Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $4.75 total, $1.19 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups (160g) All-purpose flour (Sifted for best texture)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder (Ensure it's fresh for maximum fluffiness)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (Room temperature preferred; can be warmed in microwave)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 large Egg (Room temperature preferred)
- 4 tablespoons (melted) Unsalted butter (Plus extra for greasing pan and serving)
- as desired Maple syrup (For serving)
Instructions
Sift and mix dry ingredients
Add 1 1/3 cups (160g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon baking powder to a large bowl. Sift together, then whisk to combine.
Time: PT3M
Warm buttermilk and mix wet ingredients
In a microwave-safe measuring cup, combine 1 cup buttermilk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Microwave for about 45 seconds to take the chill off (do not overheat).
Time: PT2M
Add egg to wet ingredients
Crack 1 large egg into the warmed buttermilk mixture and whisk until fully combined.
Time: PT1M
Add melted butter to wet ingredients
Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in the microwave (use 50% power in short bursts to avoid splattering). Stir melted butter into the wet mixture.
Time: PT2M
Preheat pan
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle on the stove over low heat to preheat while you finish the batter.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low heat
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
Time: PT2M
Butter the pan
Add a small pat of butter to the preheated pan and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Low-medium heat
Cook pancakes (first batch)
Pour about 1/3 cup of batter per pancake onto the pan for kid-sized pancakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom is golden and the edges look set. Carefully lift a corner to check doneness.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium-low heat
Flip pancakes
Carefully flip pancakes with a spatula. Cook another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium-low heat
Repeat with remaining batter
Add more butter as needed and continue cooking pancakes in batches until all batter is used.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium-low heat
Serve
Serve pancakes warm with maple syrup and a pat of butter.
Time: PT1M
Cleanup
Wash all bowls, pans, utensils, and wipe down surfaces.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 9g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, low-calorie, low-fat
Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour (for denser pancakes), Gluten-free flour blend
- Instead of Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Buttermilk: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (let sit 5 min)
- Instead of Vanilla extract: Almond extract (use half amount), Omit for plain pancakes
- Instead of Egg: Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Unsalted butter: Vegetable oil, Coconut oil
- Instead of Maple syrup: Honey, Fruit compote
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Stove or cooktop
- Small bowl (for melting butter) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sift and mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Do not overmix the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Cook pancakes gently and flip carefully to avoid flattening.
- Watch the heat to avoid burning or undercooking pancakes.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Warming the buttermilk and using room temperature ingredients helps pancakes rise higher.
- For extra fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Use real maple syrup for best flavor.
- Don’t crowd the pan—leave space for pancakes to spread.
- If making larger pancakes, cook them on lower heat for longer to avoid raw centers.
Troubleshooting
Pancakes are tough or dense.
Do not overmix the batter; stop as soon as dry flour disappears.
Pancakes are burning before cooking through.
Lower the heat and cook more slowly, especially for larger pancakes.
Pancakes are sticking to the pan.
Add more butter or use a better non-stick pan.
Batter is too thick or too thin.
If too thick, add a splash of buttermilk. If too thin, add a tablespoon of flour.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or toaster.
Freezer: Freeze cooled pancakes in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in toaster or oven.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix dry ingredients the night before for a quicker morning prep.
- Cooked pancakes can be made ahead and reheated in the toaster.
- Freeze extra pancakes for quick weekday breakfasts.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






