Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

The Classic Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe Everyone Adores

Pancakes have always been a cherished breakfast classic that holds nostalgic memories for many.

My grandmother’s secret old fashioned pancakes recipe brings back warm childhood mornings of laughter and comfort.

Fluffy and light, these pancakes carry a traditional charm that modern versions often miss.

Simple ingredients like buttermilk and fresh eggs create a delightful texture you’ll absolutely love.

Crispy edges and soft centers make these pancakes a true breakfast delight that never goes out of style.

Weekend mornings feel magical when golden pancakes stack high on your plate.

Whip up this timeless recipe and savor every delicious bite of pure breakfast happiness.

Old-Fashioned Pancakes That Never Go Out of Style

  • Quick Breakfast Magic: Effortlessly whip up classic pancakes that bring joy to your morning.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Create delightful breakfast memories with a recipe that appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents.
  • Super Simple Technique: Master pancake-making in minutes with straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Customize your pancakes with endless topping options, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser for any mood or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Old Fashioned Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Base for pancake structure, creates soft and fluffy texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps pancakes rise and become light and airy.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Egg: Provides binding and richness to the pancake batter.
  • Milk: Creates smooth consistency and adds moisture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Offers rich flavor and helps prevent sticking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings subtle depth and aromatic sweetness.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil or Cooking Spray: Prevents pancakes from sticking to the cooking surface.
Optional Toppings:
  • Maple Syrup: Classic sweet drizzle for pancakes.
  • Fresh Berries: Adds natural sweetness and freshness.
  • Butter: Provides additional richness and flavor.

Old-Fashioned Pancake Steps for Fluffy Results

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until everything is beautifully blended and free of lumps.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until smooth.

Pour in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Stir until the mixture looks creamy and consistent.

Step 3: Create Pancake Batter

Gently pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Use a light touch when mixing – stop stirring as soon as ingredients are combined.

A few small lumps are perfect and will help create tender pancakes.

Step 4: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium temperature.

Lightly brush surface with cooking oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook Golden Pancakes

Scoop batter onto hot surface using a measuring cup or ladle.

Watch for tiny bubbles to form across the pancake’s surface – this signals it’s time to flip.

Cook until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown color.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pancakes to a warm plate.

Top with delightful options like:
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade breakfast delight!

Fluffy Pancake Tips Passed Down the Old-Fashioned Way

Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together, leaving small lumps for fluffy pancakes.

Use medium heat to ensure golden-brown surfaces without burning the pancake centers.

Add vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the pancake’s classic taste profile.

Sprinkle water drops on the surface – if they sizzle and dance, the griddle is perfectly heated.

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour for alternative versions.

Save Old Fashioned Pancakes for Later

  • Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Place cooled pancakes between wax paper sheets inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for later enjoyment.
  • Warm pancakes on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and avoids sogginess.
  • Quickly reheat individual pancakes for 15-20 seconds. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain softness.

Perfect Companions for Old-Fashioned Pancakes

  • Breakfast Flavor Symphony: Pair classic pancakes with crisp bacon for a salty-sweet dance of flavors.
  • Beverage Bliss: Brew fresh medium-roast coffee or smooth cappuccino to complement the pancakes' warm, comforting texture.
  • Berry Burst Topping: Scatter fresh raspberries or blueberries for vibrant color and natural sweetness that cuts through the pancake's richness.
  • Nutty Crunch Boost: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top to add delightful crunch and subtle earthy undertones.

Old Fashioned Pancakes Batter Add-Ins

  • Gluten-Free Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Pancake Option: Substitute egg with mashed banana or flaxseed mix, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil.
  • Protein-Packed Breakfast: Add protein powder or mix in Greek yogurt to increase protein content for fitness enthusiasts.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use coconut flour or almond flour instead of regular flour, reducing overall carbohydrate intake for keto dieters.

FAQs

  • Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and mix briefly before cooking to redistribute the ingredients.

  • What if I don't have vanilla extract?

No problem! You can skip the vanilla extract or substitute it with almond extract, or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. The pancakes will still taste delicious.

  • How do I know when to flip the pancake?

Look for small bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges starting to look dry. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Once you see these signs, it’s time to flip.

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Using 100% whole wheat flour might make the pancakes denser, so a blend works best for a lighter texture.

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Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Fluffy old fashioned pancakes deliver classic breakfast comfort with golden edges and tender centers. Families gather around the griddle, savoring nostalgic flavors that connect generations through simple, delightful morning traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 3 1/2 teaspoons (17.5 ml) baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Optional Flavor:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform blend of dry components.
  2. Whisk the egg in a separate container, then incorporate milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, blending until a smooth liquid mixture forms.
  3. Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal agitation – a few textural irregularities are perfectly acceptable and desirable.
  4. Warm a lightly greased griddle or non-stick pan over medium-low temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface.
  5. Ladle approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the heated surface for each pancake, allowing sufficient space between portions.
  6. Monitor the pancake’s surface for emerging bubbles, which signal the optimal moment to execute a precise flip.
  7. Continue cooking the reverse side until achieving a golden-brown complexion, indicating a perfectly prepared pancake.
  8. Transfer the completed pancakes to a serving platter, keeping them warm if preparing multiple batches.
  9. Embellish with classic accompaniments such as pure maple syrup, freshly picked berries, or a delicate butter medallion for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

  • Add a splash of buttermilk or sour cream to the batter for extra tanginess and fluffier texture.
  • Separate egg whites and whip them before folding into the batter for incredibly light pancakes.
  • Rest the batter for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid and prevent tough pancakes.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour and add xanthan gum for binding.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 225
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 295 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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