How to make perfect pancakes

Light, fluffy, and absolutely perfect pancakes are a recipe everyone needs to have in their pocket. I’ve been making this pancake recipe for as long as I can remember and everyone who has tried these pancakes loves them.

perfect pancakes

My family’s original version of pancakes was made with whole wheat flour and I shared it on my website 11 years ago. This is one of the first recipes I shared on this blog. Can whole wheat waffles really be light and fluffy? This is a bit of a breakfast game changer for us.

Over the years, I’ve shared versions of this recipe with countless friends and readers who have requested traditional flour recipes, because yes, it can be adapted to all-purpose flour, and it gets rave reviews from everyone who tries pancakes.

That said, it’s been so long ago that I’m finally here to share the recipe we made today. Recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd or fill the freezer for future breakfasts.

This pancake recipe is so popular that I included it in my Weekday Lunch and Breakfast Recipes a few years ago.

If you’re looking for the absolute perfect light and fluffy gluten free Pancakes, you want to see that recipe too. With so many five-star reviews, this recipe is a must-have for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

How to make perfect pancakes

You will need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• sugar
• coarse salt
• milk
• Egg
• butter

How to make pancakes fluffy

Light and fluffy pancakes are a breakfast favorite. I like to make a big batch on the weekend and freeze it for easy breakfasts throughout the week.

Topped with peanut butter and brown sugar cream syrup or buttermilk syrup, berries and whipped cream, buttercream and peach jam, these pancakes are a breakfast the whole family will love.

Want to know how to make perfect pancakes that are fluffy and light every time? Let the batter rest. I always mix the batter before opening the skillet.

You know why your first batch of pancakes always sucks? This prevents this from happening! The batter will thicken enough as it rests to ensure great pancakes every time.

Simply letting the batter sit for 5-10 minutes while the griddle or pan heats up can make a huge difference in the results.

I break out the skillet, pour myself a cup of coffee, and prep some ingredients for pancakes, or if I’m feeling ambitious, maybe I’ll prep bacon for the oven.

If you make pancakes frequently, nothing simplifies the cooking process like an electric skillet. A few years ago, when my frying pan of 15 years finally died, I tested every frying pan I could get my hands on.

When I finally tried this extra large electric skillet, I knew I had found the one. It’s a bit expensive, but let me tell you right now, it beats all the others handily.

This nylon flexible turner is a must-have for pancake making, as is the dough whisk. If you’re not familiar with the wonders of a dough blender for pancakes and waffles, you’re missing out. It’s a crazy-looking tool, but it’s powerful enough to stir batter without overmixing.

I’ve tried just about every nifty pancake pouring gadget out there, and I’ve stuck with a good old measuring cup as the easiest way to make pancakes. I use ¼ or frac13; the cup size for most pancake making – this set of cups I use every day allows you to improvise in a variety of sizes.

The perfect pancake recipe

Stir together the dry ingredients and set aside. Add the milk and eggs, stir to combine, then add the cream. Stir again and let the batter sit while the skillet or pan heats.

Heat a nonstick skillet or electric skillet (this is my favorite skillet) over medium heat. Lightly butter a skillet or skillet and pour about 1/4 cup batter onto the pan for each pancake.

Cook until the top begins to bubble and the bottom is lightly browned. Flip and cook second side until golden brown. Serve hot with toppings of your choice.

How to Freeze Pancakes

Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then store in an airtight Ziploc bag. Reheat frozen pancakes in the microwave.

I often triple this recipe for my family so we can have enough stocked in the freezer for an easy breakfast.

Easy pancake variations

I love blueberry waffles and pancakes too. Usually (basically any time I can get my hands on fresh blueberries) I add them to pancakes.

Fluffy, creamy, nutty pecan pancakes topped with maple syrup are a delicious and easy breakfast we all love. Rich cranberry pancakes sweetened with maple syrup make waking up easier on the weekends.

For everyone’s favorite diner-style pancakes, you’ll also want to try these buttermilk pancakes. What if you love pancakes as much as my family loves pancakes? Check out 25 more pancake recipes here!

{Originally published September 25, 2020 – Recipe instructions and photos updated February 28, 2024}