There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of fluffy pancakes sizzling on the griddle. Soft, airy, and perfectly golden, these pancakes melt in your mouth and bring pure breakfast bliss. This recipe captures the ultimate pancake experience — light, tender, and slightly sweet with a beautiful rise. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or just want to treat yourself to a comforting morning, this Best Fluffy Pancake recipe will be your go-to favorite. Made with simple ingredients and a few secret tips for extra fluffiness, these pancakes are guaranteed to turn out perfect every time. Prepare to enjoy the most delicious stack you’ve ever made at home.
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 and 1/4 cups whole milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and white sugar. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents for consistent fluffy texture. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat lightly with a whisk until the mixture is well blended. The melted butter gives richness to the pancakes and helps create a soft crumb. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and actually help make the pancakes fluffier. - Preheat and Grease the Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a small amount of butter or oil. To check if the pan is ready, sprinkle a few drops of water onto it; if they dance and evaporate quickly, the pan is hot enough. - Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Spread lightly if needed but avoid flattening too much. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes. - Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip each pancake with a spatula and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown on the underside and cooked through. Avoid pressing down on the pancakes after flipping to keep them light and airy. - Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you finish the rest of the batter. Serve stacked high with your favorite toppings like a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a pat of butter. - Tips for Even Fluffier Pancakes
- Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes after mixing. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, leading to puffier pancakes.
- Use room-temperature milk and egg. Cold ingredients can prevent the batter from properly rising.
- Do not overmix; a few lumps are your friends when it comes to fluffy texture.
- Cook on medium heat to allow the pancakes to rise and cook through without burning the exterior.