Good Old Fashioned Pancakes Recipe

Bring everyone back to the breakfast table with these Good Old Fashioned Pancakes. Fluffy, golden, and kissed with just a hint of vanilla, this recipe is the ultimate tribute to classic comfort. Whether you’re reminiscing about lazy weekend mornings or you’re on the hunt for the perfect brunch staple, there’s something undeniably magical about a stack of these pancakes. Their old-fashioned charm and irresistible aroma turn any ordinary morning into a mini celebration, and they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling off Good Old Fashioned Pancakes is as simple as gathering a handful of humble pantry staples. Every ingredient has a specific role, from creating those tall, pillowy layers to adding just the right amount of sweetness and richness. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip a single one:

• All Purpose Flour: The backbone of these pancakes, this gives them their sturdy yet fluffy structure.
• Baking Powder: Double-acting for a reason — it’s the key to making each bite tender and airy.
• Salt: A dash balances out all the flavors, letting that buttery, vanilla richness shine through.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch sweetens the pancakes without overpowering them, keeping them versatile for savory or sweet toppings.
• Egg: Adds structure and that familiar pancake tenderness, helping bind everything together beautifully.
• Butter (melted and cooled): Melted butter weaves rich flavor and moisture all through the batter — cool it first for the fluffiest results.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brings a delightful warmth and nostalgic aroma to every bite.
• Milk: Loosens the batter just enough for pourable magic, ensuring every pancake cooks up soft and luscious inside.

How to Make Good Old Fashioned Pancakes

Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl — trust me, you’ll appreciate the extra space later. Add in the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Give everything a quick whisk so the rising power from the baking powder gets evenly scattered, which is crucial for pancakes that puff up perfectly.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Now, create a little well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the egg, melted butter (that’s had a moment to cool off), vanilla extract, and milk. Using a gentle hand, stir everything together until just combined. It’s totally normal for the batter to look a bit lumpy — that’s the secret to a dreamy, tender stack. Over-mixing will make your pancakes tough, so stop stirring as soon as you see the flour disappear.

Step 3: Let the Batter Rest

Pause for a pancake power move: cover your bowl and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This lets the gluten relax and the magic of the baking powder start working, meaning taller, fluffier pancakes are on the horizon. You can use this time to heat up your skillet or round up your favorite toppings!

Step 4: Heat Your Pan or Skillet

Pop your non-stick skillet or pan onto the stove over low-medium heat. Allow it to warm up fully for a couple minutes so your first pancake turns out golden instead of pale and sad. A properly preheated pan means evenly cooked pancakes every time.

Step 5: Pour the Batter

Ladle about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the hot pan. Space them out if you’re cooking more than one at a time. They’ll puff up, so give them some room! Watch as tiny bubbles begin forming on the surface — that’s your cue for the next step.

Step 6: Flip the Pancake

Once the underside is golden brown and you’re seeing those hallmark bubbles dotting the top, it’s flipping time. Use a sturdy spatula to gently but confidently flip your pancake. Cook for another minute or so until the second side is perfectly golden as well.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer each Good Old Fashioned Pancake to a plate straight off the hot pan — nothing beats that warmth. Stack them high or serve right away, and don’t be shy with a pat of butter or drizzle of syrup!

How to Serve Good Old Fashioned Pancakes

Garnishes

No stack of Good Old Fashioned Pancakes is complete without some simple but satisfying garnishes. Classics like pure maple syrup, a generous pat of creamy butter, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar take these pancakes from great to unforgettable. For something a little more special, try a handful of berries, banana slices, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Side Dishes

Round out your breakfast spread with all your favorites! Crispy bacon, breakfast sausages, and scrambled eggs are all wonderful partners for Good Old Fashioned Pancakes. A fresh fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice adds a refreshing note and some lovely color to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your pancake breakfast into a memorable event by creating a “pancake bar” with bowls of assorted toppings — think chocolate chips, nuts, yogurt, or even lemon curd. Get the family in on the fun and let everyone build their dream stack! For brunch gatherings, try stacking mini pancakes with skewers and fruit for playful, easy-to-serve towers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover pancakes (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), simply let them cool to room temperature. Stack them between bits of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking, then seal them in an airtight container. Slide the container into the fridge, where the pancakes will stay delicious for up to three days — ready to be enjoyed with just a quick reheat.

Freezing

Good Old Fashioned Pancakes are totally freezer-friendly. Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and label with the date. They’ll be perfect for up to two months — great for busy mornings when you need instant pancake joy.

Reheating

Bringing your pancakes back to life is quick and easy. For soft and fluffy results, wrap a few pancakes in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds. For slightly crisp edges, pop them in a toaster or toaster oven. Either way, you’ll enjoy pancakes that taste freshly made — and no one will guess they came from the fridge or freezer!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all purpose?

Yes, you can! Substituting whole wheat flour makes the Good Old Fashioned Pancakes a bit heartier and nuttier. For the best texture, use half whole wheat and half all purpose, and maybe add a splash more milk if the batter feels thick.

What’s the best way to know when to flip pancakes?

Watch for bubbles forming and popping on the surface of the pancake, and check if the edges are beginning to look set and less shiny. That’s your tip-off for a perfect flip and spot-on browning!

Can I make Good Old Fashioned Pancakes without eggs?

Absolutely! For an egg-free version, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water and let sit for 5 minutes). Your pancakes will still be fluffy and delicious.

Why should I let the batter rest?

This short break gives the gluten time to relax and allows the baking powder to start bubbling, so the pancakes puff up beautifully when they hit the heat. You’ll notice a difference in both texture and height!

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries?

Definitely! Stir your favorite additions gently into the batter after mixing, or sprinkle them directly onto the poured pancakes before flipping. Good Old Fashioned Pancakes are a wonderful base for all sorts of tasty extras.

Final Thoughts

Warm, fluffy, and endlessly customizable, Good Old Fashioned Pancakes are truly breakfast bliss in every bite. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re rekindling a family favorite, this recipe is sure to bring some joy to the table. Give it a try, gather your loved ones, and watch these pancakes disappear in record time!

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