Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Grandma’s Golden Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Warm memories of sunday morning breakfasts spark joy with these classic old fashioned pancakes that melt in your mouth.

Grandma’s secret recipe brings comfort straight from her weathered cookbook.

Fluffy and light, each golden disk promises a delightful morning experience.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect texture combination.

Simple ingredients from your pantry transform into a magical morning treat.

Whipping up these pancakes connects you to generations of home cooking traditions.

Dive into this nostalgic breakfast that will make everyone at the table smile.

Why Old Fashioned Pancakes Are a Timeless Breakfast Classic

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for beginners with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps that anyone can master.
  • Family Breakfast Champion: Creates a delightful morning meal that brings everyone together around the table with classic comfort.
  • Quick Morning Magic: Requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a delicious breakfast.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that welcomes endless topping variations, from fresh fruits to classic maple syrup, satisfying different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Fluffy Old Fashioned Pancakes

For the Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A staple ingredient that provides the base structure for the pancakes.
  • Baking Powder: Creates light and fluffy texture by helping the batter rise.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to enhance the pancake flavor.
  • Salt: Balances and improves the overall taste of the pancakes.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth pancake consistency.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
For the Cooking:
  • Cooking Oil, Butter: Prevents pancakes from sticking to the griddle or skillet.
For the Optional Toppings:
  • Maple Syrup, Fresh Berries, Butter: Classic accompaniments that add extra flavor and enjoyment to the pancakes.

How to Make Old Fashioned Pancakes from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until everything is evenly distributed and looks light and fluffy.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, crack the egg and whisk it gently.

Pour in milk, add melted butter, and splash some vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are smoothly combined.

Step 3: Create Pancake Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold and mix with a spatula or whisk.

Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined – a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will help create tender pancakes.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm up a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Lightly brush the surface with oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook Pancakes

Ladle batter onto the hot surface, creating circular shapes.

Watch for small bubbles forming on the top of each pancake. When bubbles appear and edges look slightly dry, carefully flip the pancake.

Cook the other side until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer pancakes to a plate.

Top with your favorite garnishes.

Tips for Fluffy and Tender Pancakes Every Time

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and consistent batter texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy; lumps are perfectly fine.
  • Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help the flour absorb liquid and develop better flavor.
  • Test griddle temperature by sprinkling water droplets; they should sizzle and dance when the surface is ready.
  • Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster for crispy edges and warm center.

Variations to Try with Classic Pancakes

  • Gluten-Free Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete allergen-free preparation.
  • Protein-Packed Pancakes: Add protein powder or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra protein. Incorporate mashed banana or chia seeds for added nutritional value.
  • Whole Wheat Healthier Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for increased fiber and nutrients. Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
  • Dairy-Free Pancakes: Replace milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version that's still creamy and delicious.

What Goes Well with Old Fashioned Pancakes

Elevate Breakfast Bliss: Perfect Pairings

  • Brew Bold Coffee: Pair these fluffy pancakes with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the sweet, buttery flavor and cuts through the richness.
  • Fresh Berry Burst: Top pancakes with a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to add natural sweetness and bright, tangy notes.
  • Crispy Bacon Side: Add crispy, salty bacon strips alongside the pancakes to create a delightful sweet-and-savory contrast that makes breakfast truly satisfying.
  • Smooth Honey Drizzle: Replace traditional maple syrup with golden wildflower honey for a more nuanced, floral sweetness that enhances the pancake's delicate flavor.

How to Store Pancakes for Quick Reheating

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer pancakes between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Place cooled pancakes in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality and taste.

Warm individual pancakes for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying out and maintain softness.

Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore original texture and prevents sogginess.

FAQs

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, as some separation may occur overnight.

  • How do I know when to flip the pancake?

Look for small bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and slightly dry edges. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side, indicating it’s time to flip.

  • What if my batter is too thick or thin?

If the batter is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, mix in a bit more flour until you reach the right consistency – similar to heavy cream.

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Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Fluffy Old Fashioned Pancakes bring nostalgic comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, offering a classic breakfast experience. Golden-brown edges and tender centers invite you to savor each delightful bite of pure morning happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) milk
  • 1 egg

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Fat and Flavor:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
  2. In a separate vessel, vigorously beat the egg, then incorporate milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smoothly blended.
  3. Gently cascade wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to create a slightly lumpy batter – overmixing will compromise pancake texture.
  4. Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet to medium heat (approximately 375°F), lightly coating surface with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  5. Ladle batter onto hot surface, creating circular formations roughly 4 inches in diameter, allowing pancakes to cook until distinctive bubbles emerge across the surface.
  6. When bubble formations become consistent and edges appear matte, carefully flip pancakes using a broad spatula, cooking reverse side until achieving a golden-brown complexion.
  7. Transfer cooked pancakes to a warming plate, maintaining temperature and preventing sogginess while completing subsequent batches.
  8. Present immediately with preferred accompaniments such as maple syrup, fresh seasonal berries, whipped cream, or a delicate butter pat for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

  • Rest the batter for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid and create fluffier pancakes.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and consistent texture throughout the batter.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • add more milk for thinner pancakes or more flour for thicker ones.
  • 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: 350 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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