Print

Thick and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes From Scratch

Close-up of a stack of incredibly fluffy pancakes cut in half, showing the airy interior, drizzled with syrup.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make the best fluffy pancakes with this recipe. You achieve thick, light, and airy pancakes using simple ingredients and classic American home cooking techniques for your weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter for cooking

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This mixes the dry ingredients well.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops gluten and makes pancakes tough.
  4. Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray. The griddle is ready when a drop of water sizzles immediately.
  5. Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Do not crowd the pan.
  6. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You know the first side is ready to flip when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set.
  7. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings for a perfect breakfast.

Notes

  • For extra thick fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for 5 minutes after mixing. This allows the leavening agents to activate.
  • Use a medium-low heat setting. Cooking too hot results in burnt outsides and raw centers.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of regular milk with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Nutrition