Recipe

Tender, fluffy diner-style pancakes come down to gentle mixing and letting the batter rest before it hits the griddle.

Classic Fluffy Pancakes

Name: Classic Fluffy Pancakes
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 3/4 cups whole milk (or buttermilk); 2 large eggs; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing skillet); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (for serving)

North America

4 servings (8 pancakes)20 minutes

Sources: Cross-checked against NYT Cooking and Preppy Kitchen

4 servings

You’ll need

11 items · tap to check off

Dry Ingredients

Wet Ingredients & Cooking

Make it step by step

12 steps · 15 min of timed cooking

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract together in a separate medium bowl.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
Stir gently with a spatula just until flour is moistened, leaving visible lumps in the batter.
Let batter rest undisturbed at room temperature for 10 minutes so flour hydrates fully.⏱ 10 min
Heat a large 12-inch nonstick skillet or flat griddle over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles.
Melt a small dab of butter across skillet surface to coat it lightly.
Pour 1/3-cup portions of batter onto the hot surface, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles pop and hold open on top surfaces.⏱ 3 min
Flip pancakes carefully using a wide spatula.
Cook second side for 1 to 2 minutes until bottom is golden brown and center springs back.⏱ 2 min
Transfer to warm plates and serve immediately with butter and warm maple syrup.

💡

Chef’s tip · Never overmix the batter—leaving flour lumps prevents excess gluten from developing, ensuring the fluffiest texture.

Ask Savarin your own question

Recipes with real chefs’ steps, restaurant picks with prices and addresses, meal plans for the week.

Try it free

Browse all recipes or where to eat.