Rating: 3.61
(89)

Classic American Pancakes

January 12, 2026

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a stack of fluffy, golden American pancakes, especially when they’re topped with syrup, butter, and your favorite breakfast sides. This classic breakfast dish is loved for its light texture, delicious flavor, and the versatility to be enjoyed sweet or savory. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, classic American pancakes are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

The key to making perfect American pancakes is achieving the right balance of ingredients. The batter should be thick yet pourable, made from simple pantry staples like flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and a bit of baking powder. The baking powder helps the pancakes rise, giving them that signature fluffy texture. A pinch of salt and a little vanilla extract will bring out the natural sweetness and make the flavor even more irresistible.

To cook the pancakes, simply heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat, lightly greased with butter or oil. Once the pan is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, making sure to leave some space between them. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.

The result is a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes with a slightly crispy exterior. These pancakes are perfect on their own, but you can top them with syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. For something heartier, serve them with bacon, eggs, or a side of fruit for a complete breakfast.

They pair perfectly with homemade peanut butter and sliced bananas for a rich, comforting bite.

Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, classic American pancakes are a timeless favorite that everyone can enjoy. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

Classic American Pancakes
Classic American Pancakes
3.61 from 89 votes
Delicious and fluffy pancakes that are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg large
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • butter or oil for cooking
  • maple syrup serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface.
  • Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the skillet or griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  • Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil as needed.
  • Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 6gFiber: 1g
Calories: 190kcal
Meal Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 4th-july, breakfast ideas, Father's Day, pancake, pancakes
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar cesar.donnelly85 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get how these are so popular. Just pancakes, right? The ones from the box taste better.

  2. User avatar lacy.koelpin27 says:

    4 stars
    COOK EM LONGER! I burned mine but they were still delicious with syrup. LOL!

  3. 4 stars
    Nice and easy to make. I added some blueberries and they were a hit! Will make again for sure.

    1. User avatar mazie.boehm9 says:

      5 stars
      Blueberries sound great! I might try that next time. Glad you enjoyed it!

    2. 2 stars
      I dunno about adding fruit. Isn’t that gonna make them soggy? Just stick to classic, right?

  4. User avatar brent.reinger37 says:

    4 stars
    Soo easy! Just followed the recipe and they were done in no time!

  5. User avatar miles.hettinger74 says:

    3 stars
    Pancakes are okay but not my favorite. Just too sweet for me. 🍯

  6. 3 stars
    Pretty average, didn’t turn out as fluffy as I expected. Maybe my baking powder was old?

  7. User avatar hipolito.marks50 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know what I did wrong, but mine came out flat and chewy. Not sure if I mixed too much or what.

  8. User avatar delbert.trantow14 says:

    5 stars
    These pancakes are amazing! They turned out so fluffy and delicious. Best recipe ever! 😊

  9. User avatar tamekia.kovacek says:

    3 stars
    Just ok. I prefer waffles, they are much better. 😂

  10. User avatar odis.lubowitz66 says:

    4 stars
    Kids say yum! Easy to make and super quick. Will make again for breakfast, no doubt.

  11. 5 stars
    I was skeptical about the buttermilk, but wow! It gives such a rich flavor. 10/10!

    1. User avatar graham.predovic says:

      5 stars
      Buttermilk is a game changer! I’m so glad you tried it. Makes everything better!

  12. User avatar Shadout Mapes says:

    5 stars
    These pancakes were amazing! Fluffy and delicious, my kids loved them too. Will definitely make this again.

  13. 4 stars
    Yummy pancakes! Just a heads up, I used almond milk instead of buttermilk because I had none and it worked great!

  14. User avatar bob.osinski53 says:

    5 stars
    Perfect! Will make these every weekend from now on. Thanks!

    1. User avatar leonel.macgyver15 says:

      5 stars
      So glad you loved them! They really are the best pancakes. Have you tried adding chocolate chips?

  15. User avatar alphonso.hyatt93 says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe but they turned out like rubber. What did I do wrong? 🤔

    1. 3 stars
      Rubber? That sounds weird. Are you sure you used the right measuring cups? Some people mix up liquid and dry measurements!

    2. User avatar ellsworth.berge55 says:

      4 stars
      I think you might’ve overmixed the batter. It’s super important not to stir too much! Lumps are okay!

  16. User avatar ethyl.kris25 says:

    1 star
    I can’t cook! Made a disaster! Burnt the first few, LOL!

  17. 2 stars
    Not sure why mine turned out flat… I followed the recipe exactly…

    1. User avatar melita.kutch79 says:

      3 stars
      Flat? Hmm, I just followed the recipe too and mine were fluffy. Did you overmix?

    2. User avatar gwyn.bruen says:

      4 stars
      Maybe your baking powder is old? That can make a big difference! I had that happen once.

  18. 4 stars
    So easy to make! I added blueberries to the batter and it was a hit. Yum!

    1. 5 stars
      Blueberries sound delicious! Gonna try that next time. 😋

  19. User avatar florance.brown65 says:

    5 stars
    Classic pancakes! My family always asks for these on Sundays. They taste just like the diner ones!

  20. 5 stars
    Simply the best! Made them for my family and they just devoured them. 💖

  21. User avatar sabine.kris81 says:

    5 stars
    These pancakes were super fluffy! My kids loved them!

  22. User avatar jayme.bashirian43 says:

    3 stars
    Pancakes should be made with just water. Anything else is too fancy.

  23. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    1 star
    Uh, I thought this was a recipe for waffles. Where do I put the chocolate? Waffle maker is hot!

  24. 5 stars
    These pancakes came out amazing! Fluffy and delicious. Definitely a 5-star recipe! 🍴

  25. 4 stars
    This is a classic. I usually add chocolate chips for an extra treat!

  26. 5 stars
    These pancakes were sooo fluffy! My kids loved them, we will make again!

  27. User avatar cindi.zemlak1969 says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe! But I forgot to add the sugar and they were still good, lol. Perfect for a lazy Sunday breakfast.

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      Glad you liked it! Even without sugar it sounds like a win. Sundays are for easy meals, that’s for sure!

  28. 3 stars
    Mmm, tasted good but they were a bit dense. Maybe I mixed too much? 🤔

  29. User avatar ty.powlowski2021 says:

    3 stars
    Why use buttermilk? Regular milk worked fine for me. So overrated.

  30. 1 star
    Too much fluff!!! I wanted crispy edges. Not following this recipe again.

  31. User avatar don.tremblay says:

    5 stars
    Flour is overrated, I use this gluten-free mix. Pancakes are still awesome! Gotta live life gluten-free. 🥞💪

    1. User avatar Miss John Marvin says:

      3 stars
      I get what you’re saying! Gluten-free options are great too! But, like, isn’t flour kinda the foundation of pancakes? 🤔

    2. User avatar rodger.cole2012 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know about that. Pancakes should be made with flour. Gluten-free mix? Nah, I won’t try.

  32. User avatar rocco.stokes91 says:

    1 star
    This recipe isn’t very specific. What if my buttermilk is old? Can I just use normal milk? 🤬

  33. User avatar jonell.schaden says:

    5 stars
    Yum! These turned out nice! Best pancakes I ever made! 🙌

    1. User avatar salvatore.wyman says:

      5 stars
      Awesome! Love to hear that! 😍 Did you add any fruit or toppings?

  34. User avatar Chas Hammes says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I don’t see what the hype is about pancakes. They’re just fluffy bread. But I guess kids love them.

  35. User avatar dewayne.stoltenberg19 says:

    5 stars
    Pancakes!!! 😍

    1. User avatar ila.dibbert92 says:

      5 stars
      Pancakes are the best! Can’t wait to try this recipe! 😋

  36. 5 stars
    These pancakes turned out great! Super fluffy and delicious. Loved the vanilla flavor!

  37. User avatar Charles Darwin says:

    2 stars
    Are they supposed to be sweet? I feel like more sugar is needed. Not bad, tho.

  38. User avatar andrea.ohara says:

    1 star
    I expected better. My kids didn’t even eat them. I guess they are not for everyone. 😕

  39. 3 stars
    I don’t know, my pancakes were kinda flat. Followed the recipe exactly, but they didn’t rise much. 🤷‍♂️

  40. User avatar tyrell.rohan77 says:

    2 stars
    Did not like it. it was way too sweet for my taste. Thought pancakes were supposed to be savory.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get you! I love pancakes but prefer them less sweet too. Have you tried adding some herbs instead?

    2. User avatar reyna.rippin2016 says:

      2 stars
      Savory pancakes? I’ve never heard of that. Aren’t they always sweet with syrup? Either way, you do you!

  41. User avatar mertie.hyatt38 says:

    3 stars
    Do u have to use buttermilk? I never have that on hand. Can I skip it?

  42. 2 stars
    Just pancakes, what’s the big deal? I’ve had better at diners.

    1. 4 stars
      Pancakes are simple, but these look great! You can jazz them up with fruits or chocolate chips too. Don’t knock them until you try this recipe!

  43. User avatar agustina.jones7 says:

    4 stars
    This is just like my mom used to make! So good! But I think you forgot to mention how long to cook them!

  44. User avatar Deep Thought says:

    4 stars
    Pancakes are best with whipped cream, not syrup! Just saying! :))

    1. User avatar maryalice.klocko says:

      4 stars
      Whipped cream is nice, but syrup is classic! You gotta try both!

  45. User avatar lucien.lakin1982 says:

    5 stars
    These pancakes were AMAZING! Fluffy and delicious, the family loved them. Will definitely make again!

  46. User avatar willis.sporer46 says:

    2 stars
    I tried makin dis recipe and my pancakes turned out flat. Not sure what I did wrong. 2 stars.

    1. User avatar wellRespected says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue once! Maybe try using fresh baking powder and make sure to preheat the pan properly. Good luck next time!

  47. 3 stars
    1 cup flour? How much is that in grams? I don’t understand this. 🤔

    1. 5 stars
      1 cup of flour is about 120 grams. Hope this helps! 😊

    2. User avatar jalisa.gaylord52 says:

      2 stars
      Honestly, why don’t you just Google it? It’s not that hard! 🙄

  48. 2 stars
    Why do you need buttermilk? Ain’t regular milk good enough? 🤷‍♂️

  49. User avatar yong.schamberger says:

    4 stars
    These pancakes are good, but I don’t like maple syrup. Can I use honey instead? 4/5.

  50. 5 stars
    This is the best pancake recipe. My kids love them. We make it every Sunday! ❤️

  51. 5 stars
    These pancakes are amazing! So fluffy and delicious. I added chocolate chips and it was a hit! 5 stars!

  52. User avatar winford.blanda99 says:

    4 stars
    I used regular milk instead of buttermilk and they still turned out fine! Not sure why everyone says buttermilk is a must.

  53. User avatar somer.lakin says:

    5 stars
    Simple and straightforward! Made a batch for my friends and they devoured them. Thanks!

  54. User avatar onita.gerlach66 says:

    3 stars
    They were good, but my pancakes didn’t rise as much. What did I do wrong? 🤔

  55. User avatar pablo.jacobs1971 says:

    4 stars
    Looks easy enough! Can’t wait to try this. Pancakes for breakfast, yay! 🌟

    1. User avatar brenton.blanda says:

      3 stars
      Looks simple, but what if they don’t turn out fluffy? My pancakes are flat all the time. 🤔

    2. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

      5 stars
      Yay! Pancakes are the best! Hope you love them as much as I do. 🍴

  56. 5 stars
    Yummy! 🍴 10/10 will eat again!

    1. User avatar corrie.dicki22 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t really get why everyone loves pancakes so much… they’re just kinda plain, right? 🤔

    2. User avatar leida.price1995 says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely! These pancakes are the best! 🥞 I can never get enough!

  57. User avatar alice.schroeder16 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t understand the hype around pancakes. They were okay, but I’ve had better. 3/5.

  58. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    2 stars
    This recipe has too many steps. Can’t we just mix everything in one bowl? 🤷‍♂️

  59. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    4 stars
    Pancakes yum!! 🥞 But where’s the chocolate chips in the recipe? Come on!

    1. User avatar milo.langosh66 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! Chocolate chips make everything better! 🍫

  60. User avatar Tien Bergnaum MD says:

    5 stars
    These pancakes are amazing! So fluffy and easy to make. I never thought I could cook like this!

  61. User avatar norma.macejkovic says:

    2 stars
    They tasted alright but I prefer waffles. Not a fan of pancakes tbh.

    1. User avatar floyd.volkman3 says:

      4 stars
      Waffles are definitely better! They have that nice crispy texture. But pancakes are good too, just need to fluff ’em up more.

    2. 3 stars
      I don’t get how you could not like pancakes! They’re sooo easy to make. What don’t you like about them? 😂

3.61 from 89 votes
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