The Ultimate Buttermilk Pancake Recipe
Prep Time: 15 min
Resting Time: 10 min for the batter to rest
Cook Time: About 2 min per pancake. Around 15-20 min for all pancakes.
Total time from start to finish is roughly 30 - 40 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch experience.
Ingredients:
333 mL (1 ⅓ cups) Buttermilk - room temperature
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with:
333 mL (1⅓ cups) milk
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp (20 mL) apple cider vinegar
1 Egg - room temperature
38 g (2 ½ Tbsp) Butter, melted
229 g (1 ¾ cups) AP Flour
11 g (2 ¼ tsp) Baking Powder
0.8 g (⅛ tsp) Salt
8 g (¾ Tbsp) Brown Sugar
0.3 g (¼ tsp) Cinnamon
0.08 g (⅛ tsp) Nutmeg
0.3 g (¼ tsp) Vanilla Extract
0.04 g (Pinch) Cloves
Tools Needed:
Mixing bowls (at least two)
Whisk
Sifter or fine-mesh sieve
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Griddle or non-stick pan
Ladle or measuring cup for pouring batter
Pastry brush (optional, for greasing pan)
Cooling rack (optional, for resting pancakes)
Method:
Preparation
If using the milk substitution, mix it first and let it sit at room temperature.
Place the egg in warm water if it's cold to bring it to room temperature.
Melt the butter (preferably in the microwave) and set it aside.
Mixing the Batter
Whisk and sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and spices.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Whisk in the melted butter last, then immediately mix with the dry ingredients until just combined.
Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes.
Check the consistency—add a little more milk if too thick or sift in more flour if too thin.
Cooking
Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium to medium-low heat (375°F / 190°C).
Lightly grease the pan with oil or butter for the first pancake only.
Pour the batter onto the pan using a ladle or measuring cup.
Flip when bubbles burst on the surface (about 2 minutes), then cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Serving
Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavour.
Eugene’s Extra Tips:
The Art of Pancake Making: Tips & Tricks
The Resting Game: Letting the batter rest for at least 5 minutes helps relax the gluten, ensuring soft and fluffy pancakes.
The Perfect Flip: Look for bubbles on the surface—they signal the right time to flip. The underside only needs about a minute to cook.
Temperature Control: Keep your pan at 375°F (190°C)—too hot, and the pancakes burn; too cool, and they won’t cook through properly. This is usually medium to medium-low heat on most stovetops.
Melted Butter Matters: Adding melted butter last ensures even distribution and prevents it from solidifying when mixed with cold ingredients.
Oil the Pan Once: Only grease your pan for the first pancake; after that, the butter in the batter prevents sticking.
Where to Start: Begin with the milk, egg, and butter so they reach room temperature while you prepare the dry mix.
Flipping Memories: The Art of Perfect Pancakes and Shared Moments
This pancake recipe, which I refined to perfection during my time at Momofuku Toronto (now closed), holds special memories. Every week, as part of the staff meal, I had the chance to share this dish with my colleagues. Beyond feeding a hungry team, it was about creating moments of joy and connection in the midst of our fast-paced kitchen life. Each batch was an opportunity to refine, tweak, and perfect the recipe into something that everyone looked forward to.
If you’ve always relied on store-bought pancake mix, I encourage you to try this from scratch. It's easy, and the difference in flavour and texture is worth it. Watching the ingredients come together, flipping that perfect golden pancake, and seeing your family or friends enjoy them—it’s about more than just breakfast. It’s about making memories.
Key Ingredients: The Heart of the Pancake
Pancakes are simple, right? Flour, eggs, milk, mix, cook, done. But if you’ve ever had a truly exceptional pancake—the kind that’s light, fluffy, and full of flavor—you know there’s a little more to it than that. It’s not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about knowing why each one matters. Here’s what makes these pancakes special:
Buttermilk – The Secret to Tender, Fluffy Pancakes
If there’s one ingredient that makes this recipe, it’s buttermilk. It’s not just there for flavor (though that slight tang is chef’s kiss), it actually works with the baking powder to create tiny air pockets in the batter. That’s what gives you those light, airy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes. No buttermilk? You can substitute it (333mL milk + 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar), but if you can, go for the real deal—it makes all the difference.
Brown Sugar – A Hint of Caramelized Sweetness
White sugar sweetens. Brown sugar does something more. Thanks to the molasses, it brings a deep, almost caramel-like richness that gives these pancakes more than just sweetness—it gives them warmth. It also helps with that golden-brown color on the edges, making each bite even better.
Spices – That Cozy, Bakery-Style Flavor
A lot of pancake recipes skip this, but trust me—a little spice makes a big difference.
Cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and familiarity.
Nutmeg brings a nutty, slightly earthy note.
Cloves (just a pinch!) add depth and a little intrigue.
The result? A pancake that doesn’t just taste good, it tastes like home.
Vanilla Extract – The Aromatic Finishing Touch
Vanilla is like the background music of a great dish—you don’t always notice it, but you’d definitely notice if it was missing. It enhances everything else, rounding out the flavors and giving your pancakes that unmistakable “this is homemade” taste.
Why This Recipe Works
Pancakes aren’t complicated, but great pancakes? They take a little thought. This recipe balances fluffiness, richness, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of pancake that doesn’t need a gallon of syrup to be good (though, no judgment if that’s your style).
How Did Yours Turn Out?
Did you add your own twist? Maybe a little cardamom? A handful of chocolate chips? Let me know! Tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations.
Happy flipping! 🥞🔥
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Hi, I'm Eugene, but many of you might recognize me as "The_EugeFood". With over two decades working in diverse kitchens, I've come to cherish the genuine connections and shared experiences that cooking brings. For me, it's not about the high-pressure, competitive world you see on TV. It's about the joy of gathering around a table, the stories shared over simmering pots, and the laughter that follows a shared meal. I'm here to demystify the culinary world, to show you that if you can boil water for cup noodles, you're already on your way. Cooking isn't just a skill; it's a journey of discovery, and I invite you to join me on this adventure to becoming a better cook.
