I can’t wait to share this Fluffy Pancakes recipe with you—it’s been a staple in my kitchen for years and holds a special place in my family’s Sunday mornings. The memory of waking up early, that buttery, sweet smell filling the air, and the gentle sizzle of batter hitting the pan—it’s pure magic. My kids’ eyes light up when I announce breakfast is fluffy pancakes, and honestly, that little moment of joy makes every messy flip and batter spill totally worth it. Fluffy pancakes are more than just food around here; they’re a warm hug on a plate.
Making fluffy pancakes became my go-to comfort food after a few kitchen mishaps taught me what not to do. I used to scrape off pancakes that turned out too dense or overcooked, but over time I learned the secrets to a light pancake batter that practically floats off the griddle. I remember one hectic morning where I was rushing through breakfast, and my pancakes came out tough—I realized then that patience and the right mix matter so much for soft breakfast pancakes. These fluffy pancakes breathe life into busy mornings and allow a little calm—the perfect treat for both kids and adults alike.
If you’ve ever wondered how restaurant pancakes get so perfectly soft and high, I’ve got the inside scoop in this fluffy pancakes recipe you’re about to try. It’s forgiving enough for beginners but still packs that tender, fluffy punch that makes a breakfast stack feel special. Trust me, once you master these fluffy buttermilk pancakes, you’ll want to keep them on repeat every weekend. Plus, if you’re curious, here’s a little story behind why restaurant pancakes are so fluffy I stumbled upon that might inspire you.
Ingredients

- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; overmixing can make the pancakes dense.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your fluffy pancakes warm with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings. They pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra special touch!

For a fun variation, try these fluffy sweet potato pancakes—they bring that same fluffiness with a hint of fall warmth. If you want to take your pancake game further, check out this homemade Cracker Barrel pancakes guide that’s also a favorite.
Looking for gluten-free options? The Fluffiest Gluten Free Buttermilk Pancakes from The Loopy Whisk offer a fantastic alternative without sacrificing texture or flavor. And for those who love a tangy twist, these best sourdough pancakes from The Clever Carrot are a delicious way to enjoy your breakfast stack with added depth.
“Light, fluffy & golden… these pancakes are absolute perfection”—see the inspiration here
Fluffy Pancakes
Delight in these light and fluffy pancakes, perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch. Easily customizable and quick to prepare, they offer a soft texture and delicious flavor every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract if using; mix until smooth.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges are dry, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip with a spatula and cook the other side until browned and cooked through, another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Notes
For extra fluffiness, separate the egg white from the yolk, beat the white until stiff peaks form, and fold it gently into the batter before cooking.

