How to make the Best Homemade Pancakes
Ever wanted to learn how to make homemade pancakes? This Guide to the Best Homemade Pancakes was written for you! Come learn my tips and tricks for how to make fluffy pancakes and the best pancake toppings around, plus 10+ pancake recipes to make at home this coming weekend.
Listen, I’m not going to tell you what to do with yourself on the weekends, but our family has made Saturday or Sunday morning pancakes a tradition—and it’s really delightful.
Every family member—including our 2-year-old—plays a role in making pancakes.
We switch ‘em up every weekend, too, and have a blast adding different flavors to the table.
Why I love making pancakes at home
My sorority sisters and I used to make Chocolate Chip Pancakes every Thursday night before we watched The O.C. (and then Grey’s Anatomy), and my love of pancakes has been strong since that time.
However, since that time, I’ve learned that making pancakes from scratch at home isn’t much harder than using the pancake mix. You’ve just got to have the right ingredients and equipment.
Also, homemade pancakes are simply the BEST, tasty and a fun way to involve the entire family in breakfast… or breakfast for dinner.
Need breakfast inspiration, but don’t know where to start? Head on over to my Breakfast and Brunch Recipe Index.
Tools to make Homemade Pancakes
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- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 2-tablespoon cookie scoop
- Cast iron griddle—you can also use an electric one if you have one
- Pastry brush—to brush oil or butter onto your griddle
- Metal spatula—if you’re using a nonstick skillet, make sure your spatula is plastic so it doesn’t scratch the surface!
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
In addition to these tools, you’ll need a few ingredients to make pancakes from scratch.
This list below is a general one and will yield some plain fluffy pancakes—but I’ve got ideas below for recipes to try that have some more flair and also other ingredients.
- All-purpose flour — we always have unbleached at our house, but the regular kind works perfectly, too!
- Granulated sugar — also known as white sugar, this provides a little sweetness to the pancake batter.
- Leaveners — I like to use a combination of both baking powder and baking soda. Make sure yours are fresh.
- Kosher salt — medium-grain kosher salt is my go-to. You could easily use a similarly sized sea salt.
- Milk—over the years, we’ve made our pancakes with every type of milk available. Recently, we’ve made them with whole milk because we always have that on hand, but this pancake recipe works with any cow’s milk (from whole to skim), as well as almond, cashew and coconut milk.
- Eggs — these act as a binder, as well as help the pancakes puff up a little. I use large eggs.
- Vanilla extract — the real deal vanilla extract brings together ALL the ingredients! Don’t skimp here!
- Flavorless oil — avocado, vegetable or canola oil are perfect here! You can also use unsalted butter if that’s your jam, too.
Toppings for Fluffy Homemade Pancakes
- Chocolate chips—I love these dark chocolate chips, but you can use whatever your favorite is!
- Maple syrup—or variations on this classic, like Cinnamon Syrup or Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- Sweetened whipped cream, Strawberry Whipped Cream or your favorite store-bought kind
- Berries, like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or blackberries
- Fruit-based toppings, like Peach Compote, Fresh Blueberry Sauce and Strawberry Syrup
- Sprinkles
How do you make Homemade Pancakes?
Well, it depends on the recipe. But let me walk you through how I generally make my pancakes, no matter which recipe we use:
First, measure out the dry ingredients into a large bowl. This normally includes flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk them together.
In a small bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine the wet ingredients. This usually means the milk, eggs, vanilla extract (or other extracts) and oil/melted butter.
- If you’re sweetening your pancakes with honey or maple syrup, you should add that to the wet ingredients.
- Want your pancakes to be a different color? Add the food coloring to wet ingredients, too.
If you’re adding eggs to your pancakes, you need to whisk the wet ingredients really well until everything is combined. Because if you don’t give them a good mix, there will be random ribbons of egg in your pancakes, and that’s gross.
Once the wet ingredients are well combined, pour them directly into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir them together until just combined.
If you overmix the pancakes, they will become tougher, so just stir until the flour is incorporated. It’s OK if this homemade batter has lumps.
Set the homemade pancake batter aside, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. While it rests, heat your griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and when it’s hot, grease lightly with butter, oil or cooking spray.
How to cook Homemade Pancakes perfectly
Use a cookie scoop or a measuring cup to dollop the pancakes onto the preheated skillet. I like to make 2-tablespoon silver dollar pancakes, but you can make larger ones, too.
When several bubbles have formed on the surface, flip the pancakes, and cook through. (Do NOT press down on them after you flip them! This will deflate them!) Repeat until all batter has been made into pancakes.
Make a stack of pancakes, and serve with your favorite toppings.
How to make Homemade Pancakes for Brunch
While pancakes are something that I previously thought might be a fussier item to prepare for a brunch at home situation, you can absolutely make them for brunch! It just requires a little patience, planning and working ahead to get ‘em made before guests arrive.
Here are a few tips and tricks to transforming these pancakes into a brunch centerpiece:
- Depending on the amount of people you’re serving, you can double this recipe. You can also half it if you’re not feeding a crowd.
- Make the pancakes before guests arrive, and keep them warm in the oven. We put ours on baking sheets* (affiliate link) and keep them warm in a 200°F oven.
- Transform your table into a pancake bar! Offer various toppings, like the vanilla glaze, as well as maple syrup, sweetened whipped cream and sprinkles.
What can I make homemade pancakes for?
If you don’t think just because is an answer, here are a few other celebrations you could make these pancakes for…
- A birthday celebration
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day
- The first day of a vacation, summer/winter break or a staycation
- Any holiday that deserves a special breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
In my opinion, to secret to fluffy pancakes is mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately so you don’t overmix the batter once they’re combined. Also, making sure your baking powder and baking soda are both fresh.
To get a crispy exterior on your pancakes, your griddle needs to be warmed up, as well as have a little fat on it. We like to brush ours with butter between pancakes, but you can also use an unflavored oil if that’s more your speed.
If your pancakes are flat and rubbery, you probably overmixed them. The more you mix the ingredients together, the more gluten forms, which will change the texture.
The batter for the pancake recipes I make is kind of in between super thick and runny. The key is letting it be lumpy and just stirring until all the flour is incorporated so the pancakes will be nice, light and fluffy.
Quick Tips and Tricks for the Best Pancakes
- Don’t overmix your batter! Just mix the batter until it has just come together. Lumps are OK. If you mix until it’s smooth, the pancakes won’t be as fluffy.
- When do you know how to flip? When big ‘ol bubbles start to form in the batter. Lift up the edge a little bit with a spatula to confirm the color on the other side before committing… because when you flip them, you won’t flip them again. (Yep. We only need to flip our pancakes once.)
- Once you’ve flipped your pancakes, don’t press down on them! This will deflate them. Obviously, we want them to puff up and be as light and airy as possible.
- Leftover pancakes? Freeze ’em! Line a baking sheet with wax paper, and pop them in the freezer for 4-6 hours. When the pancakes are fully frozen, transfer them to a freezer baggie. Reheat in the toaster oven, toaster or the oven until warm.
The Best Homemade Pancake Recipes To Try
Looking for the best homemade pancake recipes to make? We've got 10+ ideas for you right here!
Anytime Pancake Recipes
These recipes are great year-round!
Old Fashioned Pancake Recipe
This Old Fashioned Pancake recipe makes for a delicious breakfast and completely from scratch. Calling for a few pantry and fridge staples, this homemade pancake batter transforms into the best fluffy pancakes!
Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes are an easy weekend breakfast that can be dressed up to celebrate any occasion! This buttermilk pancake recipe makes fluffy, tender, incredibly flavorful pancakes in very little time. All you need are a handful of ingredients and a little elbow grease to make the best pancakes ever!
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Homemade Chocolate Chip Pancakes are the most decadent breakfast! Soft, fluffy homemade pancakes, cooked to perfection and studded with your favorite chocolate chips, are easier to make at home than you think. All you need are a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes to make this Chocolate Chip Pancake recipe.
German Pancake (Dutch Baby Pancake)
This German Pancake, also known as a Dutch Baby Pancake, is the perfect centerpiece for a breakfast or brunch! Calling for just 7 ingredients, this puffed pancake recipe has a crispy exterior, fluffs beautifully in the oven and is delightfully soft on the inside.
Nutella Pancakes (Chocolate Hazelnut Pancakes)
Nutella Pancakes are the perfect treat for any weekend breakfast or brunch. Made with just a handful of pantry ingredients and a few refrigerated ones, these homemade pancakes are tender, fluffy, light and taste like everyone’s favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread!
Gluten-Free Pancakes
This recipe uses simple ingredients to give you light and fluffy gluten-free pancakes every time with very little fuss or planning. Top with pure maple syrup and fresh berries for the perfect weekend morning treat!
Funfetti Pancakes
From scratch Funfetti Pancakes are the perfect way to start a celebratory day. Also known as Birthday Cake Pancakes, these easy homemade pancakes feature bright sprinkles and a scrumptious vanilla icing. No cake mix required.
Peanut Butter Pancakes with Raspberry Preserves Syrup
Peanut Butter Pancakes with Raspberry Preserves Syrup are the ultimate breakfast treat! These scratch-made pancakes, made peanutty with a heaping scoop of peanut powder, are fluffy and flavorful! The syrup, featuring raspberry preserves and maple syrup, adds a lovely balanced sweetness.
Strawberry Pancakes with Dark Chocolate Drizzle
Classic fluffy pancakes topped with fresh sliced strawberries and a melted chocolate drizzle are the best breakfast treat. Top them with homemade strawberry syrup and strawberry whipped cream to make them extra special!
Double Chocolate Pancakes
These decadent, dairy-free Double Chocolate Pancakes are utterly delicious and easy to make at home. We call these "double chocolate" because they feature dark chocolate almond milk (or your favorite chocolate milk) and dark chocolate chips.
Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes
These Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes are slightly sweet, tangy flapjacks. When topped with a little butter and real maple syrup, these pancakes are the perfect weekend treat.
Dark Chocolate Satsuma Pancakes
Treat your loved one to these decadent Dark Chocolate Satsuma Pancakes! Dressed up with orange juice and zest, this recipe is the perfect breakfast for the whole family!
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Make breakfast an experience with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! A twist on the brunch classic, these homemade pancakes feature cinnamon-sugar swirls and are topped with a cream cheese glaze. Perfect for weekends, holidays or even breakfast for dinner.
Blueberry Breakfast Sausage Pancakes
Blueberry Breakfast Sausage Pancakes make the perfect recipe for any weekend morning. Homemade pancake batter is studded with chicken breakfast sausage and fresh blueberries. This combination of sweet and savory creates a lovely balance and a breakfast that's hard to stop enjoying.
Red Velvet Pancakes
Make breakfast more colorful and sweet with Red Velvet Pancakes! This homemade pancake recipe is drizzled with a cream cheese glaze and perfect for weekends, holidays or even breakfast for dinner. These are extra good for Valentine's Day breakfast in bed, but you could make them year-round because who doesn't love red velvet?
Seasonal Pancake Recipes
If you're looking for a pancake recipe that goes with a certain season, we've got a few suggestions below:
Green Christmas Pancakes
These Green Christmas Pancakes are perfect for Christmas day. Kids will love the bright green Grinch-like color. Drizzle them with maple syrup or a cream cheese glaze and enjoy this festive breakfast.
Apple Cider Pancakes
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes are the best fall-flavored breakfast. From-scratch apple pancakes are filled with apple cider, applesauce and spices and topped with gooey caramelized apples. Learn how to make these spiced pancakes for a homemade fall breakfast.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Elevate your homemade pancake game with Sweet Potato Pancakes. These easy-to-make fall-flavored pancakes include sweet potato puree in their batter and are fun to make for weekend brunch!
Eggnog Pancakes with Cinnamon Syrup
Swap eggnog for milk in this twist on a classic pancake recipe. Eggnog Pancakes are a treat! With an infused cinnamon maple syrup, these pancakes are perfect for holiday celebrations.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
What better way to celebrate a fall morning than by mixing up a batch of Buttermilk Pumpkin Spice Pancakes? These from-scratch pancakes come together with easy pantry ingredients and some extra spices and pumpkin puree to really make them shine!