Classic fluffy pancakes are everyone's favourite, especially as a weekend breakfast or brunch. These American- style pancakes have wonderful, light and airy texture and can be served with your favourite toppings.
This quick and easy recipe is totally foolproof and works every single time, making it THE ONLY pancake recipe you will ever need!
With light, airy and fluffy texture, these pancakes will become your go-to! They are made with only 7 basic ingredients, and are ready in 20 minutes! Just like my popular Tofu Pancakes recipe and my Citrus Crepes recipe, they will be perfect for the upcoming Pancake Day.
Another great thing about these pancakes is that they can be easily modified, with different flavours and additional ingredients, to have them exactly how YOU like them!
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Ingredients
Classic fluffy pancakes recipe is made with only 7 ingredients. Here's what you will need:
Dry ingredients: Self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, salt.
Wet ingredients: Milk, egg and butter.
Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the recipe card and full list of the ingredients.
Instructions
Start preparing your pancake batter by sifting the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl mix together milk, egg and melted butter (olive oil can also be used).
Next, transfer the milk mixture into the bowl with flour mix and using fork or kitchen whisk, combine all together until you have smooth, thick, lump-free batter.
Heat the frying pan over a medium heat and brush it gently with melted butter or olive oil. Ladle some of the pancake batter into the hot frying pan. Once the bubbles start to appear on top of the pancake surface, it is ready to be flipped over. Cook them until both sides are golden brown.
Hint: Scoop the pancake batter using an ice cream scoop or a small, ¼ measuring cup. This will ensure they are equal in size. To get perfectly round pancakes you can use the special frying ring (widely available online and in cooking equipment stores).
Substitutions
- Self-raising flour - In this recipe, I'm using the self-rising flour, which already has some raising agent added to it. If you don't have an access to the self-raising flour, you can easily make your own. The general guidance is to mix 1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder for every 120 grams (1 cup) of flour. So for this recipe, you will use the total of 2 ½ teaspoon of baking powder.
- Caster sugar - White caster sugar is my go-to, because of its super fine texture. You can also use granulated sugar. It is also possible to use sweetener or stevia instead.
- Milk - Feel free to use any type of milk. Dairy-free milk will also work well in this recipe.
- Butter - You can swap butter for olive oil.
Variations
Here are some suggestions on how you can adapt this recipe:
- Chocolate pancakes - For all the chocolate fans! Add 2- 3 tablespoons of chocolate chips to the pancake batter (you could also use chopped chocolate). They will create the most delicious pockets and puddles of melted chocolate!
- Vegan fluffy pancakes - If you are looking for vegan version of fluffy pancakes, try my tofu pancakes recipe, or check out this Vegan Buttermilk Pancakes recipe from Loving It Vegan.
- Make it gluten free - This recipe can also be made gluten free. Simply swap the flour for good quality gluten-free self raising or plain flour and make sure the baking powder is gluten free.
- Mini pancakes - Use a smaller scoop/ measuring spoon and turn them into the mini pancakes.
- Toppings - Get creative with the toppings for your pancakes! You can use any type of fruit, nuts, seeds, spreads or syrups. Fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple or honey is my all-time favourite!
- Sugar free - Try swapping sugar for sweetener or stevia instead.
Equipment
The beauty of this recipe is that all what you need to make it is a mixing bowl and a frying pan. But here's the list of some other handy tools and utensils, helpful when making pancakes:
- Frying pan - make sure you use a good quality, non-stick frying pan. There are special pancake pans out there, which are often thinner than regular frying pans so they conduct heat much quicker and more efficiently. You don't need a special pancake pan, but the one with non-stick coating is a must!
- Silicone brush - It is helpful to use brush when spreading the butter or oil on the frying pan. You can also use paper kitchen towel instead.
- Small measuring cup - I like to use the ¼ cup measure for scooping the batter into the pan. This way all the pancakes are similar in size and have same cooking time.
- Ice cream or cookie scoop - For the same reason as above. If you don't have measuring cups, you could use ice cream or cookie scoop instead.
- Frying rings - These small, non-stick metal rings ensure all the pancakes are perfectly round in shape.
Storage and freezing
These fluffy pancakes taste best on the day they are made. Store any leftovers in the airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Pancakes can also be frozen. Make sure to put a piece of paper towel or baking paper between each pancake before freezing them. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Hint: Reheat your pancakes in the microwave, oven or toaster!
FAQ's
What makes these pancakes so fluffy?
The combination of self-raising flour with milk and baking powder! The lactic acid reacts with raising agents in the self-raising flour and produce carbon dioxide gas. These gas bubbles are caught in the batter as it cooks, and that is what makes the pancakes fluffy.
Can I use water instead of milk?
You can, but please see the answer above. Using water will not create the same chemical reaction in the batter, resulting in flatter pancake.
Why my pancakes stick to the pan?
This is more likely due to the type of pan you are using. Make sure to use non-stick pan or special pancake pan. Also, allow the pan to heat properly first. You can check if the pan is ready, by flicking a bit of water onto it. If the water 'dances around' and boils, your pan is ready. If the water sits still, let the pan heat for longer. Add the butter or olive oil into the hot pan, not the other way around, and make sure to add more fat as and when needed.
Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Technically yes, you can. But baking soda needs something acidic in order to work. You will need small amount of lemon juice, buttermilk or vinegar to activate it.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes it can. You should get 8 pancakes from this recipe, but you can double the ingredients to get bigger batch.
Top tip
Be sure to heat the frying pan properly before cooking your pancakes. Only add fat to your pan (butter or oil) once it has been heated properly.
If you try this recipe, or any other recipe on Anna Banana, please take a moment to rate the recipe and/ or leave me a comment. I love hearing from you, but it also helps other readers who are thinking of making the recipe.
To pin this recipe and save it for later, use the button on the recipe card, or on any of the photos above.
📖 Recipe
Classic Fluffy Pancakes
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Non- stick frying pan
Ingredients
- 135 g self-rising flour (see notes for the alternatives)
- 2 tablespoon caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 130 ml milk of choice
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted and cooled slightly (plus extra 1- 2 tablespoon of butter for frying)
Instructions
- Sieve the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large bowl.
- In a separate, medium bowl, mix together milk, egg and melted butter.
- Add milk mixture to the flour mix and using a fork, combine all of the ingredients until you have smooth, thick batter with no lumps remaining.
- Heat the non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melted, pour a ladle of pancake batter into it. Once the bubbles start to appear on top of your pancake, it is ready to be flipped over. Cook until both sides are golden brown, serve with maple syrup and your favourite toppings.
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Notes
- You can use plain, all purpose flour instead of self- rising flour. The pancakes may be not as fluffy as the ones on the picture, but they will still be fluffy!
- Butter can be swapped for olive oil
- To ensure the even size of the pancakes you can use an ice- cream or cookie scoop
- To ensure the even shape of the pancakes you can use frying ring
- The quantity of the pancakes may vary, depending on how big is your measuring spoon/ scoop
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in January 2020. It has been updated with the new photos, revised recipe and tips in January 2022.
Ivan Nunez
Just made these this morning and ive been dying to find a recipe that using self rising flour instead of all purpose. Safe to say Ive found my recipe moving forward. They were so delicious and fluffy.
Anna
Hi Ivan, that is so great to hear! Thanks so much for trying and enjoying the recipe, and for your positive feedback! I hope they will be making regular appearance at your kitchen table!
Rachael
I made these pancakes this morning and they were awesome! I omitted the baking powder as I didn't have any, but it wasn't missed, the pancakes were still amazingly soft and fluffy!
Anna
Hey Rachael, thanks so much for your positive feedback and for your comment, I'm so happy to hear that you tried and enjoyed this recipe! These are a staple in our house, especially during the weekends 🙂
Valerie Varhaug
My mouth dropped open when I saw these fluffed up wonders! I scheduled a test run of this recipe yesterday and oh my goodness, I couldn't stop grabbing my phone to take pictures. They are seriously the most perfect pancake I've ever had (including those from my favorite restaurants). Thank you, Anna! I'll be flipping these pancakes again.
Anna
Thanks so much for trying this recipe Valerie, I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed these pancakes so much! And thanks for tagging me on your Instagram, your version of them looked just perfect!
Bri
Made these is afternoon for a nice brunch! Added a little almond and homemade (bourbon) vanilla. They were UNREAL! topped with fresh strawberries and creme fresh. A huge hit and now our official pancake recipe!
Anna
Hi Bri, thanks so much for this positive feedback! I'm so happy to read that you enjoyed this recipe. The addition of creme fresh and some strawberries sound utterly delicious!
Careese
This recipe does make really fluffy pancakes but the amount of baking powder from the self rising flour and the additional 1 tsp in the recipe makes it taste too strong of baking powder. That sour salty taste was too much for us.
Anna
Hi Careese, sorry to hear they're not to your liking, I've been making this recipe for years, and never experienced it being sour or salty. Wishing you best of luck in finding the pancake recipe just right for you!
Atika
Love this recipe! Soft and fluffy and just the pefect American pancakes! I’m awful at making pancakes but this recipe turns out perfect every time! Thank you for sharing this!
Anna
Hey Atika, thank you for your so much for leaving a rating and this lovely comment, that is so great to hear that you've tried and enjoyed this recipe! I hope it will become your go-to for fluffy pancakes!
Kelly
I’ve just made these pancakes and everyone in my house loved them. It’s the best recipe I’ve ever used. Thank you so much for sharing. They will now be a staple in my house
Anna
Hey Kelly! Thank you SO much for this lovely comment, I'm soo happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed these! Happy Pancake Day!
Clara
Best pancake recipe I’ve ever tried. The recipe is really simple and they came out super fluffy. I tried not to over mix the batter and they came out perfect! Thanks Kelly!
Anna
Hi Clara, thanks so much for this positive feedback, I'm so happy to hear that you tried and enjoyed this recipe!
Cheyenne
Made these this morning in prep for pancake day and was so impressed! All other pancakes we enjoyed up to this point we sometime a bit dense and flat, but these were fluffy and cloud like and airy. We added vanilla extract to make them more fragrant.
They're also forgiving - we overcooked one and it was still soft, and we added the butter a little too hot but they were still gorgeous.
As think as my thumb and delightful. Thank you!
Anna
Hi Cheyenne, thanks so much for taking time to leave this lovely comment and a review! I'm so happy to hear that you've tried and enjoyed this recipe! These pancakes are the favourite in our house, and we make them almost every weekend, hope they will become a staple at yours too!
Jo
Those are the fluffiest pancakes I've seen fara very long time. I looks absolutely perfect and delicious! My kids would love this without a doubt!
annabanana
Hi Jo, hank you very much for your ind comment! They are favourite in our house, and I hope that your kids will love them as much as I do!
Marilyn
These were not my favorite. The taste was not what I expected. I will keep looking for a new recipe.
annabanana
Hi Marilyn, sorry to hear this recipe was not to your liking. Good luck with your future search for pancakes!
Natalie
Wow these pancakes look really REALLY fluffy. And so delicious. I must give this recipe a try. Never used self-rising flour to make pancakes before. Sounds like great idea to get the butter to fluff! Thanks!
annabanana
Hi Natalie, thanks so much for kind words! You can stick to AP flour, they will still be fluffy, bu SR flour takes the fluffiness to the next level! Hope you will enjoy them!
Jess
Wow! These pancakes look and sound so fluffy! There is no better way to start your day! I can't wait to try these cakes out!
annabanana
Hi Jess, I agree, having these in the morning sets you up for a great day ahead! Thanks for stopping by and Let me know if you try them!
Amanda
Pancakes don't get fluffier than these! Perfect texture and they're super simple to make. I can't wait to make them again.
annabanana
Thanks Amanda, glad you tried and enjoyed the recipe, it's on the repeat in our house over the weekends!
Marisa F. Stewart
I tried out these classic pancakes for breakfast this morning, and they were so light and fluffy I couldn't believe it. They soaked up my maple syrup without becoming soggy. I'll be making them more often.
annabanana
Thank you so much Marisa, I'm over the moon to hear that! So glad that you've tried and enjoyed this recipe!
Paula Montenegro
OMG, these are fluffy pancakes, indeed! I can't wait to whip a batch this weekend! Thanks for sharing such beauties.
annabanana
Thank you Paula, I hope you will enjoy the recipe as much as I do! Have a great weekend!
Danielle
I would eat these pancakes every day all day! Great texture, fantastic size and just perfect add-ons. Can't wait to make these over the weekend and enjoy them like it's nobody's business! 🙂
annabanana
I love your approach Danielle! 😀 thanks so much, I hope you will enjoy these pancakes as much as I do! Have a great weekend!
Çitra's Home Diary
Wow... what a pretty looking breakfast plate. My kid will love me more if I serve this for her 🙂 Admire your photographic skill as well. Thumb up!!
annabanana
Thank you so much! That is so lovely of you to say! I hope you will give the recipe a go, kids will love it for sure!
Paige
These pancakes look amazing and I love how creative you are with the fruit garnishes! YUM! I'm a major fan of pancakes, so I'll give this a try
annabanana
Thank you so much Paige, so happy to hear that you like this recipe! And yes, I love all sorts of toppings for my pancakes, fruit and berries are my fave!
Chef Dennis
Hmm yum! These Classic fluffy pancakes are making me super hungry! i wish it's breakfast soon so I could fill my plate with this.
annabanana
Heh, thank you Dennis, I always think about breakfast, even during dinner! 🙂 Glad to hear that you like the recipe!
Kelly Anthony
These look like the perfect fluffy pancakes and are sure to start any ones day off right.
annabanana
Thanks so much Kelly! They're such a staple in our house, can't imagine my weekend breakfast without these!