Fluffy Thick Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or cooking spray, for the pan
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries or sliced fruit, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
3. Make the Batter
Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix. A few small lumps are completely fine.
The batter should be noticeably thick. If it seems extremely stiff, add 1–2 tablespoons of buttermilk. Avoid making the batter too thin because a thick batter helps create tall, fluffy pancakes.
Let the batter rest for about 5–10 minutes before cooking.
4. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter.
For each pancake, spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the pan. Use the back of the spoon only if necessary; avoid spreading the batter too much.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes, until bubbles begin forming on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adding a little butter to the pan as needed.
5. Serve
Stack the warm pancakes on a plate and top with butter and plenty of maple syrup. Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
Tips for Extra-Thick Pancakes
- Use buttermilk for a tender texture and excellent rise.
- Keep the batter thick rather than runny.
- Do not overmix; overmixing can make pancakes dense.
- Let the batter rest before cooking.
- Cook over medium-low heat so the centers have time to cook without burning the outside.
- Flip the pancakes only once whenever possible.
- Avoid pressing down on the pancakes after flipping because this can remove the air that makes them fluffy.
Variations
For chocolate pancakes, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a handful of chocolate chips. For blueberry pancakes, gently fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter just before cooking. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a little lemon zest for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster, skillet, or microwave. Pancakes can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between them before freezing so they are easy to separate.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving of 2 pancakes, before toppings: 320 calories, 10g protein, 43g carbohydrates, 12g fat, and 2g fiber. Values vary depending on portion size and toppings.
These fluffy pancakes are best served warm and fresh, making them a simple yet impressive breakfast that turns ordinary ingredients into a tall, golden stack of comfort food.