
What is Pancakes From Scratch Recipe?
A pancakes from scratch recipe is about making light, fluffy pancakes at home using basic pantry ingredients instead of packaged mixes. By whisking together flour, eggs, milk, and butter with your own hands, you can enjoy a breakfast that is fresher, richer in flavor, and far more customizable. This approach allows you to choose the quality of ingredients, experiment with flavors, and create a dish that truly reflects your taste.
Whether you are hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a quick breakfast for yourself, or testing out an easy pancakes recipe, learning how to make pancakes from scratch is a valuable skill every home cook should master. It saves money, improves the quality of your meals, and makes breakfast feel like a special occasion.
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Why This Pancakes From Scratch Recipe is Special

- Fluffiest pancakes ever: This pancakes from scratch recipe has been tested and perfected over the years to ensure you get the softest and fluffiest pancakes every time.
- Versatile: It can easily be adapted into a pancake recipe without eggs or a pancake recipe without milk without affecting taste or texture.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun breakfast-for-dinner idea that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Beginner-friendly: The recipe includes clear instructions and helpful tips so even first-time cooks can make delicious pancakes with ease.
Once you master this pancakes from scratch recipe, you will never want to go back to boxed pancake mixes again.
Ingredients for Pancakes From Scratch Recipe

Key Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure and forms the base of the pancakes.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds sweetness to balance flavors.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the pancakes rise and stay fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk to create lightness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Add structure. If making a pancake recipe without eggs, use mashed banana or yogurt as a substitute.
- 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture. For a pancake recipe without milk, use plant milk such as almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar.
- ¼ cup (60 g) melted butter: Adds richness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Provides a warm, aromatic flavor.
Substitutions & Tips for Best Quality
- For a pancake recipe without milk, almond milk or oat milk works well.
- For a pancake recipe without eggs, mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water and let it rest for 10 minutes before using.
- Always use fresh baking powder and baking soda for the fluffiest pancakes.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense pancakes.
How to Make Pancakes From Scratch Recipe (Step-by-Step)

1. Preparation
- Gather all ingredients: Place all the ingredients on your kitchen counter before you start. This keeps the process organized and saves time.
- Prepare substitutions if needed: If you are making the recipe eggless, mash bananas or use yogurt as a replacement. For dairy-free versions, get your almond milk or plant-based milk ready beforehand. Having substitutions ready avoids interruptions while cooking.
- Preheat the skillet or griddle: Set it over medium heat. A properly heated pan helps the pancakes cook evenly. If the pan is too cold, the batter will spread too much, and if it’s too hot, the pancakes might burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
2. Cooking Process
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients first ensures the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed, which helps the pancakes rise.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture with a spatula. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which gives you light and fluffy pancakes. Overmixing makes them dense.
- Cook the pancakes: Lightly grease the preheated skillet with butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. This makes sure each pancake is the same size. Cook until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set.
- Flip carefully: Turn the pancakes only once and cook the other side until it becomes golden brown. This takes about 1–2 minutes per side.
3. Serving and Finishing
- Stack and keep warm: Once cooked, stack the pancakes on a plate so they stay warm.
- Add toppings: Classic toppings include butter and maple syrup, but you can also add fresh fruits, nuts, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips to make them special.
- Store leftovers properly: If you’re cooking pancakes for one person, cool the extras completely and store them in an airtight container. Refrigerated pancakes stay fresh for up to 3 days, while frozen ones can last up to 2 months. Reheat using a toaster, oven, or microwave when ready to eat.
Expert Tips to Make it Perfect
- Rest the batter for 5 minutes: Allowing the batter to sit helps the flour hydrate fully, resulting in lighter and fluffier pancakes.
- Flip only once: Turn the pancakes just one time when bubbles form on the surface. Avoid pressing down with the spatula, as it can make the pancakes dense.
- Cook on medium heat: This ensures the pancakes cook evenly inside and out without burning.
- For ultra-fluffy pancakes, whip egg whites separately: Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form and fold them gently into the batter. This adds extra air, making the pancakes rise beautifully.
These tips are effective whether you are preparing a big batch for the family or just a quick and easy pancakes recipe for yourself.

Variations of Pancakes From Scratch Recipe You Can Try
- Blueberry Pancakes: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a burst of fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter to make them a kid-friendly favorite.
- Whole Wheat Pancakes: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, nutty flavor.
- Savory Pancakes: Skip the sugar and add chopped herbs and shredded cheese for a unique savory twist.
- Dairy-Free Pancakes: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of dairy ingredients. This variation is ideal for anyone searching for a pancake recipe without milk.
These variations make your pancakes from scratch recipe versatile and fun, allowing you to try something new every time you make them.
What to Serve with Pancakes From Scratch Recipe?
- Butter and maple syrup: A classic combination that adds richness and sweetness to the pancakes.
- Fresh fruits and whipped cream: Strawberries, bananas, or berries with a dollop of whipped cream bring freshness and balance.
- Bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs: Add protein to make the meal hearty and filling.
- Nutella or peanut butter drizzle: Perfect for chocolate or nut lovers, adding a creamy layer of flavor.
- Making pancakes for one? Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of fresh juice for a complete and satisfying breakfast.
Serving these sides with your pancakes from scratch recipe can elevate the meal and make it even more enjoyable.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Stack the pancakes with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking and freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm the pancakes in a toaster, oven, or microwave until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow a little extra time.
Following these storage and reheating instructions will keep your pancakes from scratch recipe soft and fresh, even days later.

Health & Nutrition Benefits
This pancakes from scratch recipe can easily be adjusted to make it healthier without compromising taste:
- Use whole wheat flour: It adds more fiber and makes the pancakes more filling.
- Reduce sugar or swap it with honey: This helps cut down on empty calories while adding a natural sweetness.
- Use plant-based milk and coconut oil: These are great options for anyone following a dairy-free diet.
- Add fruit toppings instead of heavy syrups: Fresh fruits like berries or bananas add vitamins and natural sweetness.
Making these simple changes can turn your pancakes from scratch recipe into a wholesome breakfast option.
FAQs about Pancakes From Scratch Recipe
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, but mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before cooking.
2. Can I freeze pancakes?
Absolutely! Freeze them in airtight containers with parchment paper in between.
3. What’s the best substitute for eggs?
If making a pancake recipe without eggs, use mashed banana, yogurt, or flaxseed meal with water.
4. Can I make it without milk?
Yes! A pancake recipe without milk works great with almond, soy, or oat milk.
5. How do I know when to flip pancakes?
Flip when bubbles form on top and the edges look set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Stirring the batter too much develops gluten in the flour, which leads to tough and dense pancakes. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are completely fine and actually help make the pancakes fluffy.
- Cooking on very high or low heat: High heat will burn the pancakes on the outside before the inside cooks properly, while low heat will make them pale and gummy. Medium heat is the best balance for evenly cooked, golden-brown pancakes.
- Flipping too early or multiple times: If you flip too soon, the pancake may break apart because it has not set properly. Flipping multiple times also deflates the batter and makes the pancakes flat. Wait until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look slightly dry, then flip only once.
- Using expired baking powder or soda: Old leavening agents lose their effectiveness, resulting in flat and dense pancakes. Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda to ensure they are fresh before starting the recipe.
By avoiding these common mistakes, your pancakes from scratch recipe will turn out perfectly soft and fluffy every time.
Bonus Tip
For the fluffiest pancakes from scratch recipe, try this professional chef technique. Start by separating the eggs into yolks and whites. Beat the egg whites using a whisk or hand mixer until stiff peaks form, meaning they stand upright without collapsing when lifted. Prepare the batter as usual by mixing the egg yolks with the other wet ingredients and then combining them with the dry ingredients.
Finally, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to stir too vigorously. This technique adds extra air into the batter, giving the pancakes a light, airy texture and a beautiful rise. It is a simple step that can dramatically improve the quality of any pancakes from scratch recipe and make them taste like they were made by a professional chef.

Related Recipes
- Keema Paratha Recipe: A savory stuffed flatbread filled with spiced minced meat, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- Oats Upma Recipe: A healthy, fiber-rich breakfast dish made with oats and vegetables, ideal for a light yet filling start to your day.
- Suji Ka Halwa Recipe with Milk: A classic Indian sweet made with semolina, milk, and ghee for a rich, creamy dessert.
Final Thoughts
Making this pancakes from scratch recipe is much easier than it may seem, and the results are incredibly rewarding. With just a few simple steps, you can create soft, fluffy pancakes that are far better than anything you could buy pre-made. Whether you are preparing a large batch for a weekend brunch, quickly whipping up an easy pancakes recipe for a weekday breakfast, or customizing it into a pancake recipe without eggs or a pancake recipe without milk, this complete guide gives you everything you need for success.
Now it’s your turn to get creative! I would love to hear how your pancakes turned out and which variation you enjoyed the most. Did you add fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or try a savory version? Drop your feedback in the comments section below and share your favorite twist on this recipe. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends and family so they can enjoy delicious homemade pancakes too.