There’s something timeless about a stack of old-fashioned pancakes. It’s one of those dishes that instantly evokes nostalgia—warm mornings spent in cozy kitchens filled with the aromas of vanilla and buttery goodness. I remember my grandmother whipping these up for Sunday brunch, creating a special moment around the table. Whether you’re indulging on a lazy Saturday or impressing guests on a holiday, these pancakes are a heartfelt way to start the day.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let me tell you why these pancakes should be your go-to breakfast choice. First, they’re incredibly easy to whip together, making them perfect for lazy weekends or last-minute brunches. What’s more, there’s something special about their fluffy texture that delights the senses. Each bite is a warm hug, especially when paired with your favorite maple syrup or fruit topping.
Plus, they’re versatile—feel free to dress them up with add-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips, or keep them classic for that old-school feel. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in how each ingredient works in harmony. We’re talking about a breakfast that’s as comforting as it is delicious, and honestly, who could resist that?
Gather these ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
Ah, the foundation of all great pancakes! All-purpose flour gives these pancakes their delightful structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free blend; just watch for the changes in texture. -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
This is your sweet spot—just enough sugar to coax out the natural flavors without being cloying. Want a healthy twist? Coconut sugar or honey can work too—just adjust the wet ingredients slightly. -
1 tablespoon baking powder
The real magic happens with baking powder; it’s the secret ingredient for fluffy, pillowy pancakes. Ensure yours is fresh for the best rise! -
1/2 teaspoon salt
A pinch goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor. It’s like giving your pancakes a little extra personality! -
1 cup milk
Whether you go for whole, skim, or even almond milk, this is your moisture source. If you’re non-dairy, oat or almond milk are excellent substitutes—just check you’re using unsweetened if you want to keep it on the mild side. -
1 large egg
Eggs add richness and help bind everything together. For an egg-free option, mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce can work wonders—just adjust your quantities a bit. -
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
Butter makes the world go round! It adds richness and depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a dairy-free twist, coconut oil can step in. -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
This is the cherry on top! A splash of vanilla brings warmth and complexity to every pancake. Feel free to skip it if you want a purer taste or even experiment with almond extract for a nutty vibe.
Preparing Old-Fashioned Pancakes
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Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Think of this as the dry team coming together! -
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Make it a nice, liquid affair—no lumps here! -
Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, folding gently. You want to combine them just until you see no dry flour—overmixing is a pancake no-no. A few lumps are perfectly okay; we embrace character! -
Cook Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Now, here’s the fun part: pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, watching as it sizzles. Resist the urge to flip too soon! -
Flip & Finish
Wait until bubbles form on the surface, and the edges look set—about 2 minutes should do. Flip gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes until beautifully golden brown. Perfection! -
Serve Warm
Now, stack those fluffy beauties high and serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or your absolute favorite toppings. Perhaps fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel? The sky’s the limit!
Best way to enjoy it
These pancakes shine best when fresh, but they adapt nicely to whatever mood you’re in. Serve them alongside crispy bacon or a side of fresh fruit for a colorful, balanced meal. For sweetness lovers, whipped cream and berry compote are divine—you can even try a smear of Nutella for a decadent twist. Want to take it a step further? Try drizzling some honey or real maple syrup over the top!
Storage and reheating tips
So, you’ve got leftovers? They can be easily stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 days or frozen for up to a month. If you freeze them, place parchment paper between each pancake to avoid sticking! Reheat gently in a toaster or microwave; they’ll be as delightful as the first batch!
Pro chef tips
- Make sure your skillet is properly preheated before pouring the batter. A good test is to splash a few drops of water on it—if they sizzle and evaporate, you’re ready!
- Want your pancakes to puff up even more? Let the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking—that’s when the baking powder really starts to activate!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Why not add chocolate chips for some indulgence or fold in fresh fruit like blueberries or bananas to elevate each bite? For a fun savory twist, mix in some shredded cheese and herbs. If you’d like to go international, try adding a sprinkle of cardamom or cinnamon for a fragrant flair.
Your questions answered
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How long does it take to make pancakes?
The prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking them takes around 15. A breezy breakfast in under half an hour! -
Can I use different flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can offer a nutty flavor while almond or coconut flour adds a lovely twist—just adjust the liquid a bit since they absorb moisture differently. -
What toppings do you recommend?
Besides the classic maple syrup, try Greek yogurt, honey, or even a zesty lemon curd. Fresh fruits always brighten up the plate! -
How do I make them dairy-free?
Easy! Use plant-based milk and substitute coconut oil for melted butter. The flavor will still be bright and delightful. -
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
You can! Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge, but give it a gentle stir before cooking as the ingredients may settle.
These pancakes are not just a breakfast; they are a warm embrace, a memory wrapped in comfort food. I encourage you to grab those ingredients, gather your loved ones, and let the batter whisk you away to a cozy kitchen. Experiment with your own ideas, and don’t forget to share your pancake adventures with me! Happy cooking!
Old-Fashioned Pancakes
Description
There’s something timeless about a stack of old-fashioned pancakes. Perfect for any occasion, these pancakes are versatile and incredibly easy to make!Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Pancakes
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Instructions to Make Old-Fashioned Pancakes
Preparation Steps
-
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.Think of this as the dry team coming together! -
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.Make sure there are no lumps! -
Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.A few lumps are okay; don't overmix. -
Cook Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form. -
Flip & Finish
Flip gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.Wait for edges to look set before flipping. -
Serve Warm
Stack pancakes high and serve with butter, syrup, or toppings of choice.Enjoy fresh for the best taste!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0.5 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 30 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 100 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
