Skip the store-bought pancake mix in favor of this 15-minute recipe for Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes.

Stack of Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes topped with butter and maple syrup with orange juice and fruit in background

Nothing says "happy weekend" quite like a stack of fluffy flapjacks. Whether they satisfy a carb craving (read: hangover helper) or allow your taste buds to travel back to your childhood breakfast table, one thing is certain: Buttermilk pancakes are the ultimate comfort food no matter which way you stack, slather, syrup'ize or slice 'em.

Glass bowl containing pancake batter and spatula

The most popular pancakes around these parts are actually of the savory variety. If you haven't sampled my Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes, make a quick stop over there before (or after) you whip up the best buttermilk pancakes to ever flip atop your stove. Just how amazing? Let's just say that bacon grease is an optional addition to this recipe.

Red spatula flipping flapjacks on griddle

Bacon aside, the real secret to guaranteeing homemade pancakes are just as light and flavorful as those from your local diner (or even your go-to boxed mix), is to not overwork the batter. Lumpy batter is to perfect pancakes as Homemade Samoas are to Naked and Afraid marathons. Critical. Essential. Mandatory.

Armed with this knowledge, now all that separates you from buttermilk pancake bliss is a few pantry items and just 15 minutes of your time.

P.S. No buttermilk? No problem! Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then pour in milk (any variety) up to the "1 cup" mark. Stir the mixture then let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles and thickens slightly, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Tall stack of Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes topped with butter and warm maple syrup

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk or buttermilk substitute (See Kelly's Notes)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt.

  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg and melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. (There should be lumps in the batter.)

  • Place a nonstick pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Grease it with oil. Drop dollops of the batter onto the hot pan. Once bubbles form, flip the pancakes once and continue cooking 1 to 2 more minutes until the pancakes are cooked throughout. Serve immediately with maple syrup or other toppings.

Kelly's Notes:

  • No buttermilk? No problem! Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then pour in milk (any variety) up to the "1 cup" mark. Stir the mixture then let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles and thickens slightly. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

  • Do not overmix the batter or the pancakes will be dense and flat rather than light and fluffy.

  • For an alternative to vegetable oil (and if bacon is on the menu), try cooking the pancakes in bacon grease. The flavor and texture is hard to beat.

  • ★Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!

Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.

Calories: 305 kcal , Carbohydrates: 44 g , Protein: 9 g , Fat: 10 g , Saturated Fat: 5 g , Cholesterol: 65 mg , Sodium: 395 mg , Potassium: 388 mg , Fiber: 1 g , Sugar: 7 g , Vitamin A: 385 IU , Calcium: 203 mg , Iron: 2.5 mg

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