Fluffy Pantry Pancakes

Soft, tall pancakes with crisp edges and a tender middle—made with simple staples and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1 1/4 cups (310ml) milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp melted butter (or neutral oil), plus extra for the pan
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1–2 tsp oil or butter, for cooking

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Mix dry ingredients

  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined (no visible streaks of baking powder).

• 2

  Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

  In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter (make sure it’s warm, not hot), and vanilla (if using) until smooth.

• 3

  Step 3: Combine (don’t overmix)

  Pour the wet into the dry. Use a whisk or spatula to mix just until you no longer see dry flour. The batter should be thick and a little lumpy—stop mixing early to keep pancakes fluffy. Rest batter 5 minutes while the pan heats.

• 4

  Step 4: Preheat pan

  Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with a thin film of butter/oil. You want a steady sizzle, not smoking.

• 5

  Step 5: Cook first side

  Scoop 1/3 cup batter per pancake onto the pan. Cook until bubbles rise and pop on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.

• 6

  Step 6: Flip & finish

  Flip and cook the other side until golden brown and the pancake springs back lightly when pressed, about 1–2 minutes. Repeat, greasing the pan lightly between batches as needed.

Tips

• **Fluffiest pancakes**: The #1 rule is *don’t overmix*—lumps are good. Also keep the heat medium so they cook through without burning.
• **No baking soda?** Use 3 tsp baking powder total (instead of 2 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp baking soda). They’ll still be fluffy.
• **Keep warm**: Hold cooked pancakes on a tray in a 90°C / 200°F oven while you finish the batch.
• **Serve with**: Butter + maple syrup, honey, jam, or a dusting of sugar/cinnamon (all optional pantry-style toppers).

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)