Cake Recipes
Fluffy Homemade Pancakes: 3 Delicious Ways to Make Them
Start with a traditional pancake recipe, then discover two irresistible upgrades featuring apples, cinnamon, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
- Debi Reichman
- | Updated

Few breakfast foods are as comforting and satisfying as a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes. A beloved American classic, pancakes are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special family brunch.
If you've never made pancakes from scratch, don't worry. This simple recipe comes together with basic pantry ingredients and delivers soft, golden pancakes every time.
Classic Homemade Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 3 teaspoons melted butter
- 2/3 cup milk
Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, powdered sugar, and salt.
Add the egg and melted butter, then gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
Lightly grease a skillet or frying pan with butter or oil and heat over medium heat.
Pour about half a ladle of batter into the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles begin to form and the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until golden.
Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Looking for Something More?
Classic pancakes are always delicious, but if you're in the mood for something a little different, these two upgraded versions add extra flavor and texture while remaining easy to prepare.
Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes
These hearty pancakes combine tender apples, warm cinnamon, and whole wheat flour for a wholesome twist on the classic recipe.
Ingredients
For the batter:
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
For the apples:
- 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup flour
For serving (optional):
- Chopped pecans
- Powdered sugar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the honey, melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Coat the apple slices in the mixture.
Heat a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat. Place three apple slices in the pan and cook briefly until slightly softened.
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter over the apples and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until golden.
Repeat with the remaining apples and batter.
Serve warm with chopped pecans, powdered sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes
If you're looking for an indulgent breakfast treat, this combination of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and maple syrup is hard to beat.
Ingredients
For the pancakes:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 1/8 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until smooth.
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan for each pancake and cook until golden on both sides.
To make the topping, place the peanut butter and maple syrup in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for about 30 seconds and stir until smooth.
Serve the pancakes warm with the peanut butter maple syrup drizzled on top.
The Perfect Pancake Breakfast
Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the upgraded recipes, homemade pancakes are a delicious way to start the day. Serve them with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings, and enjoy a breakfast that never goes out of style.

