Pancakes From Scratch
Whip up fluffy pancakes from scratch with a hint of cinnamon! Perfectly spiced and easy to make, they’re ideal for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
April 2025 update: I originally posted this pancake recipe back in January 2025, but since then, I’ve fallen in love with a new spice—cardamom. The flavor is warm, slightly citrusy, and totally cozy. I just knew these pancakes needed a little sprinkle of it to make them extra special. So I updated the recipe to include it, and I’d love to know what you think!
👩🍳 Making pancakes from scratch is a skill everyone should know
In our house, we love pancakes! I usually make a delicious whole-grain version, but my son recently requested “regular” ones. It’s funny because I don’t often do “regular.” I love experimenting and my cooking tends to be more “interesting” than traditional. But pancakes from scratch are so easy to make, and if you have a family member who prefers the classic version, I thought it would be the perfect recipe to share with you.
Here’s why I love making pacakes from scratch:
I love my pancakes from scratch recipe for so many reasons, but let’s start with the flavor because these aren’t your basic, bland flapjacks. I toss in warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which make every bite feel cozy and a little special, like breakfast got a hug. I also sneak in a bit of whole grain flour to boost the nutrition, and honestly, no one ever notices. They still turn out thick, soft, and fluffy-exactly how pancakes should be.
And let’s talk toppings because these pancakes were made for them. Pile on some fresh berries, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and finish it off with a big dollop of whipped cream. Total breakfast bliss. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, these pancakes always hit the spot.
These pancakes are good, but my favorites are my 9-grain pancakes. If you are more of a waffle person, S’mores Homemade Waffles are really good but not that healthy. If you want healthier, try Goat Cheese Breakfast Skillet, it is so freaking good. and you can’t go wrong with my Classic French Toast that have a secret ingredient in them that elevates this classic to being restaurant quality.
🛒 Recipe Ingredient List
🥣 Making Pancakes From Scratch:
In one bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flours, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: buttermilk, vanilla, eggs and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Lumps are fine! Let this sit for 15-20 minutes.
Get your griddle nice and hot. Spray it down with a bit of ghee cooking spray or butter. Add 1/3 cup of batter to the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles pop on the surface. Flip and continue cooking a couple more minutes until done all the way through.
Serve with butter and maple syrup. Maybe some fruit on the side. I love frying some bacon to go with pancakes. Enjoy!
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Pancakes From Scratch
Equipment
- Griddle
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 1½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Cardamom
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Buttermilk (or substitute regular milk)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- Ghee Cooking Spray (or similar)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour, 1½ cups All-Purpose Flour, ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon Cardamom, 2 teaspoons Baking Soda, ½ teaspoon Baking Powder and ¼ teaspoon Salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 2 cups Buttermilk, 3 Large Eggs ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (melted).
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid over mixing; lumps are okay.
- Allow the pancake batter to rest for 20-30 minutes so the flour absorbs the liquid. This will result in fluffier pancakes.
- While the pancake batter is resting, preheat a griddle or large skillet to medium-heat.
- Lightly spray the griddle with cooking spray. Spoon about a quarter to a half cup of batter onto the hot griddle.
- Flip when bubbles form and pop on the top. Cook until the bottom turns golden brown. Remove to a plate and keep warm while cooking the rest of the pancakes.
- Serve pancakes with warm maple syrup.
Notes
Substitutions
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour only, or do I have to mix in whole grain?
You can totally stick with all-purpose flour if that’s what you’ve got! But adding a bit of whole grain flour (like whole wheat or spelt) gives your pancakes a little fiber boost without changing the flavor much. Just keep the ratio around 1/4 to 1/3 whole grain to all-purpose for best texture.
Why are my pancakes flat instead of fluffy?
Usually that means your batter is too thin or your leavening is tired. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and don’t overmix the batter. Lumps are your friend here! Also, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to let the flour hydrate and the bubbles do their thing.
How do I know when to flip the pancake?
Look for bubbles forming and popping on the surface, and the edges should look a little set. That’s your cue! Flip once, cook the other side until golden brown, and resist the urge to press them down with the spatula.
What to serve with Pancakes:
Serve these pancakes from scratch stacked high with a pat of butter melting into every fluffy layer, a cascade of warm maple syrup, and a pile of fresh berries or sliced bananas. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for that “treat yourself” energy. On the side, crispy bacon or sausage makes the perfect savory contrast, and if you’re feeling fancy, a small bowl of Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola ties it all together. For drinks, go classic with a hot cup of coffee or latte, or lean into brunch mode with a fresh-squeezed orange juice or even a mimosa if the occasion calls for it.
More Yummy Breakfasts To Inspire You
If you’re into pancakes from scratch, you’re gonna want to dive headfirst into some of these other breakfast favorites. Start with the Easy Brioche French Toast Casserole because it’s rich, buttery, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a holiday morning or lazy Sunday brunch. Or go classic with stovetop French Toast, crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and ready to soak up all that maple syrup. Feeling adventurous? Cosmic Brownie Bagels are a fun, nostalgic treat that taste like your childhood lunchbox met a bakery.
If you’re more of a muffin person, the Spiced Buttered Rum Apple Cider Muffins are cozy and full of fall vibes, while the Healthy Banana Oat Muffins are sweet, soft, and great for grab-and-go mornings. Want something that feels fancy but is secretly so easy? The Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast with Lemon Curd is tangy, bright, and make-ahead magic. And for the protein lovers out there, the High-Protein Chicken Sausage Egg White Scramble with Spinach fuels your morning without weighing you down. Or try Banana Protein Pancakes and Low-Calorie Egg Muffins. Both perfect for busy weekdays when you still want to eat like you care. Breakfast is anything but boring with these in your back pocket.
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