Perfect Fluffy Pancakes From Scratch
These fluffy pancakes rise tall, stay soft, and deliver a clean, comforting flavor every time. Made with simple pantry ingredients and clear techniques, this from-scratch recipe removes all guesswork and gives you light, tender pancakes perfect for busy mornings or relaxed brunches.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk any variety, room temperature
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 3 tablespoons butter melted and slightly cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional but recommended
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as the dry flour disappears. Small lumps are normal.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to improve texture and rise.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges look set, about 2 minutes.
- Flip once and cook the second side until golden and springy to the touch. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra lift and a slight tang, substitute buttermilk for regular milk. Keep the heat moderate to avoid overbrowning. If serving with a savory side, pair with eggs and turkey bacon instead of pork-based options.