Who doesn’t love waking up to a stack of warm, golden pancakes? Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a quick weekday treat, pancakes have a way of turning any breakfast into something special.
But let’s be honest—sometimes they don’t turn out as fluffy as you’d like. If you’ve struggled with flat or dense pancakes in the past, fear not! This recipe is here to change your pancake game forever.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients like buttermilk or self-rising flour. With simple pantry staples and a few key tips, you’ll be flipping fat, fluffy pancakes in no time.
The Magic Behind Fluffy Pancakes
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk fluffiness. What makes pancakes rise high and stay soft? The secret lies in three key factors:
- Baking Powder: This is your pancake’s best friend. It creates the bubbles that make your batter rise.
- Minimal Mixing: Over-mixing the batter can knock the air out and result in dense pancakes. You want your batter to be thick and slightly lumpy.
- Resting Time: Letting your batter rest for 10-20 minutes allows the baking powder to activate fully and gives your pancakes that irresistible lift.
Now that you know the science behind it, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this foolproof recipe:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- ¾ cup milk (plus up to 2 tbsp extra if needed)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Canola oil (or any neutral vegetable oil), for cooking
These are simple ingredients you probably already have at home. No need for a trip to the store!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Sifting the flour helps keep your pancakes light and airy, so don’t skip this step!
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Be sure to let your butter cool slightly before mixing it in; otherwise, you risk scrambling your egg!
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, but there shouldn’t be any visible streaks of flour. If it feels too thick to work with, add a splash of milk—just a tablespoon or two—to loosen it up.
4. Let the Batter Rest
This step is crucial! Set the batter aside for 10 minutes (or up to 20 minutes) to allow the baking powder to activate. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
5. Heat Your Pan
Place a heavy-bottomed, nonstick skillet over low-medium heat and coat it lightly with oil. A steady, even heat is key to cooking perfect pancakes without burning them.
6. Cook Your Pancakes
Using a ¼-cup measure, scoop and drop the batter into the pan to create evenly-sized pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Flip gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your pancakes hot with your favorite toppings—maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a dollop of butter. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Pancakes Every Time
Even with a great recipe, a few extra tips can make all the difference:
- Don’t Over-Mix: Resist the urge to stir until smooth! Those lumps in your batter are what make your pancakes fluffy.
- Check Your Baking Powder: If it’s stale or expired, your pancakes won’t rise properly.
- Avoid Humid Kitchens: High humidity can affect your batter’s consistency, so refrigerate it briefly if needed.
- Flip Gently: Use a thin spatula and turn your pancakes carefully to avoid deflating them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pancake recipe is perfect for anyone looking for simplicity without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s vegetarian-friendly and uses everyday ingredients—no buttermilk or special flour required. Plus, it’s quick! From start to finish, you’ll have a plate of warm, fluffy pancakes in just 30 minutes.
Breakfast Bliss Awaits
So what are you waiting for? Grab your mixing bowls, preheat your skillet, and get ready to whip up a breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd, these fat and fluffy pancakes are guaranteed to impress.
Pro tip: Double the recipe if you’re feeding more than two people—they disappear fast! Happy cooking!
PrintHow to Make Fluffy, Fluffy Pancakes
A surefire recipe to make fat and fluffy pancakes without buttermilk or special ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- ¾ cup milk (add up to 2 tbsp more if batter is too dry)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Canola oil (or any neutral vegetable oil), for cooking
Instructions
1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl and mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, mix egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter carefully.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until mostly combined; batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
4. Let batter rest for 10 minutes.
5. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly oil.
6. Scoop ¼ cup batter per pancake onto skillet.
7. Cook until golden brown and bubbles form on top, then flip and cook other side.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t over-mix batter.
Ensure baking powder is fresh.
Avoid overly humid kitchens or refrigerate batter.
Let batter rest 10-20 minutes before cooking.
Flip pancakes gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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