The Best Buttermilk Pancakes
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Forget the store bought pancake mix! These classic Buttermilk Pancakes are so much better! Light, fluffy and super simple – just top them with a bit of butter, maple syrup or your favorite fruit preserves and you’re good to go!
![drizzling maple syrup over a stack of buttermilk pancakes](https://www.jocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/best-buttermilk-pancakes-1-13.jpg)
Buttermilk Pancakes
Does anyone actually scroll past a pancake recipe? I’m hoping not, because this recipe is a winner! And in case you’re thinking “oh but the store bought mix is so much easier” – I beg to differ! All you need is a bowl, a handful of ingredients and the ability to mix it all together!
Most people know I take my breakfast recipes pretty seriously! It’s my favorite kind of food! And when it comes to pancakes, I’ll tell you a little secret – buttermilk. It’s all about the buttermilk.
Why Buttermilk?
Okay let us talk buttermilk for a second, because like I said it plays a pretty important role! Buttermilk is going to add complexity and depth to these pancakes. It’s what makes them softer than usual, and who doesn’t want the softest of pancakes? It will also help to achieve those perfectly golden pancakes with a little bit of bounce!
Not only that but the acid in buttermilk is what helps kickstart the baking soda and baking powder into action for extra height! It also breaks down strands of gluten, which is why our pancakes are nice and tender.
Ingredient Notes
- Flour – All purpose flour works great!
- Leavening agents – Baking soda and baking powder.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar
- Eggs – 1 large egg is all you need!
- Salt – Salt is what’s going to give flavor to the pancakes.
- Buttermilk – You can use regular milk if you like but you’re going to want to trust me on the buttermilk!
- Butter – Unsalted and melted.
How To Make Buttermilk Pancakes
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl combing the the buttermilk, egg and melted butter. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and mix together using a hand mixer for about 30 seconds, until combined, it’s ok if there are lumps. Do not overmix. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare skillet: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-heat. Spray with cooking spray or brush with melted butter.
- Make pancakes: Pour 1/3 cup of batter (use a measuring cup!) onto the hot skillet and cook the pancake for 1.5 – 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer the pancake to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: To keep pancakes warm between making, you can transfer them to a preheated oven of 200 F degrees. When finished, serve with butter and maple syrup!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Buttermilk Do In Pancakes?
The acid in buttermilk kickstarts the baking soda in action to give the pancakes extra height. It also helps to break down strands of gluten, leading to a fine and tender crumb.
Can I Replace The Buttermilk With Regular Milk?
You can, regular milk will work. Use cup for cup. Just remember that your pancakes won’t be as fluffy as if using buttermilk.
Does Pancake Batter Need To Rest?
Yes, for best results it’s best to rest your batter for at least 5 minutes to help relax the gluten so that your pancakes are nice and fluffy.
Tips
- Use real buttermilk not a milk + vinegar substitute. While, yes, you could do that, real buttermilk is the secret to the perfect pancake, as explained above.
- Use 1/3 cup measuring cup or a cookie scoop as a pancake dispenser. This is crucial to making uniform pancakes.
- Don’t flip until you see bubbles beginning to pop.
- Don’t overmix your batter, as it will result in tough, rubbery pancakes.
Leftovers
You can store these buttermilk pancakes in an airtight container or up to 2 days in the fridge. Keep in mind though, the pancakes will get soggy if they sit around for too long!
Freezer
To freeze these pancakes, place a piece of wax paper between each pancake and stack them together. Wrap them tightly with aluminum foil and place into a freezer bag. Properly stored these pancakes will last 1 – 2 months in the freezer.
More Delicious Pancake Recipes To Try
- Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Japanese Pancakes
- Lemon Blueberry and Ricotta Pancakes
- Dutch Baby Pancake
- Healthy Whole Wheat and Oats Pumpkin Pancakes
- Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
- Pancake Muffins
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Best Buttermilk Pancakes
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar (granulated)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon butter (unsalted, melted)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl combing the the buttermilk, egg and melted butter. Add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and mix together using a hand mixer for about 30 seconds, until combined, it's ok if there are lumps. Do not overmix. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare skillet: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-heat. Spray with cooking spray or brush with melted butter.
- Make pancakes: Pour ⅓ cup of batter (use a measuring cup!) onto the hot skillet and cook the pancake for 1.5 – 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer the pancake to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: To keep pancakes warm between making, you can transfer them to a preheated oven of 200°F. When finished, serve with butter and maple syrup!
Notes
- Use real buttermilk not a milk + vinegar substitute. While, yes, you could do that, real buttermilk is the secret to the perfect pancake, as explained above.
- Use 1/3 cup measuring cup or a cookie scoop as a pancake dispenser. This is crucial to making uniform pancakes.
- Don’t flip until you see bubbles beginning to pop.
- Don’t overmix your batter, as it will result in tough, rubbery pancakes.
- You can store these pancakes in an airtight container or up to 2 days in the fridge. Keep in mind though – the pancakes will get soggy if they sit around for too long!
- To freeze these pancakes, place a piece of wax paper between each pancake and stack them together. Wrap them tightly with aluminum foil and place into a freezer bag. Properly stored these pancakes will last 1 – 2 months in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.