Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Turn ordinary mornings into a gentle celebration with these timeless pancakes. Breakfast .

A classic, fluffy pancake that’s quick to make and delightful to eat.

Published: February 10, 2026
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Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures
Old-fashioned pancakes trace their roots to early American breakfasts, where a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of leavening drove families’ mornings. Over time, the recipe evolved, yet the essence—soft, buttery discs that melt in the mouth—remains unchanged. Today they are a beloved staple, echoing the humble kitchens of the past while fitting neatly into modern brunch tables.

Why You'll Love It

  • - Simple ingredients you already have
  • - Quick to mix and cook, under 30 minutes total
  • - Soft, airy texture that stays tender
  • - Classic flavor that pairs with any topping

*"These pancakes are the perfect start to my weekend; light, fluffy, and just right. "*

Essential Ingredient Guide

  • All-purpose flour: Choose a fine, unbleached flour for a tender crumb; sift it to remove lumps.
  • Buttermilk: Provides a subtle tang and reacts with baking soda for lift; if unavailable, add a splash of lemon juice to regular milk.
  • Eggs: Fresh large eggs give structure and richness; beat them lightly before folding in.
  • Baking soda: A pinch activates the acidity in buttermilk, creating those fluffy bubbles.
  • Lemon juice: A teaspoon brightens the batter and enhances the rise.
  • Maple syrup or honey: A drizzle in the batter adds a whisper of sweetness without overpowering.

Complete Cooking Process

  • Ingredient Readiness:

    Measure and sift flour, whisk the buttermilk with lemon, and set eggs aside so they’re at room temperature.

  • Flavor Development:

    Combine wet and dry ingredients briefly; a few lumps are fine—they’ll disappear as the batter rests.

  • Texture Control:

    Let the batter rest five minutes; this allows the soda to work and the flour to hydrate, giving a light crumb.

  • Finishing Touches:

    Add melted butter to the pan, pour batter, and watch bubbles form before flipping.

  • Serving Timing:

    Serve immediately after flipping, while the surface is still glossy and the interior steam‑soft.

  • Pro Tips

    • Use a 1/4‑cup measuring cup for uniform pancakes
    • Keep the pan medium‑low; too hot will brown before cooking through
    • Cover the pan for the last minute to finish steaming the tops
    • Keep finished pancakes warm in a low oven (200°F) while you finish the batch

    These little adjustments make a big difference. I’ve found that a gentle heat lets the batter rise evenly, and covering the pan just before the flip traps a bit of steam, giving a pillowy interior. If you’re serving a crowd, pre‑heat the oven and stack the pancakes on a warming rack; they’ll stay soft and ready for that final drizzle of butter.

Cooking Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures

The essence of the dish:

It’s all about a quiet balance – the sweet hint of honey, the buttery melt on the tongue, and a light, airy crumb that yields to a gentle bite.

A fun fact or historical angle:

Early American settlers cooked similar griddle cakes using cornmeal; the modern flour‑based pancake emerged as wheat became staple.

Flavor or sensory focus:

You’ll first notice the warm, buttery aroma, then the subtle tang from buttermilk, followed by a sweet, comforting mouthfeel.

You Must Know

  • Don’t over‑mix; a few streaks are okay
  • Let batter rest for a better rise
  • Flip when bubbles cover the surface

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use whole‑wheat flour?

Yes, substitute half the all‑purpose flour with whole‑wheat for a nuttier flavor; you may need a little extra liquid.

→ How do I keep pancakes fluffy when reheating?

Reheat gently in a low oven (250°F) for 5‑7 minutes or quickly in a skillet with a splash of butter; avoid microwaving.

→ What toppings work best?

Classic maple syrup, fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of fruit compote all complement the gentle sweetness.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the dry mix ahead; combine wet ingredients right before cooking for best lift.

→ Is it okay to add chocolate chips?

Absolutely—fold them in after the batter rests for a sweet surprise.

→ What’s the best pan for these pancakes?

A cast‑iron griddle or a non‑stick skillet yields even heat and a golden crust.

Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe Ready to Serve | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures

Chef's Tips

If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk.,For extra fluff, separate the egg and beat the white to soft peaks, then fold it in at the end.,Do not over‑mix; it can develop gluten and make pancakes tough.

Nutrition Facts

per serving

320

Calories

9g

Protein

45g

Carbs

10g

Fat

Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 380mg

Taste Profile

🍯 Sweet
Medium
🧂 Salty
Low
🌶️ Spicy
None
🍋 Sour
Low
🍖 Umami
Low

Comforting sweet with a buttery richness

Ingredient Substitutions

Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives

All‑purpose flour Whole‑wheat flour

Use 1 cup whole‑wheat + ½ cup all‑purpose for lighter texture.

Buttermilk Milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice

Let sit 5 minutes; mimics the tang of real buttermilk.

Recipe Variations

Try these delicious twists on the original

Spicy Version

Add ¼ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for a warm, subtle heat.

Mediterranean Style

Stir in crumbled feta and chopped olives; top with a drizzle of honey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results

  • Over‑mixing batter, leading to tough pancakes.
  • Using heat that’s too high, causing burnt edges.
  • Flipping too early before bubbles form.

Meal Prep & Storage

Make Ahead Tips

You can whisk the dry ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; combine wet ingredients when ready to cook.

Leftover Ideas

Reheat gently in a skillet with a dab of butter over low heat; they’ll stay soft and flavorful.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this with...

Hot coffee or orange juice Fresh fruit salad with mint Crisp bacon or turkey ham strips

Cooking Timeline

0-5 min

Gather and measure all ingredients; whisk dry mix.

5-10 min

Combine wet ingredients; stir into dry mix; let rest.

10-20 min

Heat skillet, melt butter, and cook pancakes in batches.

20-25 min

Keep cooked pancakes warm in oven; finish last batch.

Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Old-Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Fluffy, golden old-fashioned pancakes perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Ready in minutes, these pancakes bring a warm, nostalgic comfort to the table.

Author: Emma Fields

Timing

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Recipe Details

Category: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 Servings Servings
Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Batter

  • 01 1 ½ cups all‑purpose flour
  • 02 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 03 1 tsp baking soda
  • 04 ½ tsp salt
  • 05 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • 06 1 large egg
  • 07 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 08 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 09 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

Step 02

In another bowl combine buttermilk, lemon juice, egg, melted butter, and maple syrup; whisk lightly.

Step 03

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients; stir just until combined—some lumps are fine.

Step 04

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat a lightly buttered skillet over medium‑low heat.

Step 05

Scoop ¼‑cup of batter onto the skillet; watch for bubbles forming on top, then flip gently and cook another 1‑2 minutes.

Step 06

Repeat with remaining batter, adjusting heat as needed; keep finished pancakes warm in a low oven.

Notes & Tips

  • 1 If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk.
  • 2 For extra fluff, separate the egg and beat the white to soft peaks, then fold it in at the end.
  • 3 Do not over‑mix; it can develop gluten and make pancakes tough.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Non‑stick skillet or cast‑iron griddle

  • Spatula

  • Plate for serving

Must-Know Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan, Cook in batches to keep heat even.
  • Let the batter rest, Allows bubbles to form for lift.
  • Taste as you go, Adjust seasoning if needed.

Professional Secrets

  • Room temperature ingredients, Ensures even cooking.
  • Medium‑low heat, Creates a golden exterior without burning.
  • Cover the pan briefly, Captures steam for a tender interior.
Emma Fields

Recipe by

Emma Fields

“Mornings are my magic hour! I create easy, energizing breakfasts that turn sleepy starts into sunshine moments.” ☀️🥞

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