The Best Pancake Recipe – Fluffy, Golden & Perfect Every Time

There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup to start the day right. If you’ve been searching for the best pancake recipe, look no further. This recipe delivers soft, golden pancakes with just the right amount of fluff, making them perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or anytime you want to treat yourself and your family to something special.

Why This is the Best Pancake Recipe

These pancakes stand out because they’re:

Incredibly fluffy – Thanks to the perfect balance of leavening agents.
Made with pantry staples – No fancy ingredients required.
Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
Versatile – Delicious on their own or customized with your favorite add-ins.

Whether you prefer them plain with butter and maple syrup, or topped with fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, this recipe is a winner every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for the pan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Make the batter – Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. (The batter should be slightly lumpy—don’t overmix!)
Cook the pancakes – Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve hot – Stack pancakes high and serve with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

Don’t overmix – A few lumps in the batter are fine; overmixing leads to dense pancakes.
Preheat your pan properly – A medium heat ensures pancakes cook evenly without burning.
Use room-temperature ingredients – This helps the batter come together smoothly.
Keep warm in the oven – Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.

Topping & Flavor Ideas

Fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, or bananas
Nuts: walnuts, pecans, or almonds
Sweet extras: chocolate chips or Nutella drizzle
Savory twist: top with crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup

Final Thoughts

Fluffy, light, and delicious, this really is the best pancake recipe you’ll ever make. With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, you can whip up a breakfast classic that’s guaranteed to impress your family. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to boxed mixes again!