-to recipe for perfect homemade buttermilk pancakes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Rest Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pancakes

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🥚 Fresh Produce

• 1 large egg

🥣 Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

🍦 Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract alcohol-free

🧈 Dairy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Small saucepan (for melting butter)

Method

 

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

1. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
2. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
3. Gently whisk until just combined. Do not overmix — a few small lumps are okay for fluffy pancakes.

Step 4: Rest the Batter

1. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to allow the leavening agents to activate, creating a light, airy texture.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Lightly grease with a pat of butter or oil.
3. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
4. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2–3 minutes).
5. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Stack pancakes on a plate.
2. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, a pat of butter, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper, stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the toaster for crisp edges, or microwave for a soft, fluffy bite (20–30 seconds).

🥄 Variations

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto pancakes before flipping.

Banana Pancakes: Mash a ripe banana into the wet ingredients for extra flavor.

Lemon Zest Pancakes: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus touch.

Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.

Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for a faux buttermilk and plant-based butter.

Protein Pancakes: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra nutrition.

Stuffed Pancakes: Add a spoonful of Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese between two layers of batter.

Cinnamon Spice Pancakes: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.

Savory Pancakes: Skip sugar and vanilla, add herbs and grated cheese for a savory breakfast.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why use buttermilk in pancakes?
Buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create light, fluffy pancakes and adds a delicious tang.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk to mimic the buttermilk effect.

Why should the batter rest before cooking?
Resting allows the leavening agents to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before cooking.

How do I ensure pancakes are fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cooking.

What’s the best pan for pancakes?
A non-stick skillet or griddle heated to medium is perfect for even cooking and easy flipping.

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Absolutely! Freeze in layers and reheat in the toaster or oven.

How do I get golden brown pancakes?
Ensure the skillet is well preheated and cook over medium heat.

What toppings go best with buttermilk pancakes?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, honey, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Can I add fruit directly into the batter?
Yes! Fold in chopped strawberries, blueberries, or even diced apples for fruity bursts.

🏁 Conclusion

These Buttermilk Pancakes are fluffy, tender, and bursting with classic breakfast flavor. Made with simple ingredients, no pork, no alcohol, and a quick preparation time, they’re perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or a quick weekday treat.

Once you try these, you’ll never go back to boxed pancake mix again.