Introduction

Old-fashioned pancakes are a comforting breakfast classic that’s fluffy, tender, and easy to make. With simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a stack of these delicious pancakes in no time. Perfect for weekend mornings or whenever you want a timeless homemade treat.

Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; the batter should be a little lumpy but without large pockets of flour.
Step 4: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.
Step 5: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Swap milk for buttermilk for a tangy flavor and softer texture.
Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or sliced bananas right after pouring batter on the skillet.
If you like, omit the vanilla extract to keep the flavor simple and classic.
Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a nice golden crust.

Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster or skillet until heated through. For longer storage, freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag; they keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen by toasting or gently microwaving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook pancakes fresh, but you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the pancake batter?

Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, making pancakes tough instead of light and fluffy. A few lumps in the batter are normal and help keep the texture tender.

Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

Classic Old-Fashioned Pancakes made from scratch with a simple batter of flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, egg, and melted butter. These fluffy, golden pancakes are perfect for a cozy breakfast and can be served with butter and maple syrup for a traditional touch.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (about 8 pancakes) 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently stir using a spoon or spatula until just combined; the batter should remain slightly lumpy to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the pancakes.
Cook Pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet, spacing them evenly.
Flip & Finish: Cook the pancakes until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 minutes. Carefully flip each pancake and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
Serve Warm: Stack the cooked pancakes on a plate and serve immediately with butter and maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat.