Skip the mix. Learning how to make pancakes is so simple. Follow our best tips for a stack your family will flip for.
How to Make the Best Pancakes from Scratch
Updated Dec. 16, 2022
Learning how to make pancakes from scratch isn’t as difficult as you may think. The process involves just a handful of steps, and the recipe relies on simple staples you likely already have. Ready to get started?
Before You Begin: Expert Tips from the Test Kitchen
- Don’t overmix the batter. The more you stir, the more protein develops and the tougher and chewier your pancakes will be.
- Let the batter rest. After you mix the pancake batter, let it sit for a while. It allows the proteins to relax, making for pillowy-soft flapjacks.
- Use shortening to grease the griddle. Butter isn’t your best option—its high water content can cause sticking.
- Let them breathe. When you pour the batter, leave enough space between your pancakes so they have room to expand without running into each other. They’ll stay nice and round.
- Plan for the week. Make a double batch and refrigerate or freeze extra homemade pancakes to reheat in the toaster throughout the week.
Here are 10 more mistakes to avoid when making pancakes.
The Best Pancakes
Makes 8 pancakes
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups (6.75 oz/190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Buttermilk Substitutions
Don’t have any buttermilk in the fridge? Here are a few easy alternatives that impart a similar flavor. For each cup of buttermilk, you can use:
-
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup
- 1 cup of plain yogurt or 1-3/4 teaspoons cream of tartar plus 1 cup milk
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Skillet or griddle. Purchase a griddle here.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, butter and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Wet + Dry
Mix wet ingredients into the batter just until there is no visible dry flour. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest
Ever notice that your last griddle of homemade pancakes is your best? That’s because it’s best to let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes (and up to 30 minutes).
Step 5: Grease the Griddle
Heat your griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of solid shortening and swirl to coat. Before adding your pancake batter, wipe excess grease away; more is not better here. If you don’t have a griddle, no worries—you can use a skillet. Grease it with shortening the same way you’d grease a griddle.
Step 6: Pour the Batter
Pour your homemade pancake batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the greased hot griddle. Make sure to leave enough room between pancakes for expansion.
Step 7: Wait…and Flip
See those bubbles forming on top of the pancakes? Wait about 30 seconds, or after bubbles start to break, before flipping. Bonus: before you flip them, learn how to flip a pancake the correct way.
Pro tip: Don’t fiddle with the pancakes! You’ll knock the air out that keeps them fluffy.
Step 8: Finish ’em Off
Cook until the second side is golden brown.
The next time you need to know how to make homemade pancakes—like when you’ve got a craving and the wait time at your favorite brunch place is just way too long—you’ve got it in the bag. Not the box.
Also check out how to make a pancake charcuterie board for a picture-perfect brunch.
You'll Flip for these Pancakes
Aunt Edith’s Baked PancakeMy aunt made a mighty breakfast that revolved around 'The Big Pancake'. I always enjoyed watching as she poured the batter into her huge iron skillet, then created the perfect confection: a Dutch baby pancake. —Marion Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Chocolate Chip PancakesThere's a rush to breakfast in my house when I whip up this chocolate chip pancake recipe. The batter calls for chocolate milk and mini chips, and I top the golden brown cakes with butter and fruit. My daughter says the chocolate chip pancakes are one of her all-time favorites. —Laura Rader, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Chocolate Chip Elvis PancakesI'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Buckwheat PancakesThis buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety. The light and tender buckwheat pancakes offer a nutty flavor and hearty texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini-Chip Cocoa PancakesWhip up a batch of cocoa pancakes dotted with mini chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings first thing in the morning. Yum! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Berry Ricotta Puff PancakeThis slightly sweet berry puff pancake is filled with fruit and has a custardy texture that puffs up beautifully when baked. It makes an easy yet impressive breakfast. —Jessi Smith, Fort Myers, Florida
Peanut Butter PancakesWondering how to make peanut butter pancakes? These morning treats are one of my husband's specialties. It's not unusual for him to wake me with those hot-from-the griddle cakes! —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Chocolate Lover’s PancakesThese indulgent chocolate pancakes are fluffy on the inside, with a rich but not-too-sweet cocoa flavor and a nice tang from the buttermilk. They're delicious with maple or chocolate syrup—and even better with both swirled together on the plate! —Harland Johns, Leesburg, Texas
Orange Ricotta PancakesThese popular pancakes are likely to spark a craving. For a different twist, switch the citrus ingredient to lime or lemon juice.—Brehan Kohl, Anchorage, Alaska
Dutch Baby Pancake with Strawberry-Almond CompotePannekoeken, or Dutch baked pancakes, are a treat in my husband’s family. You can also try this recipe with vanilla extract, blueberries and lemon peel. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Banana Oatmeal PancakesStart your day with a stack of banana oatmeal pancakes that are filled with nutrient-rich grains, oats, bananas and walnuts.
Blueberry Oatmeal PancakesWonderful blueberry flavor abounds in these thick and moist pancakes. My kids adore them, and I love that they're easy. —Amy Spainhoward, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Apple Pancakes with Cider SyrupTender pancakes are filled with minced apple and raisin, and drizzled with apple cider syrup. They're wonderful in the summer or on a cool fall morning. —April Harmon, Greeneville, Tennessee
Baked Blueberry PancakeFor a quick breakfast, I make this pancake while I fix supper the night before, and then I cut them into squares or triangles. In the morning, I top them with butter and syrup before placing them in the microwave. The pancake recipe is innovative and takes most of the fuss out of making breakfast. —Norna Detig, Lindenwood, Illinois
Banana Oat PancakesI concocted these fluffy banana oatmeal pancakes using a muffin recipe. We love them topped with strawberry jam for breakfast, supper or even just snacking. They're delicious drizzled with maple syrup, too. —Janie Obermier, St. Joseph, Missouri
Birthday Cake PancakesFor my kids' birthdays, I like to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Pumpkin PancakesA fall morning is complete with a flickering candle, a steamy beverage and a stack of these pumpkin pancakes.
Buttermilk PancakesButtermilk pancakes have earned their reputation as a breakfast classic—especially when they're as golden and fluffy as these! We make our pancakes from scratch for a breakfast treat that's ready in only 15 minutes.
Carrot Cake PancakesHere's a way for fans of carrot cake to have their favorite dessert for breakfast. These delicate, decadent pancakes are drizzled with sweet and spicy maple syrup that complements the sour cream and nut topping. —Leane Goering, Salem, Indiana
Banana Nut PancakesI enjoy these versatile banana nut pancakes. Besides being a satisfying breakfast, they can be a deliciously different dessert. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Oatmeal PancakesThese oatmeal pancakes contain all the joy of a morning pancake stack while also including wholesome ingredients like oats and whole-wheat flour.
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Originally Published: February 18, 2019
