Dinner

Homemade Fluffy Pancakes Recipe

ByEthan Lark December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Introduction

Homemade pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat that’s both fluffy and flavorful. This easy recipe combines classic ingredients to create soft, tender pancakes perfect for any morning. Enjoy them plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings.

A tall stack of eight golden-brown pancakes sits in the center of a white plate, each layer thick and fluffy with slightly darker edges showing a cooked texture. On top of the stack is a small square of melting butter, pale yellow and smooth, while amber syrup is being poured over it, flowing down the sides and pooling slightly at the bottom. In the background, there is another white plate with more pancakes and a silver tray holding more butter resting on a white cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups flour (see notes)
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1 ¾ cups milk (1% or whole works)
4 tablespoons salted butter (plus more for coating skillet)
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon honey
Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—in a large bowl until well incorporated.
Step 2: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the milk, egg, vanilla extract, honey, and melted butter.
Step 4: Whisk the batter gently until combined but avoid overmixing; the batter should be thick but smooth. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
Step 5: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it rest for about 1 minute. Spray with nonstick oil and add a small piece of butter, letting it melt and foam.
Step 6: Ladle about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet. Use a silicone spatula to gently shape the edges into a circle if needed.
Step 7: Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and small holes form, about 2 minutes.
Step 8: Flip the pancake with a quick wrist motion and cook for another 30 seconds, checking to ensure it is set underneath.
Step 9: Repeat with remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed. Use nonstick spray and butter before each batch.
Step 10: Serve warm with butter, syrup, and fresh fruit if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra fluffy pancakes, separate the egg and whisk the white to soft peaks before folding it into the batter.
Swap cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice in fall for a seasonal twist.
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk to add a tangy flavor and tender crumb.
Try adding fresh blueberries or chocolate chips directly to the batter before cooking.

Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster or skillet until heated through. For longer storage, pancakes can be frozen in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

A tall stack of seven golden-brown pancakes sits neatly on a white plate, each pancake showing soft, slightly porous texture with lightly crisp edges. On top of the stack, a small square of melting butter glistens, covered by a thick stream of amber syrup flowing down evenly over the pancakes and pooling slightly on the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred second stack of pancakes and a butter dish in the soft background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before cooking; if it thickens, add a splash of milk to loosen.

Why are my pancakes flat instead of fluffy?

This usually happens if the batter is overmixed or if the baking powder is old. Mix just until combined and ensure your baking powder is fresh for best rise and fluffiness.