Buttermilk Pancakes

There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy buttermilk pancakes to make the weekend feel special. This simple and foolproof recipe has been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember.

With just eight basic ingredients, this recipe is quick, easy, and timeless. The buttermilk ensures an irresistibly light and fluffy texture, making this the best recipe for achieving perfect pancakes from scratch every time.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the key to making soft, fluffy pancakes. The acidity of the buttermilk reacts with the sodium bicarbonate in the baking powder creating carbon dioxide gas which inflates the batter and makes the pancakes light and fluffy.

I’ve tried using regular milk when I didn’t have buttermilk, and while the pancakes were still good, they weren’t amazing. Buttermilk really does make all the difference!

Flour

Plain (all purpose) flour is the main ingredient in these traditional buttermilk pancakes, providing the structure and softness.

Sugar

This recipe uses just a little bit of caster sugar for sweetness. I prefer caster sugar because it’s finely ground and blends smoothly into the batter, but granulated sugar works as well.

Baking Powder

Baking powder helps the pancakes rise, giving them their signature fluffiness. Without it, they’d be dense and flat.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the flavour and improves the texture of the pancakes.

Eggs

Eggs contribute to the structure of the pancakes, helping them rise while adding flavour and protein.

Butter

A little bit of melted butter in the batter enhances the flavour of the pancakes.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to grease the pan and prevent the pancakes from sticking. I always use a light spray of olive oil, even in a non-stick pan. Spray olive oil is ideal because it ensures a thin, even layer without making the pancakes greasy.

Optional Ad-Ins

This is a classic buttermilk pancake recipe, but you can easily customise it. Try adding vanilla extract, blueberries, chocolate chips, cinnamon, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder. The possibilities are endless!

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and removes any lumps. If you prefer, you can sieve the flour, but I find whisking is just as effective and reduces the washing up.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or measuring jug, beat the eggs into the buttermilk using a fork. Add the melted butter and mix well.

Tip: Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the buttermilk mixture. If it’s too hot, it will solidify on contact, creating small lumps.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. The batter should be mostly smooth but can have a few small lumps. Avoid overmixing as it can make the pancakes dense.

Step 4: Prepare the Frying Pan

Heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or butter. Every stove is different, so you may need to adjust the heat slightly as you cook to determine the perfect heat for your pancakes.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Use a ladle to pour the batter into the pan, leaving space between each pancake for easy flipping. Flip the pancakes when bubbles form on the surface, then cook for another few minutes until golden brown.

Tip: Don’t forget to grease the pan between batches, as the pancakes will absorb some of the oil.

Serving Suggestions

Buttermilk pancakes are traditionally served with butter and maple syrup, but there are endless topping options. My favourite way to enjoy them is with fresh strawberries, blackberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

You can also try lemon and sugar, caramelised banana, chocolate sauce and whipped cream, crispy maple bacon, or any of your favourite toppings.

Storage Tips

These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.

Pin it for later!