Everyday Pancakes

Updated Dec. 29, 2025

Total Time: 20 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4–6 pancakes

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional; omit for reduced-sugar versions)

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• 1½–2 cups milk (adjust based on desired batter consistency; 2% or whole milk recommended)

• 2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter (optional; substitute with neutral oil like canola or avocado oil for vegan options)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat Equipment: Heat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat (170–180°F/75–80°C) or a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and avoids clumps.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Gradually pour in 1½ cups milk, stirring to combine. If using butter, add the melted, cooled butter to the milk-egg mixture and stir until incorporated.

4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula just until flour is moistened (small lumps are acceptable; overstirring causes dense pancakes). If batter is too thick, add remaining milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it flows slowly in a ribbon (like thick cream).

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat & Oil: Add 1–2 teaspoons butter (or oil) to the hot skillet. Swirl to coat evenly; wait 30 seconds until butter stops foaming (or oil shimmers).

2. Portion Batter: Use a ¼-cup measuring cup or 2–3 tablespoons to pour batter onto the skillet, forming 4–5 inch (10–12 cm) circles. Space pancakes 2–3 inches apart to allow even cooking.

3. Cook Until Bubbles Form: Let pancakes cook undisturbed for 2–4 minutes until large bubbles rise to the surface and the bottom edges turn golden brown. Avoid flipping early; this ensures the batter sets.

4. Flip & Finish: Use a spatula to flip carefully. Cook the second side for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while cooking the remaining batter.

Step 3: Finishing & Storage

• Serve Immediately: Enjoy plain, with maple syrup, sour cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a savory twist, top with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs.

• Storage: Cool completely, stack between parchment paper, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or in a toaster. For longer storage, freeze pancakes and reheat from frozen in a dry skillet.

Tips & Variations

Chef’s Adjustments

• Healthier Version: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour (WW flour) and omit sugar. Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1 tablespoon mashed banana for natural sweetness.

• Acid Boost: If using buttermilk (or yogurt/sour cream), add ¼ teaspoon baking soda to react with the acid and enhance fluffiness.

• Vegetable Additions: For a savory twist, stir in ½ cup finely chopped vegetables (cabbage, carrots, or onion) to the batter (halve the recipe for manageable portions).

Flavor Enhancements

• Berry Burst: Fold in ½ cup fresh blueberries or strawberries after Step 1.

• Spice Blend: Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon cardamom to the dry ingredients for warmth.

• Butter Twist: Brown 2 tablespoons butter (until nutty and golden), cool, then substitute for the melted butter in Step 1.

Customer Testimonials

• “Passed the boyfriend test! Used 1½ cups 2% milk, added vanilla and melted butter. Perfect for New Year’s Day—next time, I’ll use WW flour.”

• “Halved the recipe and added veggies: cabbage, carrots, onion. Tasted like a Western okonomiyaki! Served with sour cream and turkey sausage.”

• “Browned butter + blueberries = game-changer. Quick, fluffy, and customizable. Great for busy mornings.”

Note: This recipe emphasizes simplicity without compromising flavor. No fancy ingredients required—just classic, comforting pancakes for any day.