There’s nothing quite like waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of homemade pancakes sizzling on the griddle. These Old-Fashioned Pancakes are fluffy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, making them the perfect breakfast treat for lazy weekend mornings or any day you need a little extra cheer. Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe delivers the classic taste and texture that everyone loves.
Fluffy and Golden Perfection
These pancakes strike the perfect balance of being light and airy while still having a satisfying richness. With a slightly crisp edge and a tender interior, they pair beautifully with butter, syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to whip up in no time.
Whether you’re serving these pancakes for a family breakfast, brunch with friends, or just indulging in a comforting treat, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this recipe will have you flipping your way to pancake perfection.
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Pancakes
Making these pancakes requires just a few basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect fluffy stack.
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of the batter, providing structure and fluffiness.
- Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
- Baking Powder – The key to making your pancakes light and airy by creating those irresistible bubbles.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Milk – Adds moisture and creates a smooth, pourable batter. Whole milk works best for richness, but other types can be used.
- Egg – Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the pancakes.
- Butter (melted) – Adds a subtle buttery flavor and keeps the pancakes tender.
- Vanilla Extract (optional) – For an added hint of warmth and depth to the flavor.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Pancakes
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tall stack of warm, fluffy pancakes ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—avoid overmixing to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle or Pan
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
- Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes).
- Flip the pancakes carefully using a spatula, and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you cook the rest of the batter.
- Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or any toppings you love.
Now, dig in and savor the classic comfort of these Old-Fashioned Pancakes!
How Long to Cook Pancakes
The cooking time for pancakes depends on the heat level and the size of the pancakes, but here’s a general guide to ensure they turn out perfectly golden and fluffy:
- First Side – Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set.
- Second Side – Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.
Be sure to keep your skillet or griddle at medium heat to prevent the pancakes from burning before they cook through.
How to Store Leftover Pancakes
If you’ve made more pancakes than you can eat in one sitting, don’t worry—these old-fashioned pancakes store beautifully for future breakfasts.
- Refrigerator – Place leftover pancakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster, microwave, or low-temperature oven until warm.
- Freezer – Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave directly from frozen or warm them in a toaster.
Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Pancakes
Follow these helpful tips to ensure your pancakes are absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough pancakes.
- Let the Batter Rest – Allow the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This helps the baking powder activate, making the pancakes even fluffier.
- Use a Measuring Cup for Consistency – Pour the batter using a 1/4 cup measure to ensure evenly sized pancakes.
- Adjust the Heat as Needed – If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow them to cook through without burning.
- Experiment with Add-Ins – Try adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts to the batter for a fun twist.
Now you’re ready to master the art of pancake-making like a pro!
PrintOld-Fashioned Pancakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Old-Fashioned Pancakes are a simple and classic breakfast that’s perfect for any day of the week. Fluffy, golden, and delicious, they come together with pantry staples for a quick and satisfying treat. Top them with syrup, butter, or fresh fruit for a breakfast everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes).
- Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking for even better results.
- Leftover pancakes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or microwave.
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts to the batter.