There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes to start your day—or end it, if you’re into breakfast for dinner (we won’t judge!). This classic pancake recipe is simple, foolproof, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re topping them with fresh berries, drizzling them with honey, or going all out with whipped cream and chocolate chips, these pancakes are sure to become your go-to morning treat. Let’s whip up some pancake magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fluffy & Light: The secret to perfect pancakes is in the batter—simple ingredients, proper mixing, and a little patience.
- Customizable: Add blueberries, bananas, chocolate chips, or nuts, or keep them plain for versatile toppings.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands can help mix, pour, and decorate their own pancakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pancakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy works!)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor
For Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced 🍓
- Maple syrup or honey 🍯
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips, nuts, or banana slices
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be lumpy—that’s okay! Overmixing can make pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while the skillet heats up. This allows the baking powder to activate and creates fluffier pancakes.
4. Cook the Pancakes
- Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated skillet for each pancake. Use the back of the measuring cup to spread the batter slightly if needed.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2–3 minutes). Flip the pancake and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed between batches.
