Not all pancakes are created equal—sometimes, it’s a special ingredient that really makes them shine. Our yogurt recipe has just that: The yogurt in the pancakes creates a reaction as they cook, making small bubbles that result in light, airy pancakes. These yogurt pancakes are incredibly easy to make from scratch too. Now who’s ready for breakfast?
Ingredients for Yogurt Pancakes 
- All-purpose flour: No specialty flour is needed to make this yogurt pancake recipe.
- Sugar: Sugar helps brown the edges and makes the pancakes softer.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Both these ingredients are leavening agents that help pancakes rise and become fluffy.
- Eggs: Beat the room-temperature eggs lightly before adding them in.
- Plain yogurt: Any version of plain yogurt that contains some milk fat works for yogurt pancakes. The acid in yogurt reacts with the baking powder and soda, creating bubbles that form air pockets that make the pancake fluffy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, dried cranberries, sliced bananas, chopped pecans (optional): Add any of these pancake toppings to customize the pancakes as soon as the batter is on the griddle.
Directions
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt and water. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
Step 3: Cook the pancakes
Pour the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray, spacing each pancake a couple inches away from the others. Sprinkle in any of the optional ingredients, if desired. Flip the pancakes when bubbles form on top and the edges look firm, then cook them until the second side is golden brown.
Editor’s Tip: Another way to tell the pancakes are ready is by gently touching them in the center with a spatula. They’ll spring back into place when they’re ready.
Yogurt Pancake Variations
- Use flavored yogurt: Use a blended yogurt, such as a Greek-style strawberry yogurt, in place of the plain to add a hint of flavor to the pancakes. Avoid using overly sweet yogurt or yogurt with loads of things mixed in, as this could affect the batter.
- Mix in oats: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats for pancakes with extra fiber. Here’s a recipe for banana oat pancakes.
- Sprinkle in cinnamon: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the pancakes for a slight warm cinnamon flavor.
- Add an extract: Flavored extracts enhance the flavor of the pancakes. Try orange, vanilla or lemon extract, with lemon being particularly good if blueberries are also added to the pancakes.
- Serve them with whipped cream: A sweetened vanilla whipped cream tastes incredible atop these pancakes, whether you serve them with fruit, nuts or even honey.
How to Store Yogurt Pancakes
Store pancakes in an airtight container, or covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for a few days in the fridge.
Can you freeze pancakes with yogurt?
Yes, they freeze quite well; the trick is to freeze them in a single layer on a baking tray until they’re firm, for an hour or two. Once they’re solid, transfer them to freezer bags or freezer containers. They’ll keep in the freezer for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them in the freezer overnight, then warm them in the microwave, checking every 30 seconds or so.
Yogurt Pancake Tips
How can I make sure the pancakes turn out fluffy?
The key to fluffy pancakes is not mixing the batter too much because this overmixes the gluten in the flour. Gently fold the ingredients together; don’t whip them with a hand mixer. Another trick involves separating the egg yolks from the whites. Add the yolks to the wet ingredients as instructed. Then, in a separate bowl, beat the egg whites for two to three minutes on medium speed until they’re frothy before adding them to the batter, and they’ll keep the pancakes fluffy. Here are more tips for making pancakes.
Can I use buttermilk instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, you can. Buttermilk and plain yogurt serve the same purpose in pancake recipes. Swap the buttermilk 1-to-1 for the plain yogurt, and the end result will be light, fluffy pancakes.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt in this recipe?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt with good results. Greek yogurt will add extra protein, but it may also add a slightly tangy flavor to your pancakes.
What type of maple syrup should I serve with these pancakes?
You can serve any syrup—maple or another flavor—of your choosing. We recommend one of these homemade syrups to top your pancakes. To accompany your homemade syrup, you could also make the yogurt in this pancake recipe from scratch. If you liked this yogurt pancakes recipe, try more of our recipes with yogurt.
What if I don’t have a griddle?
No griddle, no problem! Make the pancakes one at a time (or two at a time, if they’re small) in a skillet. Melt butter in the pan, and let the pan bottom warm up before adding the batter.
