Introduction
Who doesn’t love fluffy, golden pancakes stacked high and dripping with syrup? If you’ve ever visited IHOP, you’ve probably tried their famous buttermilk pancakes. They’re soft, light, and just the right amount of sweet. But what if you could make them right at home?
Good news — you can! With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate IHOP’s buttermilk pancakes in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a special treat, these pancakes are always a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes
Here are the things you’ll need to make your homemade IHOP-style buttermilk pancakes. Most of these are common items you probably already have at home.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Step by Step Process – IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes
Making pancakes is fun and easy! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have delicious pancakes ready in no time.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Take a large bowl and add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix them together using a spoon or a whisk.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, crack the egg and beat it a little. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or spoon to gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should look a little lumpy. That’s what makes the pancakes fluffy!
Step 4: Preheat the Pan
Place a non-stick pan or griddle on the stove. Turn the heat to medium and let it warm up for a couple of minutes. You can also lightly grease the pan with butter or oil to stop the pancakes from sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter and pour it onto the pan for each pancake. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes. You’ll see little bubbles form on the surface. That’s your sign to flip the pancake!
Flip it carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re done, stack them on a plate and top with butter, syrup, fruits, or even chocolate chips — whatever you like!
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount (Per Pancake) |
---|---|
Calories | 175 kcal |
Total Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Cholesterol | 35 mg |
Sodium | 300 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
Sugars | 5 g |
Protein | 4 g |

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and it will work just like buttermilk.
Q2: Can I freeze these pancakes?
Absolutely! After they cool down, place them in a freezer bag with parchment paper between each pancake. You can reheat them in the microwave or toaster.
Q3: How do I make the pancakes fluffier?
Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine. Also, let the batter sit for about 5–10 minutes before cooking.
Q4: Can I add fruits or chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Blueberries, bananas, or chocolate chips taste amazing in these pancakes. Just sprinkle them on top of the batter right after you pour it into the pan.
Q5: What can I serve with these pancakes?
You can serve them with maple syrup, honey, butter, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a side of scrambled eggs or bacon for a full breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Homemade IHOP buttermilk pancakes are a fun and tasty way to start your morning. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of that classic flavor we all love. The best part? You don’t need to go to a restaurant or use fancy tools. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can make pancakes that taste just like the real deal — maybe even better!
So next time you’re craving a warm breakfast, skip the boxed mix and give these homemade pancakes a try. Trust me, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!