Easy Pancakes Recipe (with Video)
This quick and easy pancake recipe will outshine store-bought options every time. Heres a simple and foolproof way to make fluffy pancakes from scratch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and prepare them for mixing. You should have everything ready to go!
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Youll know its ready when a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface.
Step 5: Using a cup measure, pour the batter onto the hot griddle or pan, forming small rounds. Let the pancakes cook for 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges appear dry.
Step 6: Flip the pancakes gently using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Remove the pancakes from the pan and keep warm while you repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Step 8: Serve your pancakes hot, topped with your favorite syrup, fresh fruit, or any other delicious toppings you prefer!
Serving Suggestions
Maple syrup is the classic choice, but you can also serve these pancakes with homemade whipped cream, blueberry compote, or fresh berries. Theyre also great with a side of scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a complete breakfast.
How to Store and Freeze Pancakes
If you have any leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months. Reheat in the toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast treat.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 247
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 51mg
- Sodium: 804mg
- Calcium: 183mg
- Iron: 2mg
Recipe Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter or stir in some chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!

This easy pancake recipe is quick to make with simple pantry ingredients. It produces fluffy, golden pancakes that make a perfect breakfast or brunch for the whole family. But did you know that pancakes have a long and rich history? Read on to discover more about the origins, regional variations, and fun facts surrounding this beloved dish.
Origin of Pancakes
The origins of pancakes can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological findings suggest that the first pancakes were made from a mixture of flour and water, cooked over hot stones, and enjoyed by the Greeks and Romans. However, it was during the Middle Ages that pancakes as we know them today began to take shape. By the 15th century, pancake recipes began to include eggs, milk, and spices, making them more similar to modern pancakes. In Europe, pancakes were often prepared as part of the celebrations before Lent, known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day.
Regional Variations
Pancakes vary greatly across regions and cultures. In the United States, pancakes are typically thick and fluffy, often served with maple syrup, butter, and fruit toppings. In contrast, French crpes are much thinner and can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. In the UK, pancakes are often thinner than their American counterparts, and they are commonly served with lemon and sugar or used in savory dishes like pancakes filled with meat or vegetables. Other variations can be found in countries like Japan, where "okonomiyaki" is a savory pancake with ingredients like cabbage and seafood, and in Sweden, where "raggmunk" is a potato-based pancake typically served with lingonberries and sour cream.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
While pancakes share similarities with other popular breakfast dishes, they stand apart due to their unique texture and preparation method. For example, waffles, although made from a similar batter, are cooked in a waffle iron, which gives them a distinctive grid pattern and a crisp texture. In contrast, pancakes are cooked on a griddle or frying pan, resulting in a soft, tender texture. Additionally, pancakes are usually thicker and fluffier, thanks to the leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. Another similar dish, the Dutch baby pancake, is baked in the oven and puffs up dramatically, whereas the traditional pancake stays flat while cooking on the stove.
Where Pancakes Are Typically Served
Pancakes are most commonly served as a breakfast dish, but their versatility makes them suitable for any meal. In the United States, they are a staple of breakfast menus in diners and family kitchens alike. They are often served with syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even bacon and eggs. In many European countries, pancakes are enjoyed as a dessert or a light meal, especially in the form of crpes. In Russia, "blini" are often served with sour cream, caviar, or smoked salmon as part of festive occasions, including Maslenitsa, the Russian pancake week.
Interesting Facts About Pancakes
- Pancakes are celebrated globally with their own special dayNational Pancake Day in the U.S. and Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) in many countries, including the UK.
- The world record for the largest pancake ever made weighed over 3 tons and was cooked in 1990 in the UK.
- In some cultures, pancakes are eaten for good luck. For example, in France, it is said that flipping a pancake with your right hand while holding a coin in your left brings wealth for the year ahead.
- Pancakes have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years, with evidence of pancake-like foods found in ancient Greek and Roman texts.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer them with a drizzle of syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or filled with fresh berries, pancakes are an enduring classic. This easy pancake recipe is not only quick and simple but also a great way to start your day with a delicious and satisfying breakfast. Explore the various toppings and fillings that you can add to personalize your pancakes and make them even more delightful!
You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!
FAQ about Easy Pancakes Recipe (with Video)
Comments
John Brown
05/12/2025 05:50:21 AM
This recipe is fantastic! I made a few modifications by reducing the baking powder to 2 teaspoons, adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of fresh orange juice. The result was amazing! Everyone loved the pancakes. I included pecans for some, blueberries for others, and both were a hit. Additionally, I drizzled some syrup on top for the kids just before flipping them, and they happily ate them on the go. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Victoria Adams
01/15/2024 11:39:18 AM
I mistakenly used 2 teaspoons of baking powder instead of 2 tablespoons, reduced the salt to only 1/2 teaspoon, added 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and replaced the oil with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. The result was absolutely delicious!
Pamela Rodriguez
06/04/2024 12:56:57 AM
A promising beginning, but still room for improvement, as pointed out by many reviewers. After reading through various feedback, I made some adjustments by reducing the amount of baking powder to 3/4 tablespoon and using a pinch of salt. I also separated the egg, incorporating the yolk with the milk and other liquids. The egg white was whipped separately until soft peaks formed, then delicately folded back into the batter. Further enhancements included adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the zest of half an orange (having a Microplane is a must!). The resulting pancakes boasted a delightful hint of orange flavor, were wonderfully light, and achieved a fluffy texture.
Paul White
05/18/2023 07:51:33 PM
Rewritten review: I had only ever eaten pancakes from boxes or fast food places, and I wasn't particularly fond of them. However, my husband loves pancakes, so I decided to make them from scratch since we didn't have any boxed mix. I thought I would give them a try as well. I replaced the oil with melted butter to cut down on our oil consumption, decreased the salt by half as we watch our salt intake, and added a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. I am now a huge fan of pancakes! My husband agrees that they are much better than boxed ones, and we feel more satiated and energized (unlike the sugary feeling we get from boxed pancakes). This recipe is fantastic, and we plan on enjoying pancakes much more frequently in our household!
Timothy Allen
02/07/2025 09:30:22 PM
This recipe was fantastic! It was my very first attempt at making pancakes and they came out wonderfully! I made a few small tweaks by using soy milk instead of regular milk and swapping vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil. I sprinkled in a bit of cinnamon as well, as I'm a big fan of its flavor. Overall, even with these changes, I would have been just as happy with the original recipe using the standard ingredients.
Victoria Carter
07/28/2023 02:13:48 PM
I added a dash of nutmeg and a splash of vanilla to the batter, and these pancakes turned out absolutely delicious. They were fluffy and airy, cooked perfectly on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This recipe is definitely going in my cookbook!
Michael Cruz
11/16/2024 08:39:48 AM
I would highly recommend adding smashed banana and 2 tsp fresh orange juice to the liquid mixture before blending. It's important to follow the tips and use 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp butter instead of oil. I prepared these pancakes the day after Thanksgiving and they were a big hit!
Jacob Baker
02/10/2025 07:50:55 PM
The initial recipe was too thin and using medium high heat was too intense. I adjusted it by adding 2 extra large spoonfuls of flour, half a teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of baking soda.
Ruth Carter
01/21/2025 03:07:59 AM
I found the recipe to be unclear as it called for 2 teaspoons of baking powder instead of 2 tablespoons. I also didn't find any instructions to use baking soda. However, the pancakes turned out delicious. By the way, I substituted butter for oil and added pecans, which turned out great!
Rebecca Hall
04/14/2024 12:58:46 PM
I adjusted the recipe by using 4 tablespoons of brown sugar instead of white sugar, making sure the salt and baking powder were measured accurately, and adding 1 teaspoon of caramel essence. The flavors are perfectly balanced.
Alexander Rivera
08/25/2024 02:44:10 AM
Extremely thin and tastes strongly of eggs. Not enjoyable to eat at all. I will certainly be returning to using the just-add-water variety.
Stephanie Walker
02/18/2023 07:18:01 PM
I enjoy adding blueberries or other fruits to it, and it never fails to bring joy to everyone.
Frank Martin
03/27/2023 12:14:19 AM
This cake is super fluffy! I followed the advice of others and used a tea spoon of baking powder and added some vanilla. I also decided to layer butter between each layer to achieve that rich "buttery" taste without actually incorporating it into the batter. It turned out delicious!
Kimberly Campbell
01/19/2023 02:17:45 PM
I doubled the recipe for these pancakes. The batter was quite runny, and when I initially poured it onto the pan, it spread to the edges immediately. Once cooked, I added more batter to the pan. I found that the third batch turned out the best - by then, the pan had heated up adequately, resulting in much better cooked pancakes. I also tossed in some blueberries while the pancakes were cooking, and the third one especially turned out to be more delicious than the rest. I hope this feedback is useful!
Virginia Torres
03/12/2024 10:29:24 PM
Review update: The dish turned out tasty, although the cooking time was longer than expected and the inside was slightly gooey. I believe this was due to halving the recipe, resulting in too much milk and too little flour. Tip: When halving the recipe, use approximately 3/4 cup of milk and flour.
Tyler Collins
10/22/2023 06:52:35 AM
Initially, I had doubts about the recipe, but I decided to give it a try without worrying too much about the unusual measurements. To my surprise, the pancakes turned out to be delicious. I prepared several small pancakes, some of which I filled with hot sauce. I'm planning to bring them to my friend's house and enjoy a fun game of Russian roulette together.
Deborah Diaz
07/11/2023 12:37:56 AM
5 stars review
Gregory Nelson
10/10/2024 09:18:21 PM
Excellent recipe that has become a beloved staple in our family. I never forget to include vanilla for that extra touch of flavor.
James Scott
10/04/2024 02:57:55 PM
Extremely simple and convenient to prepare, with a delicious flavor to match!