If there’s one dish that has truly mastered the art of simplicity, it’s the buttermilk pancake. Yet, simplicity doesn’t mean ordinary. Across cultures, variations of this humble breakfast staple appear—Japanese soufflé pancakes with their cloud-like texture, French crêpes kissed by delicate vanilla, and Russian blini topped with tangy sour cream.
But here in the South, we do pancakes with a golden, buttery crust and a melt-in-your-mouth center, thanks to the magic of buttermilk. Buttermilk isn’t just for tang—it’s a natural tenderizer, creating a pancake that’s light, airy, and slightly tangy, balancing out the richness of butter and syrup.
Professional chefs often let the batter rest to allow the flour to hydrate fully, ensuring a smooth pour and an even cook. Want to take it further? A hot griddle and just a whisper of oil create those coveted crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the pillowy inside.
Whether you’re a weekend brunch aficionado or just need a comforting bite that transports you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen, this recipe is built for you. Experiment, tweak, and most importantly—enjoy the journey.
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- My Weekend Ritual, Now Yours – There’s something about waking up to the scent of sizzling butter and sweet batter that turns a slow morning into something special. These pancakes have become my go-to for lazy Sundays, and they just might become yours, too.
- Crispy Edges, Fluffy Center – The secret? A hot griddle and the right balance of leavening agents. You get that golden, crisp bite followed by a soft, cloud-like center. Trust me, it’s a textural dream.
- Tweak It Your Way – Swap the sugar for honey, add a dash of cinnamon, or fold in blueberries for a tangy contrast. I’ve tried them all, and each version brings something new to the table.
- Unexpected Perk? They Freeze Like a Dream – I used to think pancakes had to be made fresh, but these reheat beautifully. A quick toast, and they’re just as good as day one.
- It’s All About the Buttermilk – That signature tang, that perfect rise—it’s what makes these pancakes irresistible. No buttermilk? A mix of whole milk and lemon juice works wonders in a pinch.
Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Pancake spatula
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cups baking soda
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add melted butter to the wet ingredients while whisking.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it.
- Scoop ½-⅔ cup of batter into the heated skillet and let it cook until bubbles form and edges set.
- Flip the pancake and cook until golden brown on the other side.
- Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed, and serve warm with butter and syrup.
Notes
- Stir the batter gently; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing makes pancakes dense.
- Kepp butter at room temperature to help the butter mix smoothly and prevents excessive curdling.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 243kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 69g |
Variations To Help You Customize This Dish!
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, melty surprise in every bite.
- Blueberry Pancakes – Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes – Mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and ¼ cup brown sugar with melted butter, then swirl into the batter before cooking.
- Banana Pancakes – Mash one ripe banana into the wet ingredients for extra moisture and natural sweetness.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes – Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds for a bright, citrusy flavor.
