how do you make pancakes from scratch
Making pancakes from scratch is a simple, rewarding process that yields fluffy, golden results better than any mix. With basic pantry staples, you can whip up a stack in under 30 minutes for a cozy breakfast any day of the week.
Ingredients
These measurements serve about 4 people (8-10 pancakes), drawing from tried- and-true recipes shared across cooking sites. Adjust for larger batches by doubling.
Ingredient| Amount| Notes 15
---|---|---
All-purpose flour| 1 ½ cups| Sifted for lightness
Sugar| 2 tbsp| Granulated, for subtle sweetness
Baking powder| 2 tsp| Key for fluffiness; some add 1 tsp baking soda
Salt| ½ tsp| Balances flavors
Milk (or buttermilk)| 1-1 ¼ cups| Room temp for smooth batter
Eggs| 1-2 large| Binds and adds richness
Melted butter| 3-4 tbsp| Plus extra for cooking; oil works too
Pro tip : Buttermilk makes taller pancakes, but regular milk shines with a splash of vinegar if you're out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these numbered steps for foolproof results—many home cooks swear by not overmixing to avoid tough pancakes.
- Mix dry ingredients : In a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda (if using), and salt. Whisk to aerate and remove lumps.
- Combine wet ingredients : In another bowl, whisk milk, egg(s), and melted butter until smooth.
- Form batter : Pour wet into dry. Stir gently with a fork until just combined—lumps are fine! Let rest 5 minutes for tender texture.
- Heat the pan : Preheat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat (350°F if electric). Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Cook pancakes : Scoop ¼-⅓ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top and edges dry (2-3 minutes), then flip. Brown second side 1-2 minutes more.
- Serve hot : Stack and top with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
Common Variations
Experiment to match your mood—forum chatter and recipe tweaks highlight these crowd-pleasers.
- Blueberry : Fold in 1 cup fresh berries post-mixing.
- Chocolate chip : Add ½ cup chips for kid-approved fun.
- Vegan : Swap milk for plant-based, eggs for flax (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), butter for oil.
- Sheet pan : Spread batter on a greased half-sheet pan, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes for brunch crowds.
Home cooks on sites like Allrecipes rave about adding vanilla extract (1 tsp) for extra aroma, a trick from over 16,000 reviews.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even pros hit snags—here's how to fix them based on shared kitchen wisdom.
- Dense pancakes? Overmixed batter or cold ingredients; stir less next time.
- Sticking? More grease or hotter pan initially.
- Not fluffy? Check baking powder freshness (test: mix with hot water, should bubble).
- Too thin? Add 1-2 tbsp flour; rest batter longer.
Why From Scratch Beats Mixes
As of early 2026, trending discussions on food blogs emphasize control over quality—no preservatives, customizable sweetness, and that fresh-baked scent. Families report kids loving the ritual, turning weekends into memory-makers. One reviewer called it "better than McDonald's," echoing thousands.
TL;DR : Sift dry, mix wet, combine gently, cook on medium heat—fluffy stacks in 20 minutes.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.