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Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic)

Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic)

Nothing beats waking up to a warm stack of Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic)—golden edges, soft centers, and that nostalgic, homemade flavor that instantly makes the whole morning feel special.

These are the pancakes you grew up loving: simple pantry ingredients, no boxed mix, no fancy techniques, and a fluffy texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you top them with classic butter + maple syrup, or take them to the next level with chocolate chips, berries, cinnamon sugar, or whipped cream—this recipe delivers every single time.

If you’ve been searching for Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic) that taste like a diner breakfast but feel like a cozy homemade treat, this is it.


⭐ Why You’ll Love These Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic)

There are hundreds of pancake recipes online—but this one is a true keeper. Here’s why:

  • No boxed mix needed (you probably already have everything!)

  • Perfect fluffy texture without being cakey

  • Golden, buttery edges with a tender middle

  • Quick & beginner-friendly (ready in 25 minutes)

  • Easy to customize with mix-ins and toppings

  • Great for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner

  • Works for weekend comfort food AND busy weekday mornings

These Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic) are a recipe you’ll come back to over and over—because they’re reliable, comforting, and seriously delicious.


Recipe Info

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Course: Breakfast

  • Cuisine: American

  • Calories: ~109 kcal per pancake (estimate)


Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic)

This recipe uses classic pantry staples that create light, fluffy pancakes without any complicated ingredients.

Dry Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 3½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1½ tablespoons sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1¼ cups milk

  • 1 egg

  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cooking

  • Butter-flavored cooking spray (or a small amount of butter/oil)


Ingredient Tips (So Your Pancakes Turn Out Perfect)

Even a simple recipe like Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic) can go from “good” to “OMG wow” with a few small tricks.

Flour

All-purpose flour is classic here. You can also use:

  • White whole wheat flour (for a slightly hearty flavor)

  • Half AP + half whole wheat (balanced texture)

Baking Powder

This is the secret to fluffy pancakes. Make sure yours is fresh:

  • If baking powder is old, pancakes can turn flat or dense.

Milk

Any milk works:

  • Whole milk = richer pancakes

  • 2% milk = still fluffy

  • Almond/oat milk = dairy-free option (texture slightly different but still tasty)

Butter

Melted butter gives pancakes:

  • Rich flavor

  • Soft texture

  • Golden edges

Vanilla Extract

This ingredient makes the pancakes taste like a bakery-style breakfast. Don’t skip it—it’s small but powerful.


How to Make Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic)

This method is easy, reliable, and perfect for beginners.

1) Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift (or whisk) together:

  • flour

  • baking powder

  • sugar

  • salt

Sifting helps prevent flour clumps and keeps the batter lighter.


2) Add Wet Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture:

  • milk

  • melted butter

  • beaten egg

  • vanilla extract

Whisk gently until just combined.

Important: Don’t overmix!
A few small lumps are fine. Overmixing makes pancakes tough and flat.


3) Rest the Batter

Let the batter rest 5 minutes.

This step helps:

  • hydrate the flour

  • relax the gluten

  • activate the baking powder

Result: softer + fluffier pancakes.


4) Cook the Pancakes

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.

  • Spray with cooking spray (or melt a little butter)

  • Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake

  • Cook until bubbles form on top and edges look set


5) Flip + Finish

Flip carefully and cook the second side about 1 minute until golden brown.

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!


The Best Pancake Texture (What You’re Aiming For)

Perfect Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic) should be:

✅ fluffy and airy
✅ golden brown on the outside
✅ soft inside
✅ slightly sweet but not dessert-level
✅ strong enough to hold syrup without falling apart


Tips for Perfect Fluffy Pancakes Every Time

✅ 1. Don’t Overmix

This is #1 pancake rule. Mix until the flour disappears—then stop.

✅ 2. Rest the Batter

That 5-minute rest transforms your texture from “meh” to fluffy.

✅ 3. Keep Heat Medium

High heat burns the outside before the inside cooks.

✅ 4. Flip Only Once

Flip too early and batter splashes.
Flip too late and pancakes dry out.

The perfect time?
When bubbles appear and edges look slightly dry.

✅ 5. Don’t Press Down on Pancakes

Never press with the spatula—this squeezes the air out and makes them dense.


Common Pancake Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Pancakes are flat

Possible reasons:

  • baking powder is old

  • batter was overmixed

  • pan wasn’t hot enough

Fix:

  • check baking powder freshness

  • mix gently

  • preheat skillet 3–5 minutes


Pancakes are raw in the middle

Reason:

  • heat is too high

Fix:

  • use medium heat

  • cook slightly longer on first side


Pancakes are tough and chewy

Reason:

  • overmixing developed too much gluten

Fix:

  • stir gently and stop as soon as combined


Pancakes stick to pan

Reason:

  • pan not properly greased

  • heat too low

Fix:

  • lightly butter/spray pan between batches

  • make sure pan is fully preheated


Easy Add-Ins & Variations

The best part of Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic) is how customizable they are.

Sweet Mix-Ins

Stir into batter after mixing:

  • Chocolate chips

  • Blueberries

  • Chopped strawberries

  • Banana slices

  • Mini marshmallows

  • Cinnamon (½ tsp)

  • Pumpkin spice (½–1 tsp)

Flavor Boosters

  • Almond extract (¼ tsp for bakery vibes)

  • Lemon zest + poppy seeds

  • Maple extract

  • Cocoa powder (2 tbsp for chocolate pancakes)

Crunchy Add-Ins

  • Chopped pecans

  • Walnuts

  • Toasted coconut

  • Granola crumble

💡 Tip: After pouring batter into the skillet, sprinkle mix-ins on top before flipping. This helps prevent everything from sinking to the bottom of the bowl.


Best Toppings for Old-Fashioned Pancakes

Classic toppings are always a win, but here are fun ideas:

Classic

  • Butter + maple syrup

  • Honey + butter

  • Powdered sugar

Fruity

  • Strawberries + whipped cream

  • Blueberry sauce

  • Banana + honey

Dessert Style

  • Nutella drizzle

  • Peanut butter + chocolate chips

  • Cinnamon sugar + icing drizzle

Cozy Brunch Style

  • Fried eggs + bacon (sweet + salty combo!)

  • Sausage links + syrup


How to Keep Pancakes Warm for a Crowd

If you’re cooking many pancakes, do this:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C)

  2. Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet

  3. Keep them warm until serving

✅ Don’t stack them too tightly or they’ll steam and soften.


Make-Ahead + Storage

Yes—Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic) store beautifully.

Refrigerate

Let pancakes cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

  • Fridge: up to 4 days

Freeze

Place pancakes in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers.

  • Freezer: up to 2 months


Reheating Pancakes (Best Methods)

Microwave (fast)

  • 20–30 seconds for 1–2 pancakes

Toaster (best texture!)

  • Toast on low-medium until warm

Oven (for many pancakes)

  • 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes

Print

Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic)

Nothing beats a stack of Old-Fashioned Pancakes—soft, fluffy, golden on the edges, and made with simple pantry ingredients. This is the kind of classic recipe you can make any morning, whether you keep it traditional with butter and syrup or upgrade it with chocolate chips, fruit, or fun flavors.

  • Author: salah saloh

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 3½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1½ tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

  • 1 egg

  • 1¼ cups milk

  • Butter-flavored cooking spray (or extra butter for the skillet)

Instructions

1) Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift into a medium bowl:

  • flour

  • baking powder

  • sugar

  • salt


2) Add Wet Ingredients

Whisk in:

  • milk

  • melted butter

  • beaten egg

  • vanilla extract

Stir until smooth and combined (don’t overmix).


3) Rest the Batter

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
This helps the pancakes turn out softer and fluffier.


4) Cook the Pancakes

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.

  • Spray with cooking spray

  • Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake

  • Cook until bubbles form on top and edges look set


5) Flip + Finish

Flip and cook the other side about 1 minute until golden.

Serve immediately!

Notes

Don’t overmix (a few small lumps are fine)
✅ Keep heat on medium so pancakes cook through without burning
✅ Resting the batter = fluffier pancakes
✅ Flip only once, when bubbles appear and edges look dry

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Nutrition (Per Pancake – Approx.)

  • Calories: 109 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 14.7g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fat: 4g

(Values vary depending on pancake size and toppings.)


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pancake batter ahead of time?

You can, but it’s best fresh. If needed, mix dry ingredients in advance and add wet ingredients right before cooking.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes—use plant milk and swap butter for melted coconut oil or vegan butter.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles perfectly for larger families or brunch guests.

What’s the secret to fluffy pancakes?

Two things:

  1. fresh baking powder

  2. don’t overmix + rest the batter

That’s the magic formula for Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic).


Final Thoughts

There’s just something comforting about the smell of pancakes on the stove—warm vanilla, buttery edges, and that cozy breakfast feeling you can’t fake. These Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Classic) are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a truly memorable breakfast.

This recipe is quick enough for weekdays, special enough for weekend brunch, and timeless enough to become a family tradition. Whether you keep it simple with butter + syrup or go all out with berries and chocolate chips, you’ll love how fluffy, tender, and golden these pancakes turn out.