Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes)

There’s something deeply comforting about a stack of Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes) on the table—warm, buttery, and golden with soft, cloud-like centers. These are the kind of pancakes that instantly feel like childhood weekend mornings, cozy kitchens, and “just one more pancake” moments.

Unlike boxed pancake mix, old-fashioned pancakes are made with simple pantry staples—flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, egg, and butter. And yet, when you combine them the right way (and avoid a few common mistakes), you get the fluffiest, most tender pancakes that taste like they came from a classic diner… or your grandma’s kitchen.

This recipe for Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes) is foolproof and beginner-friendly. You don’t need a mixer. You don’t need fancy ingredients. You just need a bowl, a whisk, and a hot skillet—and in under 30 minutes, breakfast is done.

Whether you’re making pancakes for a weekend brunch, quick weekday breakfast-for-dinner, or even meal-prepping pancakes for the freezer, this from-scratch recipe delivers every single time.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love These Old-Fashioned Pancakes

Here’s why you’re going to want to bookmark this one:

• Truly fluffy from scratch (no boxed mix needed)

• Made with basic ingredients you already have

• Soft + tender inside with golden edges

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• Easy to customize with fruit, chocolate chips, cinnamon, and more

• Perfect for kids, guests, and picky eaters

• Great for freezing + reheating (perfect meal prep breakfast)

If you’ve been searching for the best classic pancake recipe, this is it.

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What Makes Pancakes “Old-Fashioned”?

“Old-fashioned” pancakes are basically the original homemade pancakes, made with a simple balance of:

• Flour (structure)

• Baking powder (lift)

• Milk + egg (moisture + richness)

• Butter (flavor + tenderness)

• Sugar + salt (balance)

They’re not ultra-thin crepes, and they’re not overly sweet cake pancakes either. They sit perfectly in the middle: classic, fluffy, lightly sweet, and meant to be topped with butter and syrup.

Old-fashioned pancakes are also known for their soft bite and home-style texture—slightly rustic, but deliciously tender.

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🥞 Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes) Ingredients

You only need a few everyday staples:

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but highly recommended)

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Ingredient Tips for the Best Fluffy Pancakes

Flour

All-purpose flour gives the perfect texture—soft but sturdy. If you want extra tender pancakes, you can use half all-purpose flour and half cake flour (optional).

Baking Powder

This is the main ingredient responsible for fluffiness. Make sure your baking powder is fresh. If it’s old, pancakes won’t rise well.

✅ Tip: If you’re unsure, test it. Add ½ teaspoon baking powder to a splash of hot water—it should bubble aggressively.

Milk

Whole milk is best for rich flavor, but any milk works:

• 2% milk

• almond milk

• oat milk

• soy milk

Butter

Butter gives the classic pancake flavor. You can swap with neutral oil if needed, but butter tastes more “old-fashioned.”

Vanilla Extract

Totally optional, but it gives pancakes that bakery/diner vibe.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy—classic pancakes don’t require fancy tools:

• mixing bowl

• whisk

• measuring cups/spoons

• nonstick skillet or cast iron skillet

• griddle (optional)

• spatula

• ladle or 1/4 cup scoop

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes)

Let’s make the fluffiest pancakes the old-school way.

1) Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• flour

• sugar

• baking powder

• salt

Whisking first helps distribute the baking powder evenly so every pancake rises.

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2) Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk until smooth:

• milk

• egg

• melted butter

• vanilla (if using)

✅ Important: Make sure the butter is slightly cooled so it doesn’t scramble the egg.

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3) Make the Batter

Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently just until combined.

✅ A few lumps are normal—don’t overmix.
Overmixing = gluten develops = chewy pancakes.

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4) Heat the Skillet

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Lightly grease with butter.

✅ Tip: Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside.

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5) Cook Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup batter per pancake.

Cook until:

• bubbles appear on top

• edges begin to look set

• bottom is golden brown (about 2 minutes)

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6) Flip & Finish

Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden brown.

Transfer to a plate and repeat.

✅ Tip: Between batches, wipe the pan lightly and add a bit more butter.

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How to Know When to Flip Pancakes

This is where many people go wrong.

You should flip when:

• bubbles appear and start popping

• the edges look slightly dry and set

• the pancake lifts easily with a spatula

If you flip too early, you’ll get a pancake that tears or spreads.

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Best Temperature for Fluffy Pancakes

The perfect pancake temperature is medium heat.

If using an electric griddle, aim for 375°F (190°C).

If pancakes are browning too quickly:

• turn the heat down

• wait 1–2 minutes before the next batch (pan may be overheating)

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The Secret to Extra Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes

Want pancakes that are tall, thick, and soft? Here are the best tried-and-true tricks:

✅ 1. Don’t Overmix

This is the #1 rule. Lumpy batter is good batter.

✅ 2. Rest the Batter (Optional, but Amazing)

Let your batter rest 5–10 minutes before cooking.

This helps:

• baking powder start activating

• flour hydrate

• pancakes cook up softer and thicker

✅ 3. Use Fresh Baking Powder

Old baking powder = flat pancakes.

✅ 4. Cook Low and Slow

Medium heat cooks pancakes evenly and helps them rise nicely.

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Delicious Pancake Topping Ideas

Old-fashioned pancakes are perfect because they’re like a blank canvas. Here are amazing toppings:

Classic Toppings

• butter + maple syrup

• honey

• powdered sugar

• strawberry jam

Fruity Toppings

• fresh strawberries

• blueberries

• sliced bananas

• warm berry compote

Dessert-Style Toppings

• whipped cream

• Nutella

• chocolate sauce

• crushed Oreos

“Brunch Café” Toppings

• Greek yogurt + honey

• cinnamon apples

• lemon curd

• toasted nuts

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Pancake Add-Ins (Easy Customizations)

If you want to turn this into a “new recipe” without changing anything major:

Sweet Add-Ins

• chocolate chips

• mini chocolate chips

• rainbow sprinkles

• shredded coconut

• chopped pecans or walnuts

Fruity Add-Ins

• blueberries

• diced strawberries

• mashed banana in batter

• apple chunks + cinnamon

Warm Spice Add-Ins

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• pinch of nutmeg

• pumpkin spice

✅ Tip: If adding berries or chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top after pouring batter into the pan. This keeps them evenly distributed.

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Serving Suggestions (Make It a Whole Breakfast)

These fluffy pancakes pair beautifully with:

• scrambled eggs

• crispy bacon

• breakfast sausage

• fruit salad

• hash browns

• iced coffee or hot tea

• fresh orange juice

If you’re hosting brunch, serve pancakes alongside a breakfast casserole or egg bake for a full spread.

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Storage Instructions

To Store

Let pancakes cool completely.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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Freezing Pancakes (Meal Prep Tip)

Old-fashioned pancakes freeze extremely well.

How to Freeze

1. Cool pancakes completely.

2. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet.

3. Freeze 30–60 minutes.

4. Transfer to freezer bag with parchment between layers.

They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

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Best Ways to Reheat Pancakes

Microwave (Fastest)

• 1–2 pancakes: 20–30 seconds

• stack of 3–4: 45–60 seconds

Toaster (Best Texture!)

Toast pancakes like bread for crisp edges.

Oven (Best for Serving a Crowd)

Place pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil.

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

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Common Pancake Problems + Fixes

Why are my pancakes flat?

• baking powder is expired

• batter was overmixed

• pan was too hot

• batter was too thin

✅ Fix: use fresh baking powder + don’t overmix + rest batter.

Why are my pancakes tough or rubbery?

Overmixing.

✅ Fix: stir gently and stop as soon as flour disappears.

Why are my pancakes burning?

Heat too high.

✅ Fix: medium heat only, and wipe pan between batches.

Why are my pancakes raw inside?

Too high heat or too thick batter.

✅ Fix: lower heat and cook slightly longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pancake batter ahead?

You can mix it and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours, but pancakes are best when batter is fresh.

✅ Tip: If batter thickens overnight, add a small splash of milk.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes. Replace egg with:

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (rest 5 minutes)
  OR

• 1/4 cup applesauce

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes:

• use plant milk

• use oil or dairy-free butter

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate classic breakfast, Old-Fashioned Pancakes (Fluffy From-Scratch Pancakes) will never let you down. They’re soft, tall, and tender, with that buttery homemade flavor that boxed mixes just can’t match. Plus, they’re made with ingredients you already have—so you can whip up a cozy pancake breakfast anytime.

The best part about this recipe is how reliable and customizable it is. Keep it simple with butter and maple syrup, or dress it up with berries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or cinnamon apples. No matter how you serve them, these pancakes always bring that warm, nostalgic, homemade feeling to the table.