Name: Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional); Nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil (for cooking); Butter pats; Fresh berries; Pure maple syrup

I absolutely love starting my weekend mornings with a warm stack of comfort and nostalgia that I call Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe. This classic takes me back to those cozy kitchen moments where simple ingredients came together to create fluffy, tender pancakes bursting with buttery flavor and a touch of sweetness. It’s a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, and I never fail to feel that warm, satisfied feeling with every bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a lazy Sunday, these pancakes bring joy to the table every time.

Why You'll Love This Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

From the very first bite, I knew this recipe was going to be a keeper. The flavor profile is a perfect balance of buttery richness and gentle sweetness, accented by the subtle tanginess of buttermilk that brightens the whole experience. It’s like a warm hug in pancake form. The texture is just right too — fluffy and tender on the inside while crisp and golden on the outside.

What I truly appreciate about Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. I love recipes that don’t require a dozen fancy ingredients or complicated steps, and this one fits the bill beautifully. A simple whisking, a short resting time for the batter, and then cooking on a griddle or skillet is all it takes. This makes it perfect for weekday mornings when time is tight but you still want something homemade and comforting.

These pancakes are incredibly versatile in how and when you serve them. I often make them for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or even a cozy dinner when no one wants anything too heavy. They stand out because they remind me of real, old-fashioned cooking — nothing rushed, nothing processed, just pure, honest flavor. If you want a recipe that feels like home, this is it.

Ingredients You'll Need

A stack of four thick pancakes with a golden-brown color is placed in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. On top of the pancakes, there are fresh red raspberries and dark blue blueberries scattered generously. Syrup glistens over the pancakes, creating a shiny texture. A fork held by a woman's hand is lifting a piece from the bottom pancakes, showing the fluffy, light interior of the pancake. Some blueberries are also placed around the base of the stack. The overall image is bright and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe is in its simplicity. These essential ingredients come together to create pancakes with the perfect texture and classic flavor that's deeply satisfying every time.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the pancakes, allowing them to be fluffy without being dense.
Baking soda: This is the leavening agent that makes the pancakes rise beautifully and become light and airy.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of subtle sweetness that wakes up your taste buds.
Buttermilk: The secret to tender pancakes with a subtle tang that perks up each bite.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the batter.
Butter (melted and cooled): Brings in moisture and a luscious buttery flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Pure vanilla extract (optional): Adds a warm aromatic note that elevates the pancake flavor even further.
Nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil: For perfectly cooked pancakes that don’t stick to your griddle or skillet.
Butter pats, fresh berries, and pure maple syrup: Essential garnishes to finish off your pancakes with style and indulgence.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until they’re well combined and there are no lumps of dry ingredients.

Step 2: Pour in the buttermilk and whisk just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Don’t overmix – it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; this helps keep the pancakes light.

Step 3: Add the egg, melted (but slightly cooled) butter, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Whisk everything gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the batter.

Step 4: Let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key because it allows the baking soda to react fully and the gluten to relax, which leads to fluffier pancakes.

Step 5: Preheat an electric griddle to 350 degrees F or heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat the cooking surface with nonstick spray or a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Use a ¼ or ⅓ cup measure to pour batter onto the hot griddle or skillet – this gives you evenly sized pancakes. Leave space between each one so they can puff up freely.

Step 7: Cook for about 2 minutes or until the edges look set and you see bubbles forming on the surface. When the bottoms are a beautiful golden brown, gently flip the pancakes with a spatula.

Step 8: Cook on the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer the finished pancakes to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200 degree F oven while you finish the batch.

Step 9: Serve warm with pats of butter, fresh berries, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup for a classic presentation everyone will love.

Servings and Timing

This Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe makes roughly 8 servings, perfect for a family breakfast or brunch gathering. The prep time is quick—around 5 minutes to get all your ingredients mixed, with a brief 5 to 10 minute wait for the batter to rest. Cooking time takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your griddle or skillet size and how many pancakes you make per batch. All together, you’re looking at approximately 20 minutes total from start to finish. This makes it a fantastic choice when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

A tall stack of six golden brown pancakes sits on a white plate, each pancake soft and thick with a slightly crispy edge. Fresh red raspberries and small dark blue blueberries are piled on the top pancake and scattered around the base of the stack. A thick stream of syrup is poured over the berries, flowing down the sides of the pancakes and pooling on the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love to serve these pancakes straight from the oven, piping hot and ready to soak up syrup. Classic accompaniments like butter pats that melt into the warm stacks, fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness, and pure maple syrup are my go-to. Sometimes I add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream when I feel like making it extra special. Presentation feels so inviting when you stack the pancakes neatly and garnish thoughtfully.

To really elevate your pancake experience, try pairing them with breakfast favorites like crispy bacon or smoked sausage. If you’re serving for a brunch spread, fresh fruit salads and a light yogurt parfait can balance out the richness beautifully. I’ve also found that a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk pairs perfectly, but for a special touch, you could serve them alongside a mimosa or a sparkling fruit juice for a festive vibe.

These pancakes shine best when enjoyed hot or warm. I recommend plating them immediately for the best texture but if you must hold them for a while, keeping them in a warm oven as you finish cooking the batch works wonders. Portion sizes of 2 to 3 pancakes per person hit the sweet spot for most appetites, but feel free to pile them as high as you like when you want to spread the love.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to experiment, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber, which I often do for a heartier breakfast. For a gluten-free option, using a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup keeps the texture surprisingly close to the original.

If you want to make it vegan, I’ve found success replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and swapping the buttermilk for a mix of non-dairy milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Use a vegan butter substitute or oil instead of regular butter, and you’re good to go. The flavor won’t be quite the same but still delicious in its own right.

To change up the flavor profile, I sometimes add a handful of blueberries or chopped nuts directly into the batter before cooking. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist. For a different cooking method, try making these pancakes on a stovetop griddle or even using a nonstick waffle iron for a fun texture variation that retains all the classic flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover pancakes, I highly recommend storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing too much freshness. I always separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper so they don’t stick together—this little trick makes reheating so much easier.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze beautifully, which is a real lifesaver for busy mornings. Lay the cooled pancakes out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then stack them with parchment paper in between and transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you want a quick breakfast, just grab as many as you need and reheat from frozen.

Reheating

For the best results, I like to reheat pancakes in a skillet or griddle over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through—this brings back their lovely crisp edges. You can also pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes. Microwave reheating works but tends to make them a little soggy, so if you use the microwave, I recommend wrapping the pancakes loosely in a damp paper towel to retain moisture without making them mushy.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

I usually recommend mixing the batter just before cooking for the best rise and fluffiness, but if you need to prep early, you can make it up to 1 hour ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking.

Why are my pancakes not fluffy?

Overmixing the batter is a common culprit because it develops gluten, making pancakes tough instead of tender. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh and your griddle is at the right temperature—too hot can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

You can, but the pancakes won’t have quite the same tender crumb or subtle tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s effect.

How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

Look for bubbles forming and popping on the surface of the pancake and the edges looking set and slightly dry. This usually happens after about 2 minutes of cooking on the first side and is the perfect time to flip for even cooking.

What toppings do you recommend besides syrup and butter?

I love fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or banana slices. Nuts, honey, yogurt, or a dusting of powdered sugar all add delightful textures and flavors that make each bite special.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring Mom’s Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe as much as I do. It’s more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a warm, comforting tradition that brings a little bit of home and happiness to your table. From the light and fluffy texture to the rich, classic flavors, this recipe never fails to make mornings feel special. So grab your favorite toppings, heat up your griddle, and get ready for a delicious stack of pancakes that feels like a loving hug.