Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

Experience the joy of making your own delicious fluffy buttermilk pancakes. This recipe is perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special occasion. You'll discover that these pancakes are super soft, light, and have a delightful tang from the buttermilk. The batter is easy to prepare and cook, and the result is a stack of pancakes that are irresistible when served warm with maple syrup.

Photos of Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

The key ingredient that you might not have on hand is buttermilk. It's available in most supermarkets, usually near the milk and cream. It gives the pancakes a tangy flavor and helps make them extra fluffy. If you can't find buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mix of milk and lemon juice or vinegar.

Ingredients Needed for Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes:

All-purpose flour: The base for the pancake, giving it structure and body.

Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the pancakes.

Baking powder and baking soda: These are the leaveners that make your pancakes fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.

Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

Buttermilk: Gives the pancakes a tangy flavor and reacts with the baking soda to make them rise.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden color.

Vegetable oil or butter: Used to grease the griddle or pan.

Maple syrup: Serve your pancakes with this for an added touch of sweetness.

One reader, Gilli Rees says:

These buttermilk pancakes are a game-changer! The texture is incredibly fluffy and the taste is divine. The recipe is easy to follow, and the pancakes turn out perfect every time. They're a hit with my family and have become a weekend breakfast staple. Highly recommended!

Gilli Rees

Techniques Required for Making Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

How to preheat a cast iron griddle: Place the cast iron griddle on a gas stove and set the heat to medium. Allow the griddle to heat up for a few minutes before using it to cook the pancakes.

How to whisk dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend the dry ingredients together for about 20 seconds, creating a well in the center of the mixture.

How to prepare the buttermilk mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs. Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter, then whisk the mixture until well blended.

How to combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Use a whisk to gently combine the two mixtures, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.

How to grease the griddle: Right before adding the batter, grease the preheated griddle with oil or butter to prevent the pancakes from sticking.

How to ladle the batter onto the griddle: Use a ladle to portion out a slightly heaping 1/3 cup of batter at a time onto the greased griddle.

How to cook the pancakes: Allow the pancakes to cook until the bottom is golden, then carefully flip them and cook the opposite side until golden as well.

How to serve the pancakes: Serve the buttermilk pancakes warm, accompanied by maple syrup for a delightful breakfast or brunch.

How To Make Buttermilk Pancakes

Welcome another day with these fragrant buttermilk pancakes that are soft and fluffy. It’s a quick and easy breakfast for the family. Serve it warm.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupsall-purpose flour
2tbspgranulated sugar
2tspbaking powder
1tspBaking Soda
¾tspsalt
2largeeggs
2½cupsbuttermilk
4tbspunsalted butter,diced into 1 pieces and melted
Vegetable oil or butter,for griddle
Maple syrup,for serving

Instructions

If using a cast iron griddle to cook pancakes, preheat it over a gas stove to about medium heat.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for 20 seconds, create a well in the center of the mixture. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs. Pour in buttermilk and melted butter and whisk to blend
Pour buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Grease griddle with oil or butter right before adding batter and ladle about a slightly heaping 1/3 cup batter at a time into the griddle.
Allow to cook until golden on bottom, then flip and cook opposite side until golden. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Recipe Notes

If using an electric griddle to cook pancakes preheat it to 375 degrees F.
Skillets will only need to preheat for a minute or two, so wait to warm them until the batter is almost ready.

Nutrition

Calories: 148.80kcal
Fat: 5.99g
Saturated Fat: 2.85g
Trans Fat: 0.15g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.14g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.56g
Carbohydrates: 19.08g
Fiber: 0.52g
Sugar: 4.26g
Protein: 4.55g
Cholesterol: 39.89mg
Sodium: 254.00mg
Calcium: 115.03mg
Potassium: 103.46mg
Iron: 1.13mg
Vitamin A: 48.79µg
Vitamin C: 0.47mg

Key Technique for Achieving Soft and Fluffy Pancakes

To ensure your pancakes are soft and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. There should still be some lumps in the batter. These lumps will cook out and contribute to the fluffiness of the pancakes.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Buttermilk Pancakes

Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and utensils before you start cooking to save time and avoid any last-minute rushes.

Use a griddle: Cooking multiple pancakes at once on a griddle can save time compared to using a single pan.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch of pancake batter and store the extra in the refrigerator for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.

Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to streamline the pancake-making process.

Preheat the griddle: Preheating the griddle while you prepare the batter can help speed up the cooking process once you start making the pancakes.

Use a ladle: Using a ladle to pour the batter onto the griddle can help ensure consistent pancake sizes and cooking times.

Set up a pancake assembly line: If cooking for a group, set up an assembly line with different toppings and utensils to make the process more efficient.

Keep it simple: Stick to a basic pancake recipe to save time and minimize the need for complex preparation or cooking techniques.

Substitute Ingredients For Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, adding a nutty flavor and more fiber to the pancakes.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and adds a unique flavor to the pancakes.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder, but it requires an acidic ingredient such as yogurt or vinegar to activate it.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Combine 2 1/2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a hint of coconut flavor to the pancakes.
vegetable oil - Substitute with melted butter: Melted butter can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the pancakes.

Presentation Ideas for Soft and Fluffy Pancakes

Elevate the pancake stack: Create a tall and visually appealing stack of pancakes by layering them with a light dusting of powdered sugar between each pancake.
Artful drizzling of maple syrup: Use a squeeze bottle to create a delicate and artistic drizzle of maple syrup over the top of the pancake stack, ensuring an even distribution and a visually stunning presentation.
Garnish with fresh berries: Place a handful of vibrant, fresh berries on top of the pancake stack to add a pop of color and a refreshing burst of flavor.
Dollop of whipped cream: Add a small dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the pancake stack for a touch of indulgence and a creamy, luxurious finish.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with a fine sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant and sophisticated touch.
Use a decorative plate: Choose a beautiful, high-quality plate to showcase the pancakes, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Garnish with edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers strategically around the plate to add a touch of elegance and a hint of floral fragrance to the presentation.
Incorporate a unique serving vessel: Consider serving the pancakes in a creative and unique vessel, such as a rustic wooden board or a stylish ceramic plate, to elevate the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Buttermilk Pancakes

Gas stove: A gas-powered cooking appliance used for heating and cooking food.
Cast iron griddle: A flat cooking surface made of cast iron, used for cooking pancakes and other foods.
Large mixing bowl: A large bowl used for combining ingredients when cooking or baking.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into the mixture.
Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep cup, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
Vegetable oil or butter: Cooking fats used for greasing the griddle and adding flavor to the pancakes.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting and flipping pancakes.
Maple syrup: A sweet syrup made from the sap of maple trees, commonly used as a topping for pancakes.

Storing and Freezing Buttermilk Pancakes

Allow the pancakes to cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store, place the cooled pancakes in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the pancakes:
- Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each pancake to prevent them from sticking together.
- Wrap the stack of pancakes tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped stack in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated pancakes:
- Microwave: Place a single pancake on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pancakes on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
To reheat frozen pancakes:
- Microwave: Place a single frozen pancake on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-40 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen pancakes on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Toaster: Place a single frozen pancake in the toaster and toast until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.

How To Reheat Leftover Pancakes

To reheat leftover buttermilk pancakes, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the pancakes warm up evenly without drying out or becoming too crispy on the edges.
Place the leftover pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
If your pancakes seem a bit dry, you can brush them lightly with some melted butter or coconut oil to help restore moisture and add a touch of richness.
Cover the baking sheet with another piece of aluminum foil to create a tent over the pancakes. This will trap the heat and steam, helping the pancakes to warm up more evenly and preventing them from drying out further.
Place the covered baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the pancakes reheat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your pancakes and how cold they were to begin with.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pancakes in a microwave if you're short on time. Place the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for about 20-30 seconds per pancake, or until they are warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the pancakes to become rubbery or tough.
For a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, you can also reheat the pancakes on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat. Brush the surface with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking, and cook the pancakes for a minute or two on each side until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to serve the reheated pancakes immediately while they are still warm. Top them with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or honey butter, and enjoy your delicious leftover breakfast treat!

Interesting Fact About Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk pancakes are a classic breakfast dish that can be traced back to ancient Greece, where they were made with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. Over time, the recipe evolved, and buttermilk became a key ingredient in creating the soft and fluffy texture we love today.

Is Making Buttermilk Pancakes at Home Cost-Effective?

This buttermilk pancakes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making it budget-friendly. With all-purpose flour, eggs, and buttermilk as the main components, the cost is minimal. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8, making it an affordable and delicious breakfast option.

Are Buttermilk Pancakes Healthy or Unhealthy?

While buttermilk pancakes are a beloved breakfast treat, this recipe is not particularly healthy due to its high content of refined flour, sugar, and butter. The all-purpose flour used in the recipe is a refined carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value. The added sugar and butter also contribute to the overall calorie and fat content of the pancakes.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use low-fat buttermilk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk to reduce the overall fat content
Replace some of the butter with healthier options like mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, or Greek yogurt to maintain moisture while reducing fat and adding nutrients
Add fresh fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or sliced bananas to the batter for added flavor, fiber, and vitamins
Serve the pancakes with fresh fruit toppings instead of high-sugar syrups to reduce the overall sugar intake

Editor's Thoughts on This Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

This buttermilk pancake recipe is a classic and foolproof way to achieve soft and fluffy pancakes. The combination of buttermilk and melted butter adds richness and tanginess, while the baking powder and baking soda help the pancakes rise and become airy. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful outcome. Overall, this recipe is a winner for a delicious and comforting breakfast or brunch option.

Enhance Your Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the pancakes with a side of colorful and flavorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. The sweetness of the vegetables will complement the fluffy pancakes perfectly.

Bacon and Sausage: For a heartier option, consider serving the pancakes with a side of crispy bacon and savory sausage. The combination of the salty meats with the sweet maple syrup will create a delicious contrast of flavors.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing and light option to pair with the pancakes is a fresh fruit salad. The vibrant colors and juicy flavors of mixed berries, melon, and citrus will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and fluffy pancakes.

Similar Recipes to Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a perfect side dish or healthy dessert. It's a colorful mix of your favorite fruits, tossed in a light and tangy dressing.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Warm up with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. This classic comfort food is made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream for richness.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Buttermilk Pancakes

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of creamy cheese, flavorful herbs, and earthy mushrooms will leave everyone wanting more.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and rich spinach and artichoke dip is the perfect way to start off any meal. The gooey cheese, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes create a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate dessert that oozes with a molten center when you dig your spoon into it. The contrast between the warm, gooey interior and the slightly crisp exterior will leave your taste buds in awe.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with this classic dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. The delicate balance of flavors and the hint of cocoa on top make it a perfect ending to any meal.

Why trust this Soft and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe:

This recipe guarantees soft and fluffy buttermilk pancakes that will surely satisfy your cravings. The combination of buttermilk and butter creates a rich and creamy texture, while the precise measurements of baking powder and baking soda ensure the perfect rise. The use of all-purpose flour provides a light and airy consistency, making these pancakes irresistible. Trust in the quality of this recipe, as it has been meticulously crafted to deliver the ultimate pancake experience.

Share your thoughts on this soft and fluffy buttermilk pancakes recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Join the discussion and let us know how your pancakes turned out!

FAQ:

How can I make the pancakes fluffier?

To make the pancakes fluffier, you can try not to overmix the batter. It's okay if there are a few lumps in the batter. Additionally, letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking can help create fluffier pancakes.

Can I use something else instead of buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and then filling it with milk to the 1-cup mark. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.

How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

You'll know it's time to flip the pancakes when you see bubbles forming on the surface of the batter and the edges start to look set. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Just give it a good stir before using it as some separation may occur.

Can I freeze the leftover pancakes?

Absolutely! Once the pancakes have cooled, you can stack them with parchment paper in between each one and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the toaster or microwave.