Best Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk or your choice)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for frying)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Why this recipe works
This pancake recipe balances a light, airy crumb with enough structure to flip easily.
The baking powder gives lift, a small amount of sugar enhances browning and flavor,
and melted butter keeps the batter tender. Using a slightly thicker batter produces
fluffy pancakes that still cook through without burning.
What you’ll need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
How to make the pancakes
- Preheat: Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla if using.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. A few small lumps are fine — do not overmix.
- Cook: Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the heated skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip: Flip carefully and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Keep warm: Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm in a low oven (about 90–100°C / 200°F) while you finish the batch.
- Serve: Stack and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overmix the batter — overmixing makes pancakes tough.
- If batter is too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add a tablespoon of flour.
- Use medium (not high) heat so the pancakes brown slowly and cook through.
- For extra fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest 5–10 minutes before cooking.
- To keep pancakes evenly browned, wipe the skillet between batches if residue builds up.
Serving suggestions
Classic options: maple syrup, butter, fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a savory twist, top with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey or serve with bacon.
Approximate timing
Prep: 5–10 minutes • Cook: 10–15 minutes • Total: ~20–25 minutes (yield depends on how many pancakes you make)
