Introduction
There’s something comforting about a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes made entirely from scratch. Whether it’s for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a quick weekday treat, knowing how to make pancakes from scratch is a must-have kitchen skill. , we’ll walk you through the ultimate homemade pancake recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and the best ingredients to ensure your pancakes come out light, fluffy, and delicious every time.
Why Make Pancakes from Scratch?
With boxed mixes widely available, many wonder why anyone would go through the trouble of making pancakes from scratch. The answer is simple—homemade pancakes taste better, are more customizable, and don’t include unnecessary preservatives or additives.
Making pancakes from scratch also allows you to:
- Control the quality of ingredients
- Adjust sweetness to your taste
- Experiment with flavors and add-ins (like blueberries or chocolate chips)
Most importantly, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from basic pantry staples is truly unmatched.
Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade Pancakes
To master how to make pancakes from scratch, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
These ingredients form the foundation for classic pancakes. If you want to make fluffy pancakes every time, the baking powder is essential—it gives them that beautiful rise.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pancakes from Scratch
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the leavening agent, which is key to fluffy pancakes.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring jug, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Create the Pancake Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing leads to dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
Step 4: Preheat the Griddle or Skillet
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil. A well-heated pan ensures even cooking and the perfect golden-brown exterior.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Let it cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2–3 minutes). Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed between batches.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Stack your pancakes high and serve immediately with your favorite toppings—maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Fluffy Homemade Pancakes
- Don’t overmix the batter. Small lumps are fine and help keep the pancakes light.
- Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking. This helps activate the baking powder.
- Use fresh baking powder. Old or expired baking powder won’t give you the rise needed.
- Keep the pan at medium heat. Too hot and your pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking inside.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra flavor and tenderness.
Customizing Your Pancakes
Once you master the basic recipe, try mixing things up! Knowing how to make pancakes from scratch means you can add endless variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Blueberry Pancakes – Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Banana Pancakes – Mash a ripe banana into the wet ingredients for added moisture and flavor.
- Whole Wheat Pancakes – Substitute half or all of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Storing and Reheating Pancakes
If you have leftover pancakes (lucky you!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Stack pancakes with parchment paper between each and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Warm pancakes in the toaster, microwave, or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pancakes without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or use applesauce or mashed banana as a binder.
What’s the secret to fluffy pancakes?
The combination of baking powder and not overmixing the batter is key. Resting the batter before cooking also helps.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Absolutely. Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk can all be used in place of regular milk.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make pancakes from scratch, you’ll never go back to the boxed mix again. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create delicious, fluffy pancakes that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast in bed or a quick weekday treat, homemade pancakes are always a good idea. Add your favorite toppings, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the magic of making pancakes from scratch.
