Fluffy homemade pancake recipe from scratch, plus batter for a crowd

Frequently asked questions

How do you make pancakes from scratch? To make pancakes from scratch, whisk 1½ cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt in one bowl. In another bowl whisk 1¼ cups of milk, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons of melted butter and vanilla. Stir the wet into the dry until just combined, rest the batter 5 minutes, then cook ¼-cup scoops on a buttered medium-hot griddle, flipping when bubbles pop and the edges look set.

How do you make pancakes fluffy? Fluffy pancakes come from fresh baking powder, a thick batter and gentle mixing. Stir only until the flour disappears and leave some small lumps, because overmixing develops gluten and makes pancakes flat and chewy. Letting the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes also helps the baking powder start working and gives you taller pancakes.

When should you flip a pancake? Flip a pancake when bubbles form across the surface and some of them pop and stay open, and when the edges look dry and set. That usually takes 2 to 3 minutes on a medium-hot griddle. The second side cooks faster, about 1 to 2 minutes, until it's golden brown.

What temperature should a griddle be for pancakes? An electric griddle set to about 375°F works well for pancakes. On a stovetop, use medium to medium-low heat and test with a drop of water, which should sizzle and dance across the pan. If the outside browns before the middle cooks, turn the heat down a little.

Can I make pancakes without milk? Yes, you can make pancakes without milk. Use the same amount of water, oat milk, almond milk or another plant-based milk. Water makes slightly thinner, less rich pancakes, so adding an extra tablespoon of melted butter or oil helps. Plant milks work almost exactly like dairy milk in this recipe.

Can I make pancakes without eggs? You can make pancakes without eggs by leaving the egg out and adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra milk, or by using 3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Egg-free pancakes are a little more tender and less springy, so cook them slightly lower and slower and flip them carefully.

How do I make buttermilk pancakes with this recipe? To make buttermilk pancakes, replace the milk with 1½ cups of buttermilk, cut the baking powder to 2 teaspoons and add ½ teaspoon of baking soda. The acid in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda for a tangy, extra-tender pancake. If you don't have buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit 5 minutes.

Why are my pancakes flat? Pancakes are usually flat because the baking powder is old, the batter was overmixed, or the batter is too thin. Test baking powder by dropping a spoonful in hot water; it should bubble right away. Fold the batter gently, and if it pours like cream instead of slowly spreading, stir in a tablespoon or two of flour.

Why are my pancakes raw in the middle? Pancakes stay raw in the middle when the griddle is too hot, so the outside browns before the center can cook. Lower the heat to medium-low, use about ¼ cup of batter per pancake, and wait for bubbles to pop across the surface before flipping. Thick batter with add-ins may need an extra minute.

Can I make pancake batter ahead of time? You can mix the dry ingredients days ahead and store them in a jar, then add the wet ingredients in the morning. Mixed batter can be refrigerated, covered, for a few hours or overnight, but the baking powder loses some lift, so the pancakes may be a little flatter. Stir gently before cooking and add a splash of milk if it's too thick.

How do you keep pancakes warm for a crowd? To keep pancakes warm, place them in a single layer on a wire rack set over a sheet pan in a 200°F oven as you cook. The rack keeps the bottoms from getting soggy. Avoid stacking them tightly on a plate, which traps steam. They'll stay warm and soft for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Can you freeze pancakes? Yes, pancakes freeze very well. Cool them completely on a rack, freeze them in a single layer on a sheet pan for about an hour, then move them to a freezer bag with parchment between them. They keep their best quality for about 2 to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster, a 350°F oven or the microwave.

How long do leftover pancakes last in the fridge? Leftover pancakes keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container or bag. Refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat them in a toaster or a warm oven until hot all the way through, and reheat leftovers to 165°F if you're serving them to young kids or older relatives.

What can I add to pancakes? Popular pancake add-ins include blueberries, sliced bananas, chocolate chips, chopped pecans and a pinch of cinnamon. Drop the add-ins onto each pancake right after you pour the batter on the griddle, instead of stirring them into the bowl. That keeps the batter from turning purple and helps everything cook evenly.

How much pancake batter do I need for 25 people? Plan on 3 four-inch pancakes per person, or 75 pancakes for 25 people. That is 7½ batches of this recipe: about 11¼ cups of flour, 15 tablespoons of sugar, 7½ tablespoons of baking powder, 3¾ teaspoons of salt, about 9⅓ cups of milk, 8 eggs and 22 tablespoons of melted butter.

Is pancake mix cheaper than pancakes from scratch? At Walmart prices checked November 4, 2026, yes. Pancakes from scratch cost about 15 cents each with vanilla and 11 cents without it. Great Value complete mix made with water costs about 4 cents a pancake, though scratch pancakes are richer because they use milk, egg and butter.

How do I plan a pancake breakfast for a crowd? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly menu grid and an aisle-sorted grocery list, so the flour, milk, eggs, butter and syrup for a big pancake breakfast all go on one list.

Where can I keep my family's pancake recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe pages, dividers and recipe cards. You can write the scaled batch amounts for your crowd size right on the card.

Does HomeBase Paper Co. sell the meal planner and recipe binder together? Yes, HomeBase Paper Co. sells the meal planner and recipe binder together in the Family Life Admin Bundle, so meal plans and recipes stay in one system. The Family Life Admin Bundle ($15.99, $23.95 bought separately) from HomeBase Paper Co. includes the Meal Planner & Grocery List, the Family Recipe Binder and three more household printables.