The Best Fluffy Original Pancakes: Easy No-Buttermilk Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly delicious and irresistibly fluffy original pancakes. This recipe simplifies breakfast (or dinner!) by requiring absolutely no buttermilk, yet still delivering that perfect light and airy texture with delightful crisp edges. The best part? The batter comes together in under 5 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. Serve these golden-brown beauties with a side of soft scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a complete and satisfying meal.

There’s truly nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy original pancakes, boasting those coveted crisp edges, ready to be adorned with your favorite toppings. This classic recipe stands out for its simplicity and the minimal ingredients it demands, proving that you don’t need fancy components for extraordinary results. These pancakes are not just super fluffy; they’re packed with a simple, comforting flavor that makes them utterly delicious. A generous smear of butter and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup transform them into the ultimate breakfast plate. While they are a breakfast staple, don’t limit yourself – I personally find them just as enjoyable for dinner!

Why This Original Pancake Recipe is a Must-Try

These aren’t just any pancakes; they’re designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal effort. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become your go-to:

Effortlessly Homemade: Forget boxed mixes! These pancakes are made entirely from scratch using basic pantry staples. The process is so straightforward that even beginner cooks can achieve perfect results every time. There’s a special satisfaction that comes from creating something so delicious from simple ingredients.
Universally Appealing: While specialty pancakes like blueberry or chocolate chip have their place, there’s an undeniable charm and broad appeal to classic plain pancakes. They cater to almost every palate, especially picky eaters and children, making them a family-friendly favorite. You can always add mix-ins if desired, but the base recipe shines on its own.
Versatility for Any Meal: Pancakes aren’t just for breakfast anymore! This recipe is hearty enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, a leisurely brunch, a quick lunch, or even a fun “brinner” (breakfast for dinner). Their simple flavor profile makes them adaptable to various toppings and side dishes, both sweet and savory.
Endlessly Customizable: This recipe serves as the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to stir in your favorite additions to the batter. Popular choices include mini chocolate chips, sliced bananas, fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even chopped nuts. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor each batch to your mood.
No Buttermilk Required: A common challenge with many pancake recipes is the need for buttermilk, an ingredient not always on hand. This recipe cleverly bypasses that requirement, ensuring you can whip up a batch of fantastic pancakes anytime, using regular milk. This makes the recipe more accessible and convenient without compromising on flavor or texture.
Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, these pancakes are designed for speed. The batter takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, and cooking time is equally swift. This means you can enjoy a warm, homemade breakfast without waking up at dawn.

Understanding Your Ingredients for Perfect Pancakes

Each ingredient in this simple recipe plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate fluffy pancake. Knowing their purpose can help you understand the magic behind these delicious cakes:

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural base of your pancakes. It provides the necessary bulk and helps create that satisfying texture. Using all-purpose flour keeps the recipe simple and accessible.
Whole Milk: The liquid component that brings everything together, providing moisture and richness. Whole milk contributes to a tender crumb and a slightly richer flavor compared to lower-fat alternatives.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar not only adds sweetness but also aids in browning the pancakes, giving them those beautiful golden-brown exteriors.
Baking Powder: This is your primary leavening agent. When combined with moisture and heat, it creates carbon dioxide bubbles, which are responsible for giving the pancakes their incredible fluffiness and lift. Without it, you’d have flat, dense pancakes!
Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors in the batter, balancing the sweetness and making the pancakes taste even better. Don’t skip it!
Unsalted Melted Butter: Melted butter adds a rich, decadent flavor and helps to keep the pancakes moist and tender. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content in the recipe.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor, making the pancakes more aromatic and appealing. It’s a subtle but important addition.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the batter together and providing structure. It also contributes to the richness and overall texture of the pancakes, giving them a tender crumb.

How to Make Fluffy Original Pancakes

This pancake batter is incredibly straightforward to prepare, ensuring you’re just minutes away from a delicious stack. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, egg, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and moisture.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisking dry ingredients together separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt, preventing lumps in the final batter.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until they are just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable for tender pancakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy pancakes instead of light, fluffy ones.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil and let it melt, swirling to coat the pan. A properly heated pan is essential for even cooking and golden-brown pancakes. You can test the heat by dropping a tiny bit of water onto the pan – if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, it’s ready.
Cook the Pancakes: Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop, pour portions of the pancake batter onto the hot, buttered skillet. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when you see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges appear set and slightly dry. The underside should be golden brown.
Serve Warm: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate. If cooking in batches, you can keep finished pancakes warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) while you finish the rest. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Top Tips for The Ultimate Pancake Experience

Achieving perfectly fluffy pancakes every time is easy with a few simple tricks:

Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most important tip. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in tough, rubbery pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined; a few lumps are perfectly normal and actually preferred.
Let the Batter Rest: After mixing, allow your pancake batter to rest for 5-10 minutes. This gives the flour time to fully hydrate and allows the baking powder to start working its magic, leading to an even fluffier texture.
Maintain Consistent Heat: Start with medium heat and adjust as needed. Too high, and your pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through; too low, and they’ll be pale and potentially dry. A well-oiled or buttered pan also helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
Use a Measuring Cup for Uniformity: For consistent pancake sizes and cooking times, use a 1/4-cup or 1/3-cup measuring cup to pour your batter onto the skillet. This ensures all your pancakes cook evenly.
Watch for Bubbles: The key indicator that a pancake is ready to flip is when bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look dry and set. Don’t flip too early!
Keep Cooked Pancakes Warm: If you’re cooking a large batch, preheat your oven to its lowest setting (around 200°F / 90°C) and place cooked pancakes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep them warm while you finish the rest.

What to Do with Leftover Pancake Batter and Cooked Pancakes

Don’t let any of your delicious pancake batter or cooked pancakes go to waste! Here’s how to handle them:

Leftover Pancake Batter: If you have any uncooked batter remaining, simply pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The leavening agents might lose some of their potency, so you might notice a slight difference in fluffiness, but it will still yield delicious pancakes. Give it a gentle stir before using.
Storing Cooked Pancakes: Allow cooked pancakes to cool completely before storing. Stack them with parchment paper in between each pancake to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Freezing Cooked Pancakes: For longer storage, cooked pancakes freeze beautifully. Once cooled, stack them with parchment paper in between, then wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
Reheating Pancakes: Reheat refrigerated pancakes in a toaster, microwave (briefly), or on a lightly greased skillet until warm. For frozen pancakes, you can often pop them directly into a toaster or oven from frozen, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Can I Serve These Delicious Pancakes With?

The beauty of these original pancakes lies in their versatility. They pair wonderfully with a wide array of toppings and side dishes, allowing you to create the perfect meal every time. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

Fresh Fruit: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas and peaches add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and airy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch and creamy texture.
Maple Syrup: A classic pairing, warm maple syrup is essential for many. Its rich, sweet flavor complements the pancakes perfectly.
Butter: A pat of melting butter on a warm pancake is simple perfection, adding richness and a savory note.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and an elegant finish.
Crispy Bacon: For a savory contrast, a side of perfectly cooked crispy bacon is always a hit, offering salty crunch.
Sausage: Whether links or patties, breakfast sausage provides a hearty and flavorful accompaniment.
Eggs: As mentioned, a side of scrambled, fried, or poached eggs makes for a complete and protein-rich meal.
Nut Butters: For extra protein and a creamy texture, spread some peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
Chocolate Sauce or Syrup: A fun option for a sweeter treat, especially popular with kids (and adults!).
Fruit Compote or Jam: Homemade fruit compotes or your favorite jam can add a delightful fruity sweetness and texture.

More Delicious Pancake Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you’ve loved these original pancakes, be sure to explore more of our delightful pancake creations:

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
Banana Pancakes
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

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5 stacked pancakes on a plate with a honey comb over it

5 from 4 votes

Original Pancakes

By Julie Maestre

Easy fluffy pancake recipe perfect for breakfast. Serve with butter and warm maple syrup.

Prep: 2 minutes

Cook: 5 minutes

Total: 7 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

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Ingredients

▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1 1/2 cups whole milk
▢ 2 tbsp granulated sugar
▢ 3 tsp baking powder
▢ Pinch of salt
▢ 4 tbsp unsalted melted butter
▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 1 egg

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the milk, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just well combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Heat a large, buttered skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, pour 1/4 cup of the pancake batter for each pancake onto the skillet.
Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Look for bubbles forming on the surface before flipping.
Serve your fresh, fluffy pancakes immediately with warm maple syrup and a pat of butter, or your favorite toppings.

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American