Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt until evenly combined.

Stir in the poppy seeds so they’re evenly distributed through the dry mix.

In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk until smooth. Add the eggs and whisk until homogenous.

Whisk in the melted and slightly cooled butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mix batter

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the wet into the dry until just combined. A few small lumps are fine — do not overmix or the pancakes will be tough.

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes at room temperature. This hydrates the flour and helps leavening react, yielding fluffier pancakes. If the batter seems very thick after resting, stir in up to 2 tablespoons additional buttermilk to reach a pourable but thick consistency.

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C if using an infrared thermometer). Brush or melt about 1 teaspoon butter per pancake area on the surface; keep remaining butter nearby.

For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle, spacing pancakes 2 inches apart. Cook undisturbed until bubbles form across the surface and edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Flip the pancake and cook until the second side is golden brown and the pancake is cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you cook remaining batter. Add more butter to the griddle as needed between batches.

Stack pancakes, dot or brush with additional butter, and drizzle with maple syrup or lemon glaze. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices if desired.

To make a simple lemon glaze: whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness with more sugar or juice as needed; drizzle over warm pancakes.