Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

The Fluffiest Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes dance on the griddle, promising a breakfast adventure that will brighten your morning.

Crisp edges and tender centers invite you to savor each delightful bite.

Weekend mornings feel magical when golden circles of goodness arrive at the table.

Soft and light, these pancakes carry memories of lazy Saturday gatherings with loved ones.

Every forkful promises comfort and satisfaction, whisking you away from ordinary breakfast routines.

Creamy buttermilk works its culinary magic, creating layers of flavor that surprise and delight.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn an everyday meal into something extraordinary – these pancakes await you!

Why Buttermilk Pancakes Are a Classic Breakfast

  • Delight in Quick Comfort: These buttermilk pancakes deliver pure morning happiness with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying breakfast cravings in minutes.
  • Master Simple Cooking Skills: Beginners can confidently create delicious pancakes using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, building culinary confidence.
  • Customize with Endless Variations: Transform the basic recipe by adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts, making it a versatile dish that adapts to personal taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Breakfast Champion: Guaranteed to please everyone from kids to adults, these pancakes create joyful morning moments around the breakfast table with their soft, fluffy texture.

Ingredients for Buttermilk Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A basic foundation that provides structure to the pancakes.
  • Baking Powder: The key leavening agent that helps pancakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pancake batter.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the other ingredients.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a tender, soft pancake texture.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes a rich flavor and helps create a golden brown exterior.
Cooking Ingredient:
  • Cooking Oil: Ensures the pancakes do not stick to the griddle and helps achieve an even golden color.

How to Cook Buttermilk Pancakes

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until perfectly blended. This ensures no lumps and creates a smooth, consistent pancake base.

Step 2: Create Batter Mixture

Create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Gently whisk everything together until the batter becomes smooth and free of major lumps. The consistency should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Place a griddle or large frying pan on the stovetop. Turn the heat to medium-high and lightly coat the surface with cooking oil or butter. Let the surface warm up for a minute to ensure even heat distribution.

Step 4: Cook Pancakes

Using a measuring cup or ladle, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot cooking surface for each pancake. Watch for small bubbles forming on the surface, which indicates it’s time to flip.

Step 5: Flip and Finish

When bubbles appear and edges look slightly dry, carefully flip each pancake with a spatula. Cook the other side until golden brown. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Transfer pancakes to a serving plate. Stack them high and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Expert Tips for Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

  • Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumpy batter and ensure even texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter; stop when ingredients are just combined for tender, fluffy pancakes.
  • Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid and improve consistency.
  • Use a non-stick griddle or cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and perfect golden-brown color.
  • Replace buttermilk with regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a quick substitution.

Variations to Try With Buttermilk Pancakes

  • Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet, indulgent breakfast treat.
  • Banana Nut Pancakes: Mix in mashed ripe bananas and chopped walnuts for a hearty, fruity version.
  • Blueberry Blast Pancakes: Gently stir fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for bursts of fruity flavor.
  • Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Swirl a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon into the pancake while cooking for a decadent breakfast experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Buttermilk Pancakes

  • Brew the Perfect Coffee Match: Rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee complements the pancakes' creamy texture, cutting through the sweetness with robust, smooth notes.
  • Elevate with Fresh Fruit Companions: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or caramelized bananas add vibrant freshness and natural sweetness, creating a balanced breakfast experience.
  • Drizzle Decadent Toppings: Pure maple syrup from Vermont or a homemade berry compote transforms ordinary pancakes into an indulgent morning treat, enhancing the buttermilk's tangy undertones.

Storage Advice for Buttermilk Pancakes

  • Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place cooled pancakes in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and store for up to 1 month for best quality.
  • Warm individual pancakes on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
  • Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs on Buttermilk Pancakes

  • What makes buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds tanginess, helps create a tender texture, and makes pancakes fluffier by reacting with baking powder to create extra lift.

  • Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

  • How do I know when to flip the pancake?

Watch for small bubbles forming on the surface and edges looking slightly dry, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side.

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Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes dance with golden perfection, promising a breakfast symphony of comfort and flavor. Light, airy layers promise delightful mornings that sparkle with homemade warmth while tempting hungry souls to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1 egg

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 3 1/2 teaspoons (17.5 milliliters) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white sugar

Fat and Liquid:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar – into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform blend.
  2. Create a central cavity in the dry mixture, then gently incorporate buttermilk, egg, and melted butter, stirring until the batter achieves a smooth, lump-free consistency.
  3. Prepare a griddle or non-stick skillet by lightly coating with oil and heating to medium-high temperature (approximately 375°F), allowing the surface to become evenly warm.
  4. Carefully ladle or pour batter onto the heated surface, forming circular pancakes about 4 inches in diameter, maintaining consistent spacing between each.
  5. Monitor pancakes closely, watching for bubbles forming across the surface and edges turning slightly matte, which indicates the ideal moment to flip.
  6. Flip pancakes with a swift motion, cooking the reverse side until golden brown and achieving a uniform color across the entire surface.
  7. Transfer freshly cooked pancakes to a warm serving plate, maintaining their temperature and preventing moisture buildup by avoiding stacking immediately.
  8. Repeat the cooking process with remaining batter, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent burning and ensuring consistent pancake quality.
  9. Serve immediately with preferred toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Achieve fluffier pancakes by avoiding overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and make them tough.
  • Substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if unavailable.
  • Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid and create more tender pancakes.
  • For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring even consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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