Name: Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon white sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste; 1 ¼ cups milk; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 large egg

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe with anyone who loves a warm, comforting breakfast that tastes like a hug on a plate. I stumbled across this gem tucked away in my Grandma’s recipe book, and it instantly became one of my top favorites. The perfect blend of fluffy texture, a hint of sweetness, and just the right buttery richness makes these pancakes irresistible every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

What really captivates me about this Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe is the way the flavors come together so naturally. The batter is light yet filling with the simple sweetness from just a touch of sugar, the gentle saltiness that balances everything beautifully, and that unmistakable buttery finish. When you bite into these pancakes, they’re tender and fluffy on the inside with lightly golden edges that make the syrup and butter soak in like a dream. I love how each pancake feels homemade and nostalgic without being complicated.

Preparation couldn’t be easier either, which is a huge wins for me on busy mornings or lazy weekends. The ingredients are straightforward, and the mixing is just enough to keep the batter smooth without overworking it. Plus, the cook time is really quick, so you’re flipping golden discs of deliciousness in just minutes. I find this recipe shines best when sharing with friends or family for breakfast or brunch—the kind of dish everyone always asks for seconds of, making it a standout on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three thick, round pancakes sit on a white plate with yellow vertical stripes. The top pancake has a square pat of melted butter slowly sinking in and syrup glistening on its golden-brown surface. A silver fork rests diagonally across the left side of the plate. In the background, a small white bowl filled with amber syrup and part of a glass filled with a light brown drink are visible, all on a white marbled surface. Another white plate with more golden pancakes and a fork is blurred in the background on the right. A pink and orange cloth napkin is partially under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making this pancake recipe so inviting. Between the flour for structure, baking powder for fluffiness, and butter for that rich texture, you get a wonderfully balanced pancake that’s easy to whip up anytime.

All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation and texture for tender yet fluffy pancakes.
Baking powder: Acts as the leavener to give the batter its lightness and rise.
White sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
Salt: Enhances all the subtle flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter with the perfect consistency.
Butter (melted): Gives pancakes a rich, buttery taste and tender crumb.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the fluffy texture.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop—you’ll want everything ready and at room temperature if possible for the best results.

Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly combined and your pancakes turn out light and airy.

Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, then pour in the milk, melted butter, and egg. Gently mix everything together until you have a smooth batter without lumps; be careful not to overmix as it can toughen the pancakes.

Step 4: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a few drops of water dance and evaporate almost immediately on the surface.

Step 5: Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot griddle. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges start to look set—this typically takes around 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Carefully flip each pancake and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Repeat with the remaining batter, adding a little more oil to the pan if needed to prevent sticking. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 pancakes, perfect for serving a family of four or a small brunch group. Prep time is wonderfully quick at just 5 minutes, with a cook time of roughly 15 minutes. Altogether, you can have warm pancakes on the table in about 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed, so it’s perfect for when you want a fresh batch right away and don’t want to wait around.

How to Serve This Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

There is a stack of two golden-brown pancakes on a white plate with a textured rim, topped with a square of melting butter and drizzled with syrup. A gold fork lies diagonally on the plate beside the pancakes. Surrounding this are parts of two more stacks of pancakes on white plates with textured rims, each also topped with melting butter and syrup. In the upper right corner, there is a small white plate holding a honey dipper with honey on it. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with some small pieces of printed paper partially visible beneath the plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these pancakes hot off the griddle with some classic toppings like melted butter and maple syrup for that traditional experience. But I also enjoy getting a little creative depending on the occasion. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream instantly elevate the dish for a brunch that feels special. For something savory, a side of crispy bacon or sausage works beautifully alongside.

Presentation-wise, stacking the pancakes keeps them inviting and warm longer, and I like to drizzle syrup artistically around the edge of the plate. Garnishing with a sprig of mint or a few sliced bananas adds a pop of color and freshness that’s delightful. When it comes to beverages, I usually go with freshly brewed coffee or a glass of orange juice to complement the sweet, buttery notes of the pancakes. On more festive mornings, mimosa or a light, fruity wine pairs surprisingly well too!

These pancakes are perfect for weekend family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or even a cozy weeknight meal when you want comfort food that feels homemade and heartfelt. I always recommend serving them warm to enjoy the ideal fluffy texture and to let the butter gently melt into every bite.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want a gluten-free option, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works beautifully. For a vegan twist, I’ve found that using almond milk, a flaxseed “egg,” and coconut oil instead of butter creates pancakes that still taste fabulous and stay fluffy.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes toss in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy aroma. Adding fresh blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter is a tried-and-true way to make breakfast feel even more indulgent. For a different cooking method, I’ve also experimented with baking the batter in a preheated oven on a sheet pan for a large batch that you can cut into squares—super convenient for feeding a crowd!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can store pancakes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Keeping them in the refrigerator is best, and they should stay fresh for up to 2 days. I like using a shallow container so the pancakes stack neatly and don’t get squished.

Freezing

Good news: these pancakes freeze wonderfully! To freeze, let them cool completely, then separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When I make a big batch, freezing means I always have quick, delicious pancakes ready for busy mornings.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend popping them in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes to regain crisp edges without drying out. If you prefer using the microwave, heat them on medium power in short intervals and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating as it can make the pancakes tough or chewy. A quick warm-up in a hot pan also works great to restore some of that fresh-off-the-griddle texture.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, as some ingredients may settle.

What can I use if I don’t have baking powder?

If you’re out of baking powder, you can substitute with a mix of baking soda and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. Use about 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon vinegar for every teaspoon of baking powder.

How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

Wait for bubbles to form on the surface and the edges to look dry before flipping. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Flipping too early can cause the pancake to break or cook unevenly.

Can I add mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Gently fold in fresh or frozen blueberries or chocolate chips right after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Just be careful not to overmix the batter afterward.

Why are my pancakes dense instead of fluffy?

Dense pancakes usually result from overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Mix until just combined and double-check that your leavening agents are fresh for the fluffiest results.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and tasting this Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, delicious way to bring a bit of nostalgia and warmth to your kitchen any day of the week. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to breakfasts for sharing love and comfort around your table.