This golden batch of Fluffy Pancakes is tender, begging to be stacked sky-high, and reminds me of the precious moments with the man who introduced me to them, my dad.
For my sisters, dad, and me, weekend breakfast was a sacred ritual.
My dad took time to cook us something special every weekend, always with a side of bacon (recommended: Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon).
While we got “fancy” with our pancakes every now and then (see Banana Oatmeal Pancakes and the Apple Cinnamon Pancakes in my cookbook), classic fluffy pancakes were the ones my dad made most.
I lost my dad very suddenly when he was just 45 years old. Today would be his 61st birthday.
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. By the time I was 10, he knew it by heart.
- The recipe in the Better Homes most recent edition (the one on my shelf) has been updated to a buttermilk pancake recipe, but buttermilk wasn’t listed as an ingredient in the original one my dad used.
- We didn’t even use the old buttermilk substitution trick of making fluffy pancakes with vinegar, and they still tasted FAB.
Translation: these pancakes were EASY and you don’t need to buy buttermilk. Huzzah!
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 —
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).
I realize that with a few rounds of Google, I could find my dad’s version of this fluffy pancake recipe, but to be honest with you, I’d rather not.
Between the Peach Pancakes and Oatmeal Pancakes that I’m busy dreaming up (and devouring) for this little corner of the internet, it’s not often that I stir together a simple batch of pancakes like these.
I like not obsessing over them.
The version of fluffy pancakes I’m giving you today is my favorite rendition so far.
They’re pretty much perfect, especially when made with love.
How to Make Fluffy Pancakes
You don’t need to make fluffy pancakes with pancake mix.
Homemade pancakes are one of the easiest breakfasts to cook from scratch.
The taste (and the love they show) make them worth it every time.
How to Make Fluffy Pancakes
- DO NOT OVERMIX. Stop mixing the batter as soon as it is moistened. In this fluffy pancake batter, 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.
The Ingredients
- Flour. All-purpose flour helps make sure these pancakes are light and fluffy.
- Sugar. For a sweet, tender, and moist pancake.
- 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. The all-important liquid agent in our pancake batter.
- Egg. Gives the pancakes structure. The yolk is also responsible for added richness and color.
Tip!
Run out of eggs? You can still make good pancakes without eggs. See these Vegan Pancakes for a recipe.
- Canola Oil. Helps keep the pancakes moist.
- Vanilla. The secret to a truly delicious pancake (in my opinion). A touch of vanilla makes them taste especially warm and cozy.
The Directions
- Stir the dry ingredients together.
- Whisk the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture.
- 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. DIG IN!
Storage Tips
- 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.
Meal Prep Tip
Multiply the recipe as needed to ensure you’ll have extra pancakes. Freeze the pancakes as directed above. Reheat pancakes throughout the week with your desired toppings for easy, quick breakfasts.
What to Serve with Fluffy Pancakes
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Non-Stick Skillet. Ideal for making pancakes.
- Griddle. A stovetop griddle is another great option for making pancakes.
- Mixing Bowls. The only set of mixing bowls you’ll need.
Stovetop Griddle
This non-stick stovetop griddle is perfect for pancakes, French toast, sandwiches, and so much more. It’s dishwasher-safe too.
These fluffy pancakes are tasty, delightfully tender, and perfect for lazy weekends in cozy slippers.
They also make a lovely birthday breakfast, if I do say so myself. Happy Birthday, Daddy. Love you always.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, that will be fine to use any non-dairy milk! I recommend almond milk, oat milk or cashew milk for a natural flavor. A can of light coconut milk can also be used.
Absolutely! To make fluffy pancakes with chocolate chips, nuts or with blueberries, fold 1/3 to 1/2 cup of your mix-ins into the batter. You also can sprinkle the mix-ins on top of the pancakes as they cook prior to flipping. This method works well for banana slices and is also yummy with Healthy Granola sprinkled on for crunch.
On a typical morning, 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.
Fluffy Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/4 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, 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.
can I use almond milk instead of regular milk? I go to Weight Watchers, and try to stay within my points. Right now I am at goal weight and want to maintain.
Hi Marie! I haven’t tried this recipe with almond milk, but I think it should work fine. If you decide to experiment, I’d love to hear how it goes!
it works i used it because im dairy free and it tastes great
Great to hear! Thank you for your feedback Ava!
Thank you for the heartfelt story that preempted the recipe, it made me want to try the recipe even more. Just so you know, they came out perfectly fluffy. I’ve never made pancakes from scratch before and these were super simple. My husband isn’t really a pancake fan but he loved them and said they came out great! I am definitely using this as my go-to recipe for pancakes from now on, except I might have to double it from time to time. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this kind comment and review, Deborah! It truly makes my day to hear that these were a hit for you!
These are always fantastic. I always try to make recipes as written, at least on the first pass. But I don’t keep regular milk around, so I’ve always made these with almond milk and they turn out perfect every time. :) Thanks for another hit, Erin!
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed them, Nita! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This morning my 2.5 year old exclaimed, “Mommy, let’s make blueberry pancakes!” Truth be told she has never liked any kind of pancakes in the past. But she loves cooking and baking with me so I said, “Ok!” I’ve never made scratch pancakes and I don’t keep pancake mix in the pantry unless I’m planning on making them. Naturally, like every time I need a recipe, I went right to you (Well Plated should be an app on my phone). I’ve always seen this recipe pop up in my searches and decided to finally try it today. SO EASY. And delicious! And to quote my daughter: “Nummy nummy!” Another awesome post. Thanks so much! And a beautiful tribute to your dad. He’s definitely smiling down on you and so proud! 💕
I’m SO happy that you enjoyed the pancakes, Jess! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Nice to read and I ll surely try this pancake
Hope you enjoy them Samra.
Just tried these this morning, and they ARE fluffy and delicious! The vanilla adds a little extra too! And Happy Birthday to your wonderful, loving father. You honor him always by sharing your dad-inspired recipes.
Hi Danielle! Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words!
Made these with my littles today and they were perfect in every way. Thanks for sharing this recipe and about your dad too <3
Hi Meaghan! It means so much to me that you made these! THANK YOU!
Thank you for sharing about your dad. He sounds like he was a great one! I’m glad that you are feeling more comfortable talking about him with people. I feel as if it keeps our loved ones alive in some ways.
Hi Kristin! Thank you so much for reading the post and commenting. It means so much to me!
Dear Erin,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Your memories of him are so touching. I’m sure he is with you everytime you cook.
All the best,
Ann
Thank you Ann, that means so much to me!
It’s wonderful that you have these happy memories of your father…you’re very lucky. My dad was so very quiet that I’m not sure anybody ever knew him all that well. However, I credit him with my huge love of gardening and music. He was always just very calm and that was a comfort. Can’t wait to have pancakes next Sunday morning!
Thanks so much Chris, and thank you for sharing about your dad as well!
I make this batter several times a week! Very fluffy and easy to whip up. I just add a little cinnamon and sub olive oil but otherwise follow the recipe exactly. Thank you, Erin. Now your family tradition is ours. 🥰
Hi Siobhan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
literally made tortillas
I’m sorry to hear you had problems with the recipe, Asia. It has worked well for myself (and others) and I wished it would of been a hit for you too.
Loved this recipe! I personally have to use gluten free flour for the time being and I swapped all purpose for bob’s red mill 1-1 baking flour and it turned out great and didn’t even taste obviously gluten free. I’m really glad that I came across this recipe that I can easily modify to for my current diet and look forward to making it regularly when I can as well. I actually put leftover ones in the toaster the next day and they were still super tasty that way too!
Hi Maggie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
So i made this recipe as a last resort to make fluffy homemade pancakes. I am blown away speechless! OMG! They rise into fluffy pillows so crispy on the edges. Just phenomenal! This is it a keeper forever. Thank you! Question though: do you think i can use this recipe for a mini waffle maker?
Hi Nabila! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review! I haven’t tried it but would love to know how it turns out if you experiment with it!
Holy Flapjacks! These pancakes are ahhhmazing. I followed your recipe using buttermilk (holiday splurge) and thoroughly read all comments and suggestions (particularly letting batter rest). Perfection. Thank you, Erin, for sharing your dad’s recipe and your sweet memories. I’ll never buy pancake mix again and will always enjoy these while recalling sweet memories of my mom and dad. Happy New Year!
Hi Angie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review! Happy New Year!