If you’re craving a comforting breakfast that wraps you in nostalgia and simplicity, this Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. Fluffy, golden, and just sweet enough, these pancakes bring back the magic of classic weekend mornings with every bite. Perfectly balanced with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla notes, this recipe captures the heart of traditional pancakes without any fuss. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home cook, these pancakes will quickly become your go-to for a warm, satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create a wonderfully fluffy texture and mouthwatering flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—from the flour providing structure to the baking powder ensuring the fluffiness, and the vanilla extract adding a gentle aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base for your batter, giving pancakes their soft and tender crumb.
- Baking powder (3 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the pancakes rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of sweetness and aids browning for that perfect golden surface.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Milk (1 1/4 cups): Provides moisture and richness to the batter, keeping it smooth.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the pancakes’ light texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Adds richness while ensuring your pancakes stay tender and moist.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a lovely, warm flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan: Prevents sticking and helps achieve that irresistible crispy edge.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This step evenly distributes the leavening and flavorings, which is key for pancakes that cook evenly with a consistent rise.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, well-mixed liquid. This ensures that the batter remains silky and incorporates air gently, which will help your pancakes become tender.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here — a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will keep your pancakes from becoming tough.
Step 4: Preheat the Pan
Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. The right temperature is crucial; too hot and the pancakes will burn, too cool and they’ll be pale and dry.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Drop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Remove your pancakes from the pan and keep them warm. This is where the magic of toppings shines — just wait until you see how they soak up syrup or melt whipped cream.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Classic toppings like maple syrup and butter are unbeatable with these pancakes, but fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can make them feel special and fresh in every bite.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausages for a hearty breakfast, and you can add scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high like a tower of joy, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and homemade jam to delight your guests with both taste and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pancakes can be stacked between layers of parchment paper and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy quick breakfasts without starting from scratch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pancakes last up to two months and make mornings effortlessly delicious.
Reheating
Reheat using a toaster, oven, or microwave until warm and soft. A quick tip is to cover pancakes with a damp paper towel in the microwave to keep them moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit denser, but still delicious if you don’t mind a heartier pancake.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, you can skip it or try a small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to offer another layer of warmth and aroma to the pancakes.
How do I make pancakes fluffy?
Using baking powder and avoiding overmixing the batter are key. Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking also helps the pancakes puff up beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version that still tastes wonderfully rich.
Why are my pancakes tough or chewy?
If pancakes come out tough, it’s often due to overmixing the batter or cooking on too high heat. Be gentle when mixing and keep the pan at medium heat for soft, tender pancakes.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about mastering the Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe. It’s a timeless way to bring warmth to your kitchen and joy to your family’s breakfast table. So grab your mixing bowls and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade pancakes that will have everyone smiling and asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your breakfast favorite for a long time to come!
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Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashioned Pancakes recipe offers a classic, fluffy breakfast favorite that’s easy to make from scratch. Combining simple pantry staples like flour, baking powder, and sugar with milk, egg, and melted butter results in tender pancakes with a golden-brown crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, these pancakes are perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings, served with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until fully combined and aerated.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; the batter should have some lumps for a fluffier texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough pancakes.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Ensure the pan is hot before adding batter.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove pancakes from the pan and keep warm while cooking the remaining batter. Serve topped with syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter; some lumps are fine for fluffier pancakes.
- Use a nonstick pan or well-seasoned griddle for best results.
- Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning while cooking pancakes.
- Allow batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking to enhance texture.
- For dairy-free options, substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
