Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 (8 medium pancakes)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon butter or cooking oil
For Serving
- Pure maple syrup
- Butter
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Sliced bananas (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Rest the Batter
Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps create lighter, fluffier pancakes.
Step 5: Cook
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Lightly grease with butter.
- Pour about ¼ cup batter for each pancake.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Stack the pancakes, add a pat of butter, and drizzle generously with warm maple syrup. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Let the batter rest before cooking.
- Cook over medium heat to prevent burning.
- Flip only once.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing the batch.
Variations
Blueberry Pancakes
Fold 1 cup fresh blueberries into the batter.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
Cinnamon Pancakes
Mix 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients.
Banana Pancakes
Add one mashed ripe banana to the wet ingredients.
Nut Information
Contains Nuts?
- ❌ No nuts are included in this recipe.
Potential Nut Risks
- Check packaged flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup if cooking for someone with a severe tree nut or peanut allergy, as manufacturing facilities may process nuts.
- If using optional toppings such as granola or flavored syrups, verify they are nut-free.
Allergy Information
Contains
- Wheat (flour)
- Milk (buttermilk, butter)
- Eggs
Does Not Contain
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Soy (unless present in packaged ingredients)
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze between sheets of parchment paper for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds per pancake.
- Toaster: Toast until warm and lightly crisp.
- Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 630mg
Nutrition values are approximate and do not include optional toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: For the fluffiest pancakes, prepare the batter just before cooking. If needed, refrigerate it for up to 12 hours and stir gently before using.
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes. Mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar, let it stand for 5–10 minutes, then use as a buttermilk substitute.
Q: Why are my pancakes flat?
A: Overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder or baking soda can prevent the pancakes from rising properly.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Q: Can I freeze cooked pancakes?
A: Yes. Cool completely, place parchment paper between pancakes, and freeze in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Q: What syrup goes best with these pancakes?
A: Pure maple syrup is the classic choice, but honey, fruit compote, berry syrup, or whipped cream also pair wonderfully.
Q: How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
A: Flip when bubbles appear across the surface and the edges begin to look set and dry.
Q: Can I add fruit to the batter?
A: Yes. Blueberries, strawberries, bananas, or diced apples are all excellent additions. Fold them in gently just before cooking.
