Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

Prepare dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (1.5 cups), granulated sugar (2 tbsp), baking powder (1 tsp), baking soda (1/2 tsp), and fine salt (1/2 tsp) until evenly combined.

Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk (1 1/4 cups), large egg (1), melted and cooled unsalted butter (3 tbsp), and vanilla extract (1 tsp) until smooth and homogenous.

Combine wet and dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. A few small lumps are okay — do not overmix, which will make pancakes tough. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the flour and activate the leaveners.

Heat griddle

Preheat a heavy skillet, nonstick pan, or griddle over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes. The surface is ready when a few drops of water skitter and evaporate. Reduce heat slightly if it’s getting too hot; you want a steady moderate temperature so the pancakes brown without burning.

Oil the surface

Lightly brush or wipe the cooking surface with about 1 tsp vegetable oil or neutral oil. You can re-oil between batches if the pan becomes dry.

Cook the pancakes

Use a 1/3-cup measure (or a large spoon) to pour batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip with a spatula and cook the second side until golden brown and cooked through, about 1–2 minutes more. Adjust heat as needed so pancakes cook evenly without burning. Repeat to make a stack of 3 pancakes (batter yields more; cook only 3 if you want exactly a stack of 3).

Keep warm (optional)

If making multiple pancakes or batches, transfer finished pancakes to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.

Serve

Place three pancakes on a plate. Top with 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional) and drizzle with about 1 tbsp maple syrup per pancake (total 3 tbsp). Add fresh berries or sliced fruit (about 1/2 cup) if desired. Serve immediately.