When you wake up craving a cozy, hearty breakfast, nothing compares to the smell of fluffy pancakes sizzling on a hot griddle. While boxed mixes are convenient, making pancakes from scratch is easier than you think—and the results are infinitely more delicious. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up golden, soft, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes that will impress your family (and yourself).
This guide walks you through the process step by step: from choosing the right ingredients, to mixing, cooking, and customizing your pancakes. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to make restaurant-quality pancakes at home—without needing a mix.
Why Make Pancakes From Scratch?
Sure, a pre-made mix might save you five minutes, but the flavor and texture of homemade pancakes are unmatched. Here’s why you’ll love making them from scratch:
- Better Flavor: You control the ingredients, so the pancakes taste fresher and richer.
- Fluffier Texture: Scratch pancakes rise beautifully with the right balance of baking powder and baking soda.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust sweetness, add flavors, or mix in fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.
- No Additives: Unlike store-bought mixes, homemade pancakes don’t have preservatives.
The best part? Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to a box.
Essential Ingredients for Pancakes From Scratch
To make the perfect pancakes, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients. Here’s what goes into the batter:
- Flour – All-purpose flour works best for light and fluffy pancakes.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These are your leavening agents that help pancakes rise.
- Sugar – Just a little adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Salt – Balances flavor.
- Eggs – Provide structure and richness.
- Milk – Adds moisture and keeps the batter smooth (whole milk is ideal, but any works).
- Butter – Melted butter enriches the batter and keeps pancakes tender.
- Vanilla Extract (optional) – Adds a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Pancakes From Scratch
This recipe makes about 10–12 medium pancakes, perfect for 3–4 people.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. - Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture in, and gently stir with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—don’t overmix, or the pancakes will be tough. - Preheat the Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter. - Cook Pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on top and edges look set, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for 1–2 minutes more, until golden brown. - Serve Warm
Stack pancakes high, drizzle with syrup, and add toppings of your choice.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes From Scratch
- Don’t Overmix: A few lumps in the batter are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, making pancakes dense.
- Rest the Batter: Letting the batter sit for 5 minutes before cooking helps it thicken slightly, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Use Medium Heat: Too hot, and the pancakes burn before cooking through. Too low, and they won’t rise properly.
- Flip Only Once: Flipping multiple times deflates the pancake.
- Keep Warm: Place cooked pancakes in a 200°F oven to stay warm while you finish the batch.
Best Toppings for Pancakes From Scratch
Once you’ve mastered the basic pancake recipe, the fun begins—choosing toppings! Here are some favorites:
- Classic: Maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Fruity: Fresh berries, banana slices, or caramelized apples.
- Nutty: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almond butter drizzle.
- Indulgent: Chocolate chips, whipped cream, or Nutella.
- Savory Twist: Try topping pancakes with crispy bacon or fried chicken for a Southern-inspired breakfast.
Variations on Pancakes From Scratch
Homemade pancakes are endlessly customizable. Try these flavor twists:
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash 1 ripe banana and mix it into the wet ingredients.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter.
- Buttermilk Pancakes: Replace milk with buttermilk for tangy, extra-fluffy pancakes.
- Protein Pancakes: Add a scoop of protein powder or swap half the flour with oat flour.
Common Questions About Pancakes From Scratch
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, make it fresh. If prepping ahead, mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before cooking.
2. Can I freeze homemade pancakes?
Absolutely! Let pancakes cool, then freeze in a single layer. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.
3. Why are my pancakes flat?
This usually happens if the batter was overmixed or the baking powder is expired. Always use fresh leavening agents.
4. What’s the secret to fluffy pancakes?
Two key things: don’t overmix the batter, and cook on medium heat so the pancakes rise without burning.
5. Can I make dairy-free pancakes from scratch?
Yes—swap milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Pancakes From Scratch vs. Box Mix
| Feature | Scratch Pancakes | Box Mix Pancakes |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich, fresh, customizable | Mild, one-dimensional |
| Texture | Light, fluffy, tender | Sometimes dense or rubbery |
| Ingredients | All-natural, no preservatives | May contain additives |
| Cost | Affordable with pantry staples | Usually pricier per serving |
Making pancakes from scratch clearly wins in flavor, flexibility, and quality.
Final Thoughts: Pancakes From Scratch Are Worth It
When you bite into a stack of warm, buttery, homemade pancakes, you’ll understand why making them from scratch is so rewarding. Not only do they taste better than anything from a mix, but they also bring comfort and joy to any morning.
Whether you keep it classic with butter and maple syrup or load them with berries and whipped cream, pancakes from scratch are the perfect breakfast (or even dinner!) treat.
So next time you’re tempted to grab that boxed mix—pause. Take out your flour, eggs, and milk, and whip up a batch of fluffy pancakes from scratch. Your taste buds will thank you.