Introduction

Classic diner-style pancakes: tall, fluffy, and golden. This batter uses buttermilk for tang and tenderness, giving you light cakes with a creamy interior and crisp edges—perfect with butter and syrup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) buttermilk (or milk + lemon, see Methods)
• 3 tbsp (45 g) melted unsalted butter or neutral oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For cooking: butter or oil

Instructions

1. Mix dry: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Mix wet: In another bowl whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Combine: Pour wet into dry and stir just until no dry pockets remain. Lumpy batter is good. Rest 5–10 minutes while the pan heats—this activates the leaveners.
4. Cook: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium. Lightly grease. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges look set (1–2 min); flip and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden.
5. Serve: Stack hot pancakes with butter and warm syrup. Add fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips if you like.

Methods

• DIY buttermilk: Mix 1 3/4 cups milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Rest 5 minutes.
• Extra fluffy: Separate eggs; whisk whites to soft peaks and fold in at the end.
• Make-ahead: Dry mix can be stored airtight for 1 month. Add wet ingredients when ready.

History

Pancakes have ancient roots across many cultures. The modern American buttermilk pancake evolved from 19th-century griddle cakes, becoming a breakfast icon in diners and home kitchens alike.

Benefits

• Quick one-bowl batter; cooks in minutes.
• Buttermilk + leaveners yield tender, airy texture.
• Endlessly customizable with mix-ins and toppings.

Formation (Why so fluffy?)

Baking soda reacts with acidic buttermilk to form bubbles; baking powder adds extra lift. Minimal mixing preserves those bubbles. Resting the batter lets starch hydrate, giving pancakes a soft, custardy crumb.

For Lovers (Serving Ideas)

• Top with butter, maple syrup, and fresh berries for a brunch date.
• Layer with yogurt and honey for a lighter treat.
• Add chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar for dessert-style pancakes.

Conclusion

With simple pantry ingredients and a few technique tips, these buttermilk pancakes cook up tall, tender, and irresistibly golden—your new go-to stack.