Easy Homemade Pancakes From Scratch
There is just something about a stack of homemade pancakes that makes a morning feel a little sweeter. Maybe it is the smell of butter hitting the pan, maybe it is the warm syrup soaking into the edges, or maybe it is just the comfort of sitting down to something simple and familiar before the day gets rolling.
This easy homemade pancakes recipe is one I come back to again and again because it uses basic ingredients, comes together quickly, and gives you fluffy homemade pancakes without a lot of fuss. No boxed mix, no complicated steps, and no need to make breakfast harder than it has to be.
And for the record, I do not always mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl like I probably should. Sometimes I just add them right in and keep it moving. Real life wins, the pancakes still turn out, and nobody around here complains.
Pair these easy homemade pancakes with a hot cup of coffee and one of my homemade coffee syrups for an extra cozy morning at home.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Pancake Recipe
There are a lot of pancake recipes out there, but this one is the kind that earns a permanent spot in your kitchen.
These easy homemade pancakes are:
- Soft and fluffy
- Made with pantry staples
- Quick enough for weekdays
- Cozy enough for weekends
- Delicious with syrup, fruit, or a pat of butter
It is a simple pancake recipe, but sometimes those are the ones you end up loving most.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Pancakes
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1¼ cups milk, plus more as needed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, or neutral oil, plus more for the pan
A Few Ingredient Notes
All-purpose flour
This gives the pancakes structure while still keeping them tender.
Baking powder
This is what helps create those fluffy homemade pancakes, so make sure yours is still fresh.
Milk
Start with the amount listed, then add a splash more if the batter feels too thick.
Butter or oil
Melted butter adds a rich flavor, but neutral oil works just fine too.
How to Make Pancakes From Scratch
Making pancakes from scratch is easier than people think. You do not need a mix, and you definitely do not need anything fancy.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the wet ingredients
Add the milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter to the same bowl. Stir gently until everything is just combined.
Do not overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine. That is part of what helps keep the pancakes tender instead of tough.
Adjust the batter if needed
If the batter seems too thick, add a small splash of milk until it loosens up a bit. It should pour easily, but still have some body.
Heat the pan
Set a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Let it warm up before adding the batter.
Cook the pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges begin to look set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve warm
Serve your pancakes warm with butter, syrup, fruit, jam, or whatever sounds good that morning.
Tips for Fluffy Homemade Pancakes
If you want really good pancakes, a few little things make a big difference.
Do not overmix
This is the easiest way to end up with dense pancakes instead of fluffy homemade pancakes. Stir until the flour disappears, then stop.
Let the pan heat up first
A properly heated skillet helps the pancakes cook evenly and gives them that beautiful golden color.
Use medium heat
Too hot and the outsides cook too fast. Too low and they will not get that lovely golden finish.
Add extra milk only if needed
Some days batter needs a little loosening up. Humidity, flour, and even egg size can change the texture slightly.
These Have That Old Fashioned Homemade Pancakes Feel
There is something about this recipe that feels like the kind of breakfast people have been making forever. No trendy ingredients. No overthinking. Just a warm stack of old fashioned homemade pancakes made with ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen.
That is part of why I love them. They feel homey in the best possible way.
Topping Ideas for Homemade Pancakes
You can keep these easy homemade pancakes simple, or dress them up a little depending on the day.
Try them with:
- Butter and maple syrup
- Fresh strawberries or blueberries
- Warm cinnamon apples
- Peanut butter
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate chips
How to Store Leftover Pancakes
If you have leftovers, let the pancakes cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet, toaster, or microwave until heated through.
You can also freeze them. Lay the cooled pancakes in a single layer until frozen, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen for an easy breakfast later.
Easy Homemade Pancakes Recipe From Scratch
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are fine.
- If the batter seems too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges begin to set, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter.A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Add a splash more milk if needed.
- Great with blueberries, chocolate chips, or sliced strawberries.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make pancakes from scratch?
You make pancakes from scratch by mixing flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, and melted butter into a simple batter, then cooking it on a greased skillet until golden brown.
What makes fluffy homemade pancakes soft and tender?
The biggest things are fresh baking powder and not overmixing the batter. A few lumps are fine and actually help keep the pancakes light.
Can I make this simple pancake recipe without butter?
Yes. You can use a neutral oil instead of melted butter.
Can I add blueberries or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Sprinkle them onto the pancakes after you pour the batter into the skillet for the best distribution.
Can I make old fashioned homemade pancakes ahead of time?
Yes. They reheat well, and you can even freeze them for later.
If you love simple homemade breakfasts, you might also enjoy my blueberry muffins with lemon crumb topping, banana nut bread, or pumpkin donuts for another cozy recipe to keep in rotation.
These easy homemade pancakes are the kind of recipe that proves breakfast does not have to be complicated to be good. They are warm, cozy, dependable, and made from ingredients most of us already have on hand.
If you have been wanting pancakes from scratch that are easy enough for a weekday but still feel special enough for a slow morning at home, this is the recipe to keep.
And if you happen to skip the extra bowl and stir it all together the easy way, I will not tell a soul.
