Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Yield

12 pancakes (4 servings)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups (480ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Cooking

• Butter or nonstick cooking spray

Optional Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Sliced bananas
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate chips
• Toasted nuts

Why You’ll Love These Pancakes

• Extra fluffy and soft
• Easy, one-bowl recipe
• Perfect golden-brown color
• Light but rich flavor
• Freezer-friendly
• Better than diner-style pancakes

The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating tiny air bubbles that make the pancakes incredibly light and tender.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix until evenly combined.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl whisk together:

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Using a spatula or whisk, gently mix until just combined.

The batter should be slightly lumpy.

Do not overmix.

A few flour streaks are perfectly fine and help create softer pancakes.

Step 4: Rest the Batter

Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes.

During this time, the flour hydrates and the leavening ingredients begin creating air bubbles.

This short rest results in noticeably fluffier pancakes.

Step 5: Heat the Griddle

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Lightly grease with butter.

The surface is ready when a few drops of water dance and evaporate quickly.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Pour approximately ¼ cup batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake.

Cook for 2–3 minutes.

Watch for bubbles forming across the surface and edges beginning to look set.

Flip carefully.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer to a warm plate.

Repeat with the remaining batter.

Tips for Extra Fluffy Pancakes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Cold ingredients can reduce the batter’s rise.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing develops gluten and creates dense pancakes.

Let the Batter Rest

A short resting period makes a huge difference in texture.

Cook Over Medium Heat

Too much heat burns the outside before the center cooks.

Flip Only Once

Frequent flipping deflates the pancakes.

Delicious Variations

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

Fold in:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Add:

• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Banana Pancakes

Fold in:

• 1 mashed ripe banana

Cinnamon Pancakes

Add:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Lemon Berry Pancakes

Add:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup mixed berries

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Add:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Homemade Buttermilk Substitute

If you don’t have buttermilk:

Combine:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar

Let stand for 10 minutes before using.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigerate

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze

Arrange cooled pancakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these fluffy pancakes with:

• Warm maple syrup
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries
• Honey butter
• Crispy bacon
• Breakfast sausage
• Scrambled eggs
• Fruit compote
• Toasted pecans

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

(Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.)

Golden, buttery, and wonderfully fluffy, these Buttermilk Pancakes are a breakfast classic that never goes out of style. With their soft texture and rich flavor, they’re guaranteed to become your go-to pancake recipe for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, and cozy weekend mornings.