This quick and easy Fluffy Pancakes Recipe yields tender, begging to be stacked sky-high pancakes. Best of all, it reminds me of the precious moments with the man who introduced me to them, my dad.
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A weekend tradition to make your own.
For my sisters, dad, and me, weekend breakfast was a sacred ritual. While we got “fancy” with our pancakes every now and then (see Banana Oatmeal Pancakes), classic fluffy pancakes were the ones my dad made most. I lost my dad very suddenly when he was just 45 years old; cooking pancakes keeps me feeling connected to him.
My dad’s easy fluffy pancake recipe was directly out of an old, beat-up copy of the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook (the pancake page was very crusty). We always had the ingredients around—flour, milk, eggs, baking powder and soda, a touch of canola oil, and sugar. No buttermilk needed!
Instead of fancied up Peach Pancakes and Oatmeal Pancakes, this is a pancake recipe that keeps it simple; it’s not about all the add-ins, but about that fabulously fluffy texture. Despite their thickness, my dad’s pancakes remained pillowy soft and melted on my tongue like the daintiest of flapjacks (if you are a fan of tender pancakes, be sure to check out Coconut Flour Pancakes).
5 Star Review
“They came out perfectly fluffy. I’ve never made pancakes from scratch before and these were super simple. I am definitely using this as my go-to recipe for pancakes from now on.”
— Deborah —
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Flour. All-purpose flour helps make sure these pancakes are light and fluffy.
- Baking Powder + Baking Soda. What causes a pancake to be fluffy and rise? These two ingredients are key. They work together to keep the batter light and airy, creating fluffier pancakes.
- Milk. Milk helps make pancakes fluffier than water. Since milk is thicker than water, it creates a thicker batter. Further, if you use whole milk or low fat milk, the fat content helps yield tender, fluffy results. Looking for a non-dairy option? I recommend almond milk, oat milk or cashew milk for a natural flavor. A can of light coconut milk can also be used.
- Egg. Gives this fluffy pancakes recipe structure. The yolk is also responsible for added richness and color. (Run out of eggs? You can still make good pancakes without eggs. See these Vegan Pancakes.)
- Vanilla. The secret to a truly delicious pancake (in my opinion). A touch of vanilla makes them taste especially warm and cozy.
How to Make Fluffy Pancakes
Combine. Stir the dry ingredients together.
Whisk. Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
Finish the Batter. Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture.
Cook. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto a pre-heated non-stick pan or griddle. When the batter forms bubbles and the edges are dry, it is time to flip. Repeat until batter is gone. ENJOY!
What to Serve with These Fluffy Pancakes
- Bacon. My dad always served his fluffy pancakes recipe with a side of bacon (recommended: Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon).
- Fruit. You can slice up some fruit for serving alongside your pancakes or make this Fruit Salad recipe.
- Eggs. Add protein to your breakfast with an Egg White Frittata or Instant Pot Boiled Eggs. Need even more protein? Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes next!
- Toppings. I’m partial to melted butter, maple syrup, nut butter, or Greek yogurt, fresh berries are always a good choice too. If I’m feeling fancy, however, I might top my pancakes with some Baked Apple Slices, Slow Cooker Apple Butter, Baked Peaches, or the strawberry sauce from my Greek Yogurt Cheesecake. You can even try Nutella, pecans, raspberries, or strawberries.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- DO NOT OVERMIX. Stop mixing the batter as soon as it is moistened. In this fluffy pancake recipe, the lumps are your friend.
- Let Your Batter Rest. Letting your pancake batter rest for 10 minutes will allow the batter to come together, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Start with a Test. As with my Strawberry Crepes, treat your first pancake as a test. Take note of how it turns out, then adjust the heat and cook time accordingly.
- Bring the Heat. Make sure your skillet/griddle is hot BEFORE you add the batter. The heat will kickstart the rising process.
- Adjust the Heat as Needed. With thick pancakes like these, it is a balance between keeping the griddle hot enough to turn the outsides golden, without burning them before the insides cook through. Don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Butter or pure maple syrup, or other toppings, for serving
Instructions
- Place rack in center of oven and preheat to 200 degrees F. Have a large baking sheet or pan on hand. Heat a large, non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In a large measuring cup or another medium mixing bowl, combine the milk, egg, canola oil, and vanilla.
- Add egg mixture all at once to the dry mixture. Stir with a fork just till moistened (batter should be lumpy).
- Once the skillet is properly heated (do not add the batter when the skillet is cold), lightly grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet. Cook about 2 minutes on each side, until the pancakes are golden brown. When the batter forms a bubbly surface and the edges are dry, it is time to flip. Turn to the second side and cook until golden. Remove to a baking pan and place in the preheated oven to keep warm until ready to serve. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve immediately with butter, pure maple syrup, or any other topping you fancy.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate pancakes in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen pancakes to an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the toaster or as directed above.
Nutrition
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Memories of My Dad
It took me years to start talking about my dad comfortably with new people I met. Now, I find peace (and sadness, but happiness too) sharing about him. Here are some of the things I remember. Thanks for reading. ♥
- He was a wonderful man, a loving father, and fiercely dedicated to family game night.
- He tried to hold my hand in public until the age it became embarrassing, and I wouldn’t let him.
- He taught me to ride a bike and to drive.
- We used to run together; I thought we were the same pace but now I realize he slowed down for me.
- His favorite dessert was German chocolate cake (you can find my fave recipe for it in my cookbook).
- He ended every conversation with, “I love you.”
- He made the world’s fluffiest pancakes every Saturday morning.
I made these pancakes for our Sunday morning breakfast and they were so delicious. And very fluffy! We loved them. I used a tortilla warmer to keep them warm and that worked perfectly. I served them with maple syrup and fresh berries. So good! No need to try any other pancake recipe because these fluffy pancakes are truly the best!
That is such a great idea, Annika! Thank you for sharing!
Just got the recipe link and had to try it out immediately.
These are so good! I made just one change- added some pureed cottage cheese to add some protein- came out so well. This one’s a keeper!
Such a great idea! Thank you TBC!
I had 1 egg left and needed to use so fluffy pancakes was perfect. These are so good for our Saturday breakfast. The hardest part was waiting 10 minutes before making. We so enjoyed these delicious pancakes. I served with sausage and a side of blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. Thank you!!
So glad you enjoyed them, Carol! Thank you!
Like your dad, my husband makes pancakes almost every weekend and this is the recipe he uses! We love how fluffy they are, and never have issues with the consistency of the batter. Definitely a favorite of ours!
Makes me so happy to hear, Stephanie! Thank you for sharing!
I would make this recipe again. We are traveling and could not find pancake mix. Then what appeared in my email? This recipe. We are cooking on a stove top that we are not used to so that was a factor. We also added blueberries not called for which we always do. Our friends liked them. My husband felt they were too heavy. Next batch may add a little more baking powder and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Kathy! Glad you enjoyed them!
Delicious and easy! Made with my 4 year old recipe and we added banana slices. Would make again!
Thank you Alison!
I have finally found the perfect recipe for my favorite fluffy pancakes! This was super easy and quick to prepare and I always have these basic ingredients on hand. Even the first “tester” pancakes came out perfectly! My husband and I ate the whole batch…so good!
These look perfect, Kathy! Thank you so much for sharing!
Delicious! I am not the most exact cook, and I definitely got a bit overzealous on the stirring… but if they can still turn out tasty for me, that’s how you know it’s a good recipe! Definitely a level up from my bisquick pancake game!
So glad to hear, Maria! Thank you!
Perfect pancakes! My kiddos loved these and I plan to make this our families regular pancake recipe. So, thank you for that!
These are perfect, Erin! Thank you!
Food connects us 💕 by making it and sharing it or by passing down recipes for generations 🧬 to come ❤️ Thank you 😊 @wellplated for sharing your Father’s recipe … it is a keeper in our house 🏠 💕 Second day on the row making it 😊Fluffy Pancakes @wellplated March Challenge Recipe
Thanks Agnes!
I’m not an intuitive baker so am always on the lookout for a good recipe I can follow along easily, this one definitely hits the mark 🙌 I’ve made a few pancakes along the way and this one for sure is the most deep, fluffy and pillowy textured one. Delicious as is, I added some raspberries and walnut toppings to some too, thanks for another great recipe ……. your dad has certainly left you with a great memory, and wonderfully baked pancakes 🥰🥞
#wellplatedcookingchallenge
These look fabulous Angela! Thank you for sharing!
Pancakes are one of my favorite things to make with my daughter, so we were excited to make these! We love to add both vanilla and cinnamon to our pancakes, and drop in some chocolate chips (and sometimes sprinkles, too!) when they are on the griddle.
These pancakes cooked up fluffy and delicious!
So glad to hear you enjoyed them, Jesse! They look great!
Soft and fluffy pancakes! New favorite!
Thank you!
We loved these! I used white whole wheat flour, added a scoop of protein powder, and substitutes 1/3 c vanilla Greek yogurt + 2/3 c water for the milk (I didn’t have any). I topped mine with blueberry banana compote. I didn’t even need butter or syrup!
These look wonderful! Thanks for the feedback rogue1!
These were so easy to make and came out so delicious!
They look fabulous, Donna! Thank you!
These pancakes did not disappoint! Perfectly fluffy and yet substantial. The vanilla comes through well without being overbearing and paired perfectly with the cinnamon maple syrup I whipped up specially for these.
No more boxed pancake mix for me!
So glad you enjoyed them, Jennifer! Thank you!
Can gf flour be used ? If so do any adjustments need to be made- thank you!
Hi Peggy, I’ve only tested the pancakes this was but another reader made them gluten free and she said she used Bob’s red mill 1-1 baking flour with no other changes and had great success. Hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
Can you give me a guess on how much I would need to increase the baking powder & soda if using the whole white wheat flour?
Hi Cindy! If you are using white whole wheat flour, then you should need to make an adjustments on the recipe. Also other reader used white whole wheat flour with great success! Hope this helps and let us know how it goes!