Introduction
There’s something special about waking up to the smell of warm, fluffy pancakes. And when they’re made with buttermilk? Even better! Classic buttermilk pancakes are soft, golden, and taste just the way breakfast should be – comforting and delicious.
You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients to make these pancakes. In fact, you can make them using simple items you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re making breakfast for your family, a lazy weekend treat, or even breakfast-for-dinner, this recipe will never disappoint. So, are you ready to learn how to make the best homemade buttermilk pancakes from scratch? Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Classic Buttermilk Pancakes
Before you begin cooking, gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of about 10 medium pancakes:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk (shake well before using)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter (plus extra for the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk at home, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it curdles slightly.
Step by Step Process – Classic Buttermilk Pancakes
Making these pancakes is easy and fun! Just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything together using a whisk or spoon. This helps spread all the ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or whisk to gently stir the batter. Don’t overmix! It’s okay if the batter has a few small lumps. Overmixing can make your pancakes tough instead of soft.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest (Optional but Helpful)
If you have a few extra minutes, let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the ingredients blend well and gives fluffier pancakes.
Step 5: Preheat the Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small piece of butter or spray lightly with cooking oil. When the pan is hot (you can test with a drop of water – it should sizzle), it’s time to cook!
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes or until you see bubbles forming on top and the edges look set. Flip the pancake carefully with a spatula and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Stack the pancakes high and serve with butter, syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream. You can even add chocolate chips or blueberries into the batter before cooking for extra flavor!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Pancake |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then place a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake and freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.
Q2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice with 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
Q3. How do I make my pancakes extra fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter, and let it rest before cooking. Also, make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh – they help the pancakes rise!
Q4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the dry ingredients in advance, but it’s best to mix the wet ingredients just before cooking. If needed, refrigerate the batter for a few hours, but it may thicken – just add a little milk before cooking.
Q5. Are these pancakes sweet enough without syrup?
The pancakes have a light sweetness, but syrup, honey, or fruit on top really brings out the flavor. You can also increase the sugar slightly if you prefer them sweeter.
Final Thoughts
Making traditional classic buttermilk pancakes is easier than you might think – and way more delicious than store-bought mixes. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have warm, fluffy pancakes that everyone will love.
Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. And the best part? You can always customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. So next time you’re craving something comforting and homemade, give this recipe a try. You’ll be flipping pancakes like a pro in no time!
