Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
If you crave a stack of pancakes that are ultra-light, perfectly pillowy, and just a little bit tangy, Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are about to become your breakfast obsession. These golden beauties cook up gorgeously every single time and are just as delightful for a cozy weekend morning as they are for a celebratory brinner. There’s something special about the way buttermilk and baking powder work their magic here, giving each bite a melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll dream about. Plus, these pancakes can happily serve as a blank canvas for all your favorite toppings—think pools of maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a generous swipe of butter. This recipe brings together trusted techniques and everyday ingredients for a breakfast treat that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes lies in the pantry staples you mix together. Each ingredient serves a purpose—some make your pancakes rise, some add richness, and others perfectly balance flavors and texture. Don’t skip or skimp; each one counts more than you might think!
- All-purpose flour: This forms the structure and soft crumb for the pancakes—be sure to spoon and level for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the tang of the buttermilk and balances the flavors.
- Baking powder: This powerhouse leavener makes the pancakes soar and ensures that signature rise.
- Baking soda: The secret weapon for the best buttermilk reaction and added fluffiness.
- Salt: Just the right amount wakes up all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
- Buttermilk: The star of the show, giving the pancakes both tenderness and their classic tangy flavor.
- Large eggs: These bind the batter and offer structure, plus a little extra richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: For dreamy mouthfeel and that irresistible buttery taste in every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and nuance into the pancake batter, making every morsel more aromatic.
- Butter or oil for cooking: This keeps the pancakes from sticking and gives them golden, perfectly crisped edges.
How to Make Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This first step ensures everything gets evenly distributed, setting the foundation for those sky-high pancakes and a flavor that sings.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until you achieve a smooth liquid. The buttermilk adds that signature tang, and melted butter makes the pancakes extra moist and delicious.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients straight into the bowl with your dry mixture. Stir gently—just until it comes together. Lumpy batter is actually a good sign here! A few streaks of flour are totally fine. Overmixing can make pancakes tough instead of fluffy.
Step 4: Rest the Batter
For truly memorable Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, let your batter rest for 5 minutes. This pause gives the flour time to soak in the liquids and lets any bubbles stabilize, resulting in pancakes with an even lighter texture.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it lightly with butter or oil. Drop about 1/3 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. You’ll see bubbles start to appear—wait until the edges look set, then flip. Cook the other side for just another minute or two, until both sides are beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Stack those piping hot pancakes right onto plates. Keep them warm under a towel while you cook the rest. Then, break out your favorite toppings and dig in—there’s nothing better than a forkful of homemade Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, especially when you make them yourself.
How to Serve Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

Garnishes
The simplest way to highlight Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes is with a thick pad of butter and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup. Or go wild with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a spoonful of your favorite fruit preserves.
Side Dishes
Balance your glorious pancake stack with crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs. For a lighter touch, yogurt or a citrusy fruit salad makes a bright, zesty pairing that keeps things fresh and lively on the breakfast table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try stacking mini pancakes and threading them onto skewers with blueberries for adorable “pancake pops.” You can also make a pancake charcuterie board, surrounded by bowls of toppings for everyone to mix and match their perfect bite. These fun presentation ideas make Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes the star of every brunch party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover pancakes, let them cool to room temperature and then stack them between sheets of parchment or wax paper. Tuck them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days—they’ll taste just as fabulous when you’re ready for a quick breakfast encore.
Freezing
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes freeze beautifully! Once cooled, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment in between to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready for whenever you want a taste of homemade comfort.
Reheating
For speedy mornings, pop pancakes straight from the fridge or freezer into your toaster on a low setting or microwave them until just warmed through. If you’re reheating several at once, a quick bake in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet does the trick without sacrificing texture or fluffiness.
FAQs
Can I substitute milk for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: mix 2 cups of regular milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. The flavor and texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get lovely, fluffy results.
Why is my batter lumpy?
A lumpy batter is actually the secret ingredient to ultra-tender Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. Stirring just until combined (and no more) keeps the pancakes soft and avoids the dreaded rubbery texture of overmixed batter.
What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm for a crowd?
After cooking, transfer pancakes to a baking sheet in a warm oven (about 200°F) and loosely cover with foil to keep them soft. This way, everyone gets to dig into warm, fluffy pancakes together—no cold slices here!
Can I add mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Sprinkle your favorite mix-ins right onto the uncooked side of the pancake after pouring the batter into the pan. This keeps them suspended in the batter and ensures every bite has a little surprise.
Why did my pancakes turn out flat?
Flat pancakes can happen if your baking powder or baking soda is past its prime, or if the batter is mixed too much. Make sure your leaveners are fresh and only mix until everything just comes together for tall, beautiful stacks.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate breakfast treat, Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are truly unbeatable—tender, soft, and ready for all the toppings your heart desires. Give this recipe a try next time you want a breakfast that brings a smile to everyone at the table. You deserve a morning filled with sweetness and fluffiness!
Print
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a breakfast favorite with these Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. Light, airy, and delicious, these pancakes are perfect for a cozy morning at home.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking:
- butter or oil
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine and Cook: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Heat skillet, pour batter, cook until bubbles form and edges set. Flip and cook until golden. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve warm with butter and syrup.
Notes
- For extra fluffiness, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or bananas for a fun variation.
- Leftover pancakes can be frozen and reheated in the toaster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop, Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg