EasyBreakfast

Fluffy American Pancakes

United States · North America

American pancakes are thick, fluffy discs of pure breakfast joy — airy from baking powder, slightly sweet, with a golden crust and pillowy interior. Served with maple syrup, fresh berries, or banana slices, they are a weekend morning ritual loved across generations.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

1½ cups plain flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for the pan
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple syrup and fresh fruit to serve

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2
In a separate bowl or jug, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined — lumps are fine and expected. Do not overmix.
4
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
5
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Brush with a little butter.
6
Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the pan.
7
Cook until bubbles appear across the surface and the edges look set (about 2–3 minutes).
8
Flip and cook for 1–2 minutes more until golden brown.
9
Serve in a stack with maple syrup, butter, and fresh fruit.

Chef's Tips

The lumpy batter is intentional — overmixing develops the gluten and makes pancakes tough. The key to fluffiness is not overmixing and the resting period.