Thick, fluffy, and perfectly golden, these homemade buttermilk pancakes are the stuff of breakfast dreams. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can skip the boxed mix and enjoy rich, buttery flavor with that signature buttermilk tang. These pancakes are melt-in-your-mouth tender with crispy golden edges—the perfect start to any morning.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself on a quiet weekend morning, these buttermilk pancakes will not disappoint. Serve them stacked high with a pat of salted butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, or load them up with fresh berries and whipped cream. Either way, you’ve got a crowd-pleasing favorite right here.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
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3 tablespoons sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 ¼ cups buttermilk (530ml)
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled (57g)
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Non-stick spray or oil for the skillet
Directions:
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the wet mixture while whisking until fully combined.
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Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. A few flour streaks are okay.
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Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease with oil or spray. Allow the pan to fully preheat (about 5 minutes).
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Scoop about ½-⅔ cup batter into the pan per pancake.
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Cook until edges look set and bubbles begin to burst in the center.
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Carefully flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
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Repeat with remaining batter, re-greasing the skillet as needed.
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Serve warm with butter and maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 243 kcal per pancake | Servings: ~8 pancakes
The Role of Buttermilk in Pancakes
The use of buttermilk in pancakes isn’t just a nod to old-fashioned recipes—it plays a critical role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Buttermilk reacts with baking soda and baking powder to create a chemical lift, making the pancakes tender and thick, with a beautiful golden crust. Unlike regular milk, buttermilk adds a slight acidity that enhances the other flavors in the batter and creates a more complex and satisfying bite. That subtle tanginess helps balance out the sweetness from syrup or toppings, adding depth to an otherwise simple dish. It also helps soften the gluten in flour, contributing to a melt-in-your-mouth crumb that boxed mixes can’t replicate.
Why Pancakes from Scratch are Worth It
Homemade buttermilk pancakes aren’t just better—they’re a completely different experience. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, but when mixed properly, they create magic. Making your pancakes from scratch allows full control over the batter’s texture, sweetness, and thickness. There are no preservatives or mystery chemicals, and you get to enjoy a dish that feels authentic and lovingly crafted. Plus, they’re fast—under 30 minutes from start to finish—making them ideal for both lazy Sunday brunches and busy weekday mornings.
Beyond the superior taste, homemade pancakes let you add personal touches that cater to your preferences or dietary needs. Want them a bit healthier? Substitute in whole wheat flour or add fresh fruit. Need something richer? Mix in chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon. The base recipe is a blank canvas, adaptable to any mood or occasion.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the biggest pitfalls when making pancakes is overmixing the batter. While it might seem intuitive to stir until the batter is perfectly smooth, doing so activates too much gluten, resulting in tough, chewy pancakes. A few lumps and streaks of flour are not only acceptable—they’re a sign you’re doing it right.
Another common issue is pan temperature. Pancakes need a medium-low heat to cook evenly. If the pan is too hot, the exterior will burn before the inside has a chance to cook through, leading to raw, doughy centers. Patience is key. A properly preheated non-stick skillet ensures golden, evenly-cooked pancakes with crispy edges and a fluffy interior.
Also, resist the urge to press down on the pancakes with your spatula. This squeezes out the air bubbles that make the pancakes rise and fluff up, leaving them flat and dense. Let them cook gently and flip only once, when the bubbles start to pop and the edges look set.
Customization and Flavor Variations
The beauty of buttermilk pancakes is how versatile they are. While the classic version is perfect with just a pat of butter and a drizzle of real maple syrup, you can easily elevate them with countless add-ins and toppings. For a fruity twist, fold in fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, or diced apples into the batter. Chocolate lovers can mix in chocolate chips or swirl Nutella onto the pancakes as they cook.
For a more savory approach, crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, or even herbs like chives can be added to the batter. You can also infuse the batter with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla for an extra aromatic profile. The options are endless and allow you to tailor your pancakes to the season, your guests, or even your mood.
Toppings also open up a world of creativity. Beyond traditional syrup, try topping your stack with whipped cream, fruit compote, lemon curd, Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a bit of crunch, toasted nuts or granola can add texture and contrast.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
Buttermilk pancakes are a fantastic centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. Whether served in a casual family setting or part of a more formal spread, they’re always a hit. A tall stack on a beautiful platter, adorned with melting butter and syrup cascading down the sides, makes a visually stunning presentation. Add fresh berries, powdered sugar, or edible flowers for that extra wow factor.
To complete the meal, serve alongside crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs. For beverages, fresh orange juice, hot coffee, or a mimosa elevate the experience and create a restaurant-quality brunch at home. These pancakes also pair beautifully with other breakfast staples like hash browns, yogurt parfaits, or smoothies.
They’re also freezer-friendly, which makes them a convenient make-ahead option. Cook a large batch, let them cool, and freeze with parchment paper between each pancake. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious breakfast on busy mornings.
Kid-Friendly and Family Approved
Pancakes are universally loved, especially by children. They’re fun to make together and even more fun to eat. Kids enjoy helping measure ingredients, whisk the batter, and watch the bubbles rise in the pan. The customizable nature of this recipe also means everyone can have their favorite version—some with blueberries, some with chocolate chips, and some plain with extra syrup.
For picky eaters, pancakes offer a great way to sneak in nutrition. Mashed bananas, pureed sweet potatoes, or whole-grain flour can be added to boost the nutritional value without compromising flavor. You can even create fun shapes with pancake molds or add food coloring for holiday-themed breakfasts.
Nutritional Insights and Smart Swaps
A traditional buttermilk pancake contains around 243 kcal, making it a reasonable choice for breakfast when enjoyed in moderation and paired with healthy sides. They’re a good source of carbohydrates for energy, and the eggs provide a bit of protein. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, consider using low-fat buttermilk, reducing the sugar, or replacing butter with a heart-healthy oil like avocado or olive oil.
Whole wheat flour can replace part or all of the all-purpose flour for added fiber, and you can skip sugary syrups in favor of fruit toppings or yogurt. For gluten-free diets, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your baking powder and baking soda are certified gluten-free.
The Joy of Breakfast Rituals
Beyond nourishment, making buttermilk pancakes from scratch is about more than just food. It’s about rituals, memories, and moments shared around the breakfast table. The scent of butter sizzling on the skillet, the golden stacks rising on the plate, the clink of forks and warm conversations—these are the small joys that anchor our days.
This recipe, while simple, embodies a kind of nostalgia and comfort that brings people together. Whether you’re making them for a loved one, celebrating a special morning, or treating yourself, pancakes have a way of making any meal feel special.
Conclusion
Fluffy buttermilk pancakes are a timeless breakfast treasure, loved for their soft texture, golden crust, and rich, tangy flavor. Making them from scratch is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. With simple ingredients, a few expert tips, and endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is one to return to again and again.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a weekend pancake warrior, this version promises success and satisfaction with every bite. More than just a meal, these pancakes are a warm reminder that sometimes the best comfort food comes from your own kitchen, one golden stack at a time.