Easiest Soft Pancake Recipe

The Fluffiest, Cloud-Like Pancake Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Whipping up the best fluffy pancake recipe can turn your morning from ordinary to extraordinary in just minutes.

Mornings sparkle with golden, cloud-like discs that melt on your tongue with incredible lightness.

Breakfast becomes a celebration of simple ingredients dancing together in perfect harmony.

Soft, pillowy textures await you, promising a delightful start to any day.

Kitchen magic happens when you blend carefully selected components with gentle technique.

Weekend breakfasts deserve something special that makes everyone smile and gather around the table.

Your first bite will convince you that these pancakes are nothing short of breakfast perfection.

Discover the Secret to the Fluffiest Pancakes Ever Made

Discover the Secret to the Fluffiest Pancakes Ever Made
  • Craft Simple Comfort: These pancakes offer a delightful breakfast experience with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps anyone can master.
  • Customize Your Breakfast: Mix in chocolate chips, blueberries, or sprinkle nuts to transform this basic recipe into a personalized morning treat that keeps everyone excited.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect for weekend mornings or lazy breakfasts, these fluffy pancakes bring everyone together with their irresistible golden-brown charm and soft, tender texture.
  • Zero Fancy Equipment Needed: Using basic kitchen tools like bowls, whisk, and skillet, this recipe proves gourmet-style breakfast doesn't require complicated gadgets or professional skills.

All the Ingredients You Need for Perfect Fluffy Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides the base structure for light and fluffy pancakes.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become wonderfully airy and soft.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the other flavors.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy batter.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the pancakes.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes to the tender texture and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Non-Stick Skillet, Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the pancakes don't stick and helps achieve a golden brown exterior.

How to Whip Up Light and Fluffy Pancakes Step by Step

How to Whip Up Light and Fluffy Pancakes Step by Step

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed, creating a smooth, light base for your pancakes.

Step 2: Combine Wet Components

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients until they’re well incorporated and create a silky, golden mixture.

Step 3: Create Pancake Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – some small lumps are perfectly fine and will help create those wonderfully fluffy pancakes.

Step 4: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a touch of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and create a beautiful golden exterior.

Step 5: Cook Pancakes

Pour about 14 cup of batter for each pancake onto the heated skillet. Watch for small bubbles to form on the surface, which signals it’s time to flip.

Step 6: Flip and Finish

When bubbles appear and edges look slightly dry, carefully flip the pancake. Cook the other side until it turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer pancakes to a plate. Serve immediately while warm.

Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite pancake accessories for a delightful breakfast treat.

Tips and Tricks for Pancakes with Incredible Fluff and Taste

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and fluffier pancakes.
  • Avoid overmixing batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and help create tender texture.
  • Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid and activate baking powder.
  • Adjust heat to medium-low to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown color.
  • For dietary variations, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or add mashed banana for natural sweetness and moisture.

Flavor Twists to Make Your Pancakes Extra Special

  • Gluten-Free Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or oat flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Protein Power Pancakes: Add protein powder and Greek yogurt to boost nutritional content and create a more filling breakfast.
  • Banana Oatmeal Pancakes: Mash ripe bananas into batter and incorporate ground oats for added texture and natural sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Fluffy Pancakes with Style

  • Breakfast Bliss Platter: Arrange pancakes in a stack, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and sprinkle fresh berries on top for a colorful morning feast.
  • Dessert Delight Twist: Transform pancakes into a sweet treat by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed nuts for a decadent dessert.
  • Brunch Party Centerpiece: Create a pancake bar with various toppings like whipped cream, fruit compote, chocolate chips, and sliced almonds, letting guests customize their plates.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun Plate: Cut pancakes into fun shapes using cookie cutters, add smiley face fruit designs, and serve with a small cup of maple syrup for dipping.

Best Practices to Keep Pancakes Fresh for the Next Morning

  • Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Separate pancakes with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated pancakes in a toaster, microwave, or skillet until warm and crispy.

FAQs

  • Why do my pancakes turn out dense instead of fluffy?

The key is not overmixing the batter. Mix ingredients just until combined, leaving some small lumps. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes pancakes tough and heavy.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, but only mix dry and wet ingredients separately. Combine them right before cooking to keep the baking powder active and ensure fluffy pancakes.

  • How do I know when to flip the pancake?

Wait until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look slightly dry. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. When you see these signs, it’s the perfect time to flip.

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Easiest Soft Pancake Recipe

Easiest Soft Pancake Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful homemade fluffy pancake recipe delivers golden, melt-in-your-mouth breakfast perfection with simple ingredients. Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delicious morning start that satisfies breakfast cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) milk
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter

Leavening Agents:

  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Sift and blend the dry components in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform texture without overmixing.
  2. In a separate container, thoroughly amalgamate the liquid ingredients, creating a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
  3. Gently integrate the wet elements into the dry constituents, using delicate circular motions until barely incorporated – some small lumps are acceptable.
  4. Prepare a griddle or non-stick pan by heating to medium temperature (around 375°F), lightly coating the surface with a thin layer of cooking lubricant.
  5. Carefully dispense the batter onto the heated surface, allowing approximately 14 cup per pancake, and observe as tiny air pockets emerge across the upper landscape.
  6. When bubbles consistently populate the pancake’s surface and edges appear slightly matte, execute a precise flip using a wide spatula.
  7. Continue cooking the reverse side for an additional 1-2 minutes until achieving a golden-bronze complexion.
  8. Transfer the completed pancakes to a warming plate, maintaining a consistent temperature to preserve their pillowy texture.
  9. Present immediately, accompanied by rich maple syrup, softened butter, fresh berries, or preferred complementary garnishes.

Notes

  • For ultra-fluffy pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense results.
  • Separate egg whites and whip them separately, then fold gently into the batter for extra lift and airiness.
  • Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid and create softer texture.
  • Customize by adding mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts directly into the batter for varied flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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