Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

Name: Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

These Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat—light, airy, and bursting with flavor.

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2025-12-06T18:17:54.200Z

There's nothing quite like starting your day with a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes. These pancakes are not only delicious but also simple to make, ensuring that even novice cooks can impress their family and friends.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Incredibly fluffy and light texture
Rich buttermilk flavor that enhances each bite
Versatile—perfect with maple syrup, fruits, or chocolate chips

      

The Secret to Fluffiness

What sets these Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes apart is the unique combination of baking powder and baking soda. This duo works in harmony to create a light, airy texture that elevates your breakfast experience. The baking powder acts as a leavening agent, while the baking soda reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk to produce bubbles, resulting in the perfect pancake rise.

Additionally, allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking can further enhance the fluffiness. This brief pause gives the flour time to absorb the liquid, leading to a more tender pancake. Remember, a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine—overmixing can lead to denser pancakes.

Buttermilk Benefits

Buttermilk isn’t just a key ingredient for flavor; it also plays a significant role in the texture of these pancakes. The acidity of buttermilk helps to tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer, more delicate pancake. Plus, it lends a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar beautifully.

Moreover, buttermilk is often considered a healthier alternative to regular milk. It contains less fat and is rich in probiotics, which can aid digestion. Incorporating buttermilk into your breakfast routine not only enhances the taste but can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Perfect Pairings

These Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. While traditional maple syrup is a classic choice, you can also experiment with fresh fruits like berries or banana slices for a refreshing twist. A sprinkle of nuts or a dollop of yogurt can add texture and additional flavor, making each bite even more delightful.

For those with a sweet tooth, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter before cooking. This will create melty pockets of chocolate goodness that take your pancakes to the next level. No matter your preference, the combination of flavors will make breakfast a meal to look forward to.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients thoroughly before cooking.

Instructions

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. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings like syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious breakfast!

Make sure to serve the pancakes immediately for the best texture.

Tips for Cooking Pancakes

When cooking pancakes, achieving the right temperature is crucial. If your skillet is too hot, the outsides will burn while the insides remain undercooked. A medium heat is ideal, allowing the pancakes to cook evenly. If you're unsure, perform a test pancake to gauge the temperature before cooking the rest.

Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping. If you're using a regular skillet, make sure to grease it lightly with butter or oil. This will not only prevent sticking but also add an extra layer of flavor to your pancakes.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze pancakes by placing parchment paper between each pancake and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a quick breakfast any day of the week.

To reheat pancakes, simply toast them in a toaster for a crispy exterior or microwave them for a softer texture. If you're heating from frozen, a quick microwave session followed by a few minutes in a skillet can give you the best of both worlds: warm and fluffy pancakes ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but you should add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to sour it.

→ How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the batter fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

→ What toppings go well with buttermilk pancakes?

Maple syrup, fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or whipped cream are all excellent choices!