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A close-up shot of a stack of golden-brown fluffy buttermilk pancakes, lightly browned and airy.

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes: 1 Perfect Recipe

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Written by Carla Davis

October 17, 2025

There’s just something magical about a stack of fluffy, golden buttermilk pancakes on a weekend morning, isn’t there? The smell alone takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, probably dusted with flour and filled with happy chatter. For me, a perfect batch of buttermilk pancakes isn’t just breakfast; it’s a warm hug, a moment of pure comfort. This recipe is my absolute go-to. It’s completely foolproof and delivers those diner-quality pancakes – tender inside, lightly crisp on the outside – every single time. Get ready to make these your favorite homemade pancakes too!

Why You’ll Love These Buttermilk Pancakes

Seriously, what’s not to love? These are:

  • Super Easy: You probably have most of the ingredients already!
  • Perfectly Fluffy & Tender: That’s the magic of buttermilk and not overmixing!
  • Classic Flavor: Just the right amount of tang and sweetness that screams weekend breakfast.
  • Foolproof: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these turn out amazing.
  • So Versatile: Ready for any occasion, from a casual Tuesday to a fancy brunch.

Gather Your Ingredients for Classic Buttermilk Pancakes

Alright, let’s get our pantry ready! For this fantastic batch of classic buttermilk pancakes, you’ll need just a few simple things. Trust me, using good quality ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s exactly what you need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (this is the star, don’t skip it if you can help it!)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (make sure it’s cooled just a bit so it doesn’t cook the eggs!)

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Buttermilk Pancakes

Okay, here’s where the magic really happens! Making these fluffy buttermilk pancakes is super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous stack ready in no time. It’s all about gentle hands and paying attention to a few key details. If you’re looking for other quick breakfast ideas, you might love my easy overnight oats!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients for Buttermilk Pancakes

First things first, grab a big bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to give it a really good whisk – it just helps make sure everything is distributed evenly, especially the leaveners that give us that lovely lift.

Combining Wet and Dry for Fluffy Pancake Batter

Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your buttermilk and eggs until they’re nicely combined. Pour this wet mixture right into your dry ingredients. And here’s the golden rule: stir *just until it’s combined*. Seriously, a few lumps are a-okay! Overmixing is the enemy of tender pancakes, it makes them tough, and we want them delightfully fluffy. Once your dry bits are mostly wet, gently stir in that melted butter. It’ll look a little lumpy, and that’s exactly what you want!

The Importance of Resting Buttermilk Pancake Batter

This is a step I never, ever skip and it’s a little secret for super tender pancakes. Let that batter sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. While it rests, the gluten in the flour relaxes, and the baking powder and soda get to know each other, ready to work their magic. It really does make a difference in the final texture, trust me!

Griddling Your Perfect Buttermilk Pancakes

Heat up your griddle or a good non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. A little splash of oil or butter is all you need. Once it’s hot (a drop of water should sizzle and dance!), pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when you see little bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set, usually about 2-3 minutes. Give ’em a gentle flip and cook the other side until it’s golden brown and cooked through, another 2-3 minutes.

Tips for the Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Don’t worry if your first pancake isn’t picture-perfect – mine rarely are! It usually takes one to get the griddle temperature just right. But to ensure you get those amazing, fluffy buttermilk pancakes every single time, here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. If you love cozy flavors, you should also check out my recipe for pumpkin pancakes!

Buttermilk Substitute for Easy Buttermilk Pancakes

No buttermilk in the fridge? No problem! You can totally whip up a substitute. Just measure out 1 3/4 cups of regular milk, then stir in a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’ll look a little curdled, and bam! You’ve got yourself a perfect buttermilk stand-in for your easy buttermilk pancakes.

Achieving Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

The secret weapon for super fluffy buttermilk pancakes is really about two things: fresh leaveners and gentle mixing. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are nice and fresh – check those dates! And remember our golden rule from earlier: don’t overmix the batter! A few lumps are your best friend for tender pancakes. It’s also why we give that batter a little rest before hitting the griddle. It really makes a world of difference!

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Pancakes

Okay, now for the best part – dressing up those gorgeous homemade pancakes! While a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a pat of butter is always a winner, I love getting a little creative. Try some fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar! For something a little different, a spoonful of my rich hot chocolate on the side is pure bliss. These pancakes are just begging to be topped!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buttermilk Pancakes

Got questions about whipping up the best buttermilk pancakes? I totally get it! It’s a classic for a reason, and sometimes little things can trip you up. Here are a few common things people ask me:

Can I make buttermilk pancake batter ahead of time?

You can, but it’s really best to make the batter right before you plan to cook your homemade pancakes. While the batter will still work if it sits for a bit longer, the leavening agents start to lose their oomph. This can sometimes lead to flatter, less fluffy buttermilk pancakes. It’s always worth the few extra minutes to mix it fresh!

What’s the best way to store leftover pancakes?

If you somehow have leftover fluffy pancakes (wow!), the best way to store them is cooled completely, then wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or put in an airtight container. They’ll last about 2-3 days in the fridge. Reheat them gently in a toaster, oven, or even a quick zap in the microwave. They won’t be *quite* as magical as fresh, but still pretty darn good!

Why are my buttermilk pancakes flat?

Oh no, flat pancakes! This usually happens for a couple of reasons. First, make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Old leaveners just don’t give you that lift. Second, and this is a biggie, don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which makes for tough, flat pancakes instead of fluffy ones. A few lumps are good!

Can I use a pancake mix instead of making from scratch?

You absolutely *can*, and sometimes that’s just what you need on a busy morning! But honestly, making these easy buttermilk pancakes from scratch truly takes just a few minutes longer and the difference in flavor and texture is HUGE. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into them feels so much better, right?

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate for one pancake, and it can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big you make them! So, think of these numbers as a helpful guideline for my classic buttermilk pancakes.

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300mg

Share Your Buttermilk Pancake Creations!

I just LOVE seeing how your buttermilk pancakes turn out! Did you try them? Were they as fluffy as you hoped? Please, please leave a comment below and tell me what you think! If you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I’d be thrilled to see your beautiful stacks. Your feedback means the world to me and helps other home cooks get inspired! You can also reach out with questions or just to say hello through my contact page!

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Classic Buttermilk Pancakes

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A straightforward recipe for fluffy, tender buttermilk pancakes, perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.

  • Author: Carla Davis
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 8-10 pancakes 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Griddling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  4. Gently stir in the melted butter.
  5. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  7. Pour or scoop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
  8. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For extra fluffy pancakes, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 3/4 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your pancakes tender.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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Hi, I'm Carla Davis! As a lifelong home cook and busy mom, I believe that making delicious food for the people you love shouldn't be complicated. Here at Carla's Cooking, I share simple, reliable, and family-approved recipes that I make in my own kitchen. My goal is to help you feel confident and joyful when you cook. Welcome!

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