There’s nothing quite like waking up to a stack of simple homemade pancakes sizzling on the pan. The aroma of butter and vanilla fills the kitchen, and suddenly, the day feels brighter. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a special weekend brunch, or just a cozy breakfast at home, simple homemade pancakes have a way of turning an ordinary morning into something memorable.
For anyone who loves breakfast recipes, these pancakes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re quick to make, require only basic ingredients, and deliver that perfect fluffy texture everyone craves. Simple homemade pancakes are more than just food—they’re comfort, nostalgia, and pure happiness all in one golden stack.
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Simple Homemade Pancakes for the Perfect Breakfast
Fluffy, golden, and perfectly soft, these simple homemade pancakes are the ultimate breakfast comfort. Easy to make with basic ingredients, they’re perfect for weekend brunches or any cozy morning. Customize with your favorite toppings for a stack that’s both delicious and satisfying.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes (serves 4) 1x
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter or oil for cooking
Optional toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, honey, chocolate chips
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay; do not overmix.
Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate and the baking powder to activate.
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while cooking the rest. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing makes pancakes dense.
Resting the batter ensures fluffiness and better rise.
Adjust heat carefully: Medium-low heat prevents burning while cooking through.
Variations: Add blueberries, chocolate chips, cinnamon, or mashed bananas for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Why You’ll Love This Simple Homemade Pancakes Recipe
This simple homemade pancakes recipe has everything you need for the ultimate breakfast:
Fluffy and soft texture that melts in your mouth.
Easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Quick prep and cook time, perfect for busy mornings or weekend indulgence.
Customizable for every taste with toppings, fruits, syrups, or chocolate chips.
Kid-friendly and family-approved, making it a go-to breakfast recipe.
These pancakes prove that simple doesn’t mean boring—they are classic, timeless, and endlessly satisfying.
The Secret to Perfect Simple Homemade Pancakes
The secret to great simple homemade pancakes is all in the mixing technique and batter consistency. Overmixing the batter creates dense pancakes, so gently fold your ingredients until just combined. A few lumps in the batter are actually a good thing—they keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
Letting the batter rest for a few minutes is another key trick. This allows the flour to hydrate fully and the baking powder to activate, resulting in perfectly puffed pancakes with a golden-brown surface. Also, cooking on medium heat ensures that your pancakes are golden outside but soft and tender inside—a true hallmark of simple homemade pancakes done right.
Pro Tips to Nail Your Simple Homemade Pancakes
Use a nonstick skillet or griddle: For even cooking and flawless pancakes every time.
Control your heat: Medium-low heat prevents burning and gives that perfect golden-brown color.
Butter or oil lightly: Brush the pan lightly with melted butter or oil to avoid greasy spots.
Keep pancakes warm: Stack cooked pancakes in a low oven (around 200°F / 90°C) while cooking the rest. Everyone gets warm, soft pancakes!
Measure ingredients properly: Even small variations in flour or milk can affect the fluffiness, so accurate measurements matter.
For a delicious twist, try drizzling your pancakes with alternative syrups. Check out this Coconut Flour Pancakes – Easy, Fluffy & Gluten-Free Morning Treat for some creative inspiration.
Fun Variations to Try
Simple homemade pancakes are incredibly versatile. Once you master the basic recipe, try these variations to add flavor and excitement:
Blueberry Simple Homemade Pancakes: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries for bursts of juicy sweetness. Perfect with maple syrup.
Cinnamon Vanilla Pancakes: Add cinnamon and vanilla extract to the batter for warm, comforting flavors.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in chocolate chips for a breakfast that doubles as a treat. Melted chocolate pockets in each bite? Yes, please!
Banana Pancakes: Mash ripe bananas into the batter for natural sweetness and extra fluffiness.
If you want a citrusy twist, you’ll also enjoy my Orange Marmalade Pancakes for Bright Mornings for another flavorful breakfast treat.
Why Simple Homemade Pancakes Are the Ultimate Breakfast
Simple homemade pancakes aren’t just a recipe—they’re a way to slow down, savor the moment, and make breakfast something special. There’s a reason pancakes have been a beloved breakfast staple for generations. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and instantly comforting.
So next time you’re planning breakfast, don’t skip this classic. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can make a stack of perfectly fluffy, golden, and delicious simple homemade pancakes that will satisfy everyone at the table. Breakfast has never tasted so good.