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    Home » Breakfast » Perfect Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

    Perfect Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

    Published: August 19, 2020 · Jill Baird · Leave a Comment

    pancakes from scratch recipe

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    Homemade buttermilk pancakes on a plate.
    fluffy buttermilk pancakes cut and smoothered in syrup and butter, an easy weekend breakfast idea
    buttermilk Pancakes from scratch, pancake stack on a white plate

    This is the Best Buttermilk Pancake Recipe, it beats each and every pancake mix hands down.  This makes the best light and fluffy pancake recipe and couldn’t be simpler.  All you need is a little slab of butter, some maple syrup, and voila - the perfect breakfast!

    Jump to:
    • Pancakes From Scratch Recipe
    • How to Make Your Own Buttermilk
    • Ingredients in this Buttermilk Pancake Recipe
    • How to Make Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
    • Tips for Making Perfectly Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
    • Toppings for Homemade Pancakes
    • Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

    Pancakes From Scratch Recipe

    There is really no better way to enjoy a cozy weekend morning than with a tall stack of warm Buttermilk Pancakes, smothered in butter, maple syrup or your favorite toppings.  If you’re a fan of those fluffy IHOP Original buttermilk pancakes, then you will not be disappointed with our version.  Luckily, you probably have all of the ingredients you need to make them from scratch right at home!

    Once you go homemade, you’ll never be happy with a box mix ever again.  These babies are perfectly fluffy and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.  Want blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes?  Go nuts!  Or skip the add-ins and serve with your favorite berries, toasted pecans and fresh whipped cream.

    thick pancake recipe stacked on a plate with syrup and butter on top.
    What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?

    Technically, you can substitute plain milk for the buttermilk in this recipe, but we recommend making your own if you are out.  The tangy buttermilk helps the baking powder to activate, therefore giving you even fluffier pancakes.  Plus, it adds such a great flavor.

    We have a couple of solutions for you to try if you either forgot to purchase buttermilk, or you would rather just use what you’ve already got.

    How to Make Your Own Buttermilk

    It’s incredibly simple to make your own.  It won’t be quite as thick as the buttermilk that you are used to buying, but it will do the trick all the same.  All you need to do is:

    1. Mix 3 cups milk (preferably whole) with 3 tablespoons of either lemon juice or white vinegar.
    2. Make sure they are well combined, then let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
    3. After 10 minutes, it should look slightly curdled.  You can whisk the entire thing, then measure out 3 cups that you need and use in place of store-bought buttermilk.

    You can also whisk together 3 parts sour cream or plain Greek yogurt with 1 part milk if you have either of those around and want to give them a try.

    batter for homemade buttermilk pancake recipe in a glass bowl, perfect buttermilk pancakes.

    Ingredients in this Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

    • All-Purpose Flour - we love using all-purpose flour for pancakes, but another acceptable type would be cake flour, if you have it.
    • Sugar - you want to use white granulated sugar.
    • Baking Powder & Baking Soda - these help the batter rise, and keeps them nice and fluffy.
    • Salt - salt balances all of the flavors.
    • Eggs - any kind of large eggs will work great.
    • Buttermilk - this adds a characteristic tangy flavor and helps the baking powder activate.  If you are out of buttermilk, read our instructions above on how to easily make your own.
    • Butter - this should be melted.
    • Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract is best.

    How to Make Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

    1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt and whisk to combine.
    2. In a large measuring cup, combine the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla extract and whisk to break up the eggs.
    3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix the batter together until well-combined and set aside.   (Note: You don't want to overmix - the mixture should still be a little lumpy.)
    4. Heat a large skillet or non-stick griddle over medium low heat, then add about a tablespoon of butter to grease the pan.
    5. For each pancakes, pour about ⅓ cup batter on the griddle and let it spread out into a 4" round pancake.  Depending on the size of your pan, you may be able to cook up to 3 at a time.
    6. Allow the pancakes to cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are beginning to look cooked, or about 1-2 minutes.  Flip the pancakes, using a spatula, and continue to cook the other side until golden and cooked through, or about 1-2 minutes more.
    7. Repeat this process with remaining batter.  Serve pancakes with butter, syrup or your favorite toppings.  Enjoy!
    stacked fluffy buttermilk pancakes on a white plate.

    Tips for Making Perfectly Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

    You’ve probably made pancakes that were either too thick, and don’t cook all the way through, or too thin and slightly rubbery.  This recipe makes them just right, every time.  These tips will help get you started:

    • The less you mix the Buttermilk Pancake batter, the fluffier they will be.  Trust us.  A few small lumps are ok!
    • Let your batter rest for a few minutes before cooking, if possible.  This gives the baking powder a little time to do it’s thing, and gives all of the ingredients a chance to sort of mesh.
    • Measure carefully!  A little too much flour or a little too much buttermilk can cause the pancake batter to get either too thick or too thin.

    Toppings for Homemade Pancakes

    There isn't anything better than homemade pancakes on a lazy weekend. Here are some of our favorite toppings for this easy breakfast recipe.

    • Homemade whipped cream 
    • Homemade strawberry sauce
    • Mixed berry syrup
    • Whipped Cinnamon Honey Butter
    • Buttermilk Syrup
    • Apple Cider Syrup
    • Pumpkin Spice Syrup
    • Blackberry Syrup
    • Lemon Syrup
    • Fresh Berries

    More Favorite Breakfast Recipes

    • Cheesy Hashbrowns
    • Baked Denver Omelet
    • Tater Tot Casserole
    • Veggetable Quiche
    • Candied Bacon
    Can I freeze Pancakes?

    Yes!  After you have cooked them, let them cool completely and then transfer to a freezer bag.  They can be stored, frozen, for up to 3 months.

    When you are ready to eat them, you can either microwave an individual serving to warm them, or else pull them and let them come to room temperature, then cover with foil and warm in a low 300 degree oven until warmed through.

    What does buttermilk do for pancakes?

    Buttermilk is used in pancakes because it helps break down the strands of gluten, giving it the fine and tender pancakes we all love. It also interacts with baking soda and makes pancakes extra fluffy. Another thing to love about buttermilk in pancakes is the extra tang it gives them. It's the perfect balance of tang and sweet when topped with smooth butter and your favorite sweet syrup.

    How to make thick buttermilk pancakes?

    To thicken homemade pancake batter, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time to make the batter thicker if its too runny. Mix until combined.

    How to make pancake batter thinner?

    Add a Tablespoon of milk at a time and use a whisk to stir it in. Whisk until smooth. Add as much milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.

    buttermilk Pancakes from scratch
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    Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

    This recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes beats each and every pancake mix hands down.  They are so light and fluffy and delicious and couldn’t be simpler.  All you need is a little slab of butter, some maple syrup and voila - the perfect breakfast!
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 20 pancakes
    Calories 138kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
    • 3 tablespoons Sugar
    • 1 tablespoons Baking Powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
    • 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
    • 3 large Eggs
    • 3 cups Buttermilk
    • ⅓ cup Butter melted, plus more for frying pancakes
    • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract

    Instructions

    • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt and whisk to combine.
    • In a large measuring cup, combine the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla extract and whisk to break up the eggs.
    • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until well-combined and set aside. (Note: You don't want to overmix - the mixture should still be a little lumpy.)
    • Heat a pan or non-stick griddle over medium heat, then add about a tablespoon of butter to grease the pan.
    • For each pancakes, pour about ⅓ cup batter on the griddle and let it spread out into a 4" round pancake. Depending on the size of your pan, you may be able to cook up to 3 at a time.
    • Allow the pancakes to cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are beginning to look cooked, or about 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes, using a spatula, and continue to cook the other side until golden and cooked through, or about 1 minute more.
    • Repeat this process with remaining batter. Serve pancakes with butter, syrup or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 345mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg

    Here are some other simple breakfast recipes that we love!

    • Spinach and Feta Quiche
    • Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
    • Best German Pancakes
    • Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
    • More Best Breakfast Recipes
    • More Amazing Sauce and Syrups

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    pinterest pin for homemade buttermilk pancakes from scratch

    This simple recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes is light, fluffy and tastes so delicious with a little slab of butter and some maple syrup.  You'll never want to use box mix again!  

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