Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
If you’ve ever longed for a towering stack of classic flapjacks that are incredibly airy and tender, you’re in luck. These Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are everything you want in a morning indulgence: golden on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, and wonderfully easy to make with just a handful of kitchen staples. Each bite promises pure comfort—light, subtly tangy, lightly sweet, and just begging to be drenched in maple syrup or topped with fresh fruit. There’s really nothing like homemade pancakes, and this recipe will earn a permanent spot at your breakfast table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making great pancakes doesn’t require a mile-long grocery list—just a few trusty ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need for Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, with each element pulling its weight for taste, lift, and downright delicious results.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, giving structure without making the pancakes heavy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tang of buttermilk beautifully.
- Baking powder: Provides that essential rise and loft, delivering a fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for extra lift and a delicate crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Buttermilk: The not-so-secret ingredient for both tenderness and subtle tang; don’t substitute if you want true Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add a bit of richness to the batter.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Lends a buttery flavor and a touch of extra moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and brings a lovely aroma.
- Butter or oil for cooking: Helps achieve that irresistible golden-brown finish on the outside.
How to Make Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these together ensures that your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, so every bite of your pancakes gets the perfect texture and flavor. This step prevents lumps of baking powder or soda and helps create that signature lift in Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Be sure the butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs! Whisk until smooth; this creates a creamy, rich base for your pancakes and contributes to their light, airy texture.
Step 3: Combine to Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Some lumps are totally okay and even encouraged, as they prevent tough pancakes. If you want your Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes extra puffed, let the batter rest for five minutes before cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with a dab of butter or a brush of oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the pan, making sure to leave a little space in between. When bubbles start to dot the surface and the edges look set—usually around two to three minutes—flip them carefully. Cook for another one to two minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The scent alone will make it hard to resist snatching one straight from the griddle!
Step 5: Serve While Warm
Your Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are best enjoyed hot off the griddle. Stack them high, add your favorite toppings, and dig in. From the very first forkful, you’ll love just how pillowy and satisfying these are.
How to Serve Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

Garnishes
When it comes to dressing up Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, the sky’s the limit! Classic pats of butter and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup never disappoint, but don’t stop there—try adding fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and crunch. Even a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a spoonful of fruit compote can turn breakfast into a real treat.
Side Dishes
Round out your pancake breakfast with savory accompaniments. Crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or even a fluffy omelet are fantastic partners to the sweet, tender pancakes. A side of fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad adds a welcome contrast and makes the meal feel brighter and more balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your stack of Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes into a festive affair by layering them with Greek yogurt and a cascade of berries for a breakfast parfait. Use cookie cutters to make fun pancake shapes for kids, or create a pancake board with assorted toppings and sides for a brunch-style feast. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have a few pancakes left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about two days and make for a quick, happy breakfast reheat on busy mornings. Pop a sheet of parchment or wax paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then stack with parchment paper between each. Slide the stack into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, ready to make your future breakfasts a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a stack for 30-60 seconds, or use a toaster or warm oven for a slightly crisper result. If frozen, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra seconds to the reheating time. Your pancakes will taste freshly made, warm, and just as inviting as day one.
FAQs
Can I make Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes without buttermilk?
If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to whole milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. However, the tang and tenderness from real buttermilk are hard to beat—the recipe just isn’t quite the same without it.
Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Overmixing the batter or skimping on the baking powder and soda can lead to flat pancakes. Be gentle when combining the ingredients, stop mixing when you still see a few lumps, and follow the measurements closely for fluffy success.
Can I add mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Gently fold your favorite add-ins into the batter right before cooking, or sprinkle them directly onto each poured pancake on the skillet for even distribution. This adds a fun twist without compromising the fluffiness of your pancakes.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Watch for bubbles to form and pop on the surface, and check that the edges look set before flipping—usually after about two to three minutes on the first side. The cooked side should be golden brown, and the pancake should lift easily from the pan.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The results will still be delightfully fluffy, though the flavor and texture might vary slightly depending on the blend you choose.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted homemade Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. There’s nothing quite as cozy or inviting as a plateful of these cloud-like beauties shared with loved ones. If you’re craving a breakfast that’s simple, joyful, and guaranteed to impress, it’s time to whip up your own stack—go ahead and see just how magical a real pancake can be!
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Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a stack of Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat. These pancakes are light, airy, and perfect with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine and Cook: Gently mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Cook pancakes on a hot skillet until golden brown.
Notes
- For extra fluffiness, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg