Store-bought pancake mix can save you when you’re in a bind.
It’s handy on a desert island or when your fridge only has mustard. But when you’re at home and craving a fluffy stack, homemade pancakes are the best choice.
I’ve loved pancakes since I discovered they are just breakfast cake (with less guilt).
Over time, I’ve tried many recipes. Some were great, while others… well, even my dog wouldn’t eat them. After all that batter and disappointment, I found amazing pancake recipe ideas.
They are easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress your taste buds and picky brunch guests.
If you’ve been searching for a “home made pancakes recipe” while looking at an empty plate, I’m here to help. Let’s make pancakes like pros.
Classic Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes (Aka The OG Stack)
Let’s start with the backbone of pancake greatness: fluffy buttermilk pancakes.
This is the gold standard—the one you compare all others to. And it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with that cardboard box mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar (don’t skip this—it matters)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk (or milk + vinegar if you’re in a pinch)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but 100% worth it)
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Lumps = good. Overmixing = chewy pancake sadness.
- Let the batter rest for 5–10 mins. It makes a difference, trust me.
- Cook on medium heat. Too hot and you get burnt outsides + raw middles. Ew.
Want to get fancy? Toss in a handful of blueberries, chocolate chips, or even bacon bits (yeah, I went there).
Banana Pancakes: For When You Have That One Sad Brown Banana
You know the one—it’s been sitting on your counter for a week, giving you guilt trips every time you make toast instead.
Well, turn that poor fruit into banana pancakes that taste like cozy, sweet comfort.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 overripe banana, mashed like it owes you money
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk (any kind—go wild)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Dash of cinnamon (because flavor)
Why You’ll Love These:
- Naturally sweetened by the banana = less added sugar.
- Great for kids or picky eaters who claim they “don’t like fruit.” LOL, okay.
FYI: These taste amazing with a drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella on top. Just sayin’.
Protein-Packed Pancakes That Don’t Taste Like Sad Diet Food
Trying to hit your macros without giving up pancakes? Respect. These high-protein pancakes deliver the goods without tasting like dry gym socks.
What’s In Them:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Dash of vanilla extract
Blend everything up until smooth, then cook like normal pancakes. Boom—muscle pancakes.
Why they rock:
- Quick to make and super filling.
- Great post-workout breakfast (or pre-brunch guilt reducer).
- You can double the batch and freeze for lazy days.
IMO, these don’t even need syrup. But I won’t judge if you drown them anyway. 😉
Pancake Hack: Sheet Pan Pancakes (Lazy Genius Alert)
Ever tried flipping pancakes while half-awake and slightly hungover? Same.
Enter: sheet pan pancakes. Just pour your batter into a baking tray, throw it in the oven, and boom—no flipping required.
How to Do It:
- Use your favorite pancake batter (see above options).
- Grease a baking tray (9×13 works well).
- Pour the batter in and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle toppings (berries, nuts, chocolate chips).
- Bake at 425°F for 12–15 mins or until golden and set.
Best part? You can cut it into perfect squares and pretend you’re the CEO of Breakfast Efficiency.
Vegan Pancakes That Don’t Suck (Promise)
You’d think “vegan” and “pancake” don’t belong in the same sentence, but I swear these taste legit amazing—and no animals were harmed in the making of your brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups plant milk (almond, oat, soy—whatever you vibe with)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Let the vinegar and milk hang out for 5 minutes (fake buttermilk vibes). Mix the rest, pour, cook, devour.
Topping ideas:
- Maple syrup and toasted coconut
- Almond butter and banana slices
- Jam and powdered sugar (don’t knock it ‘til you try it)
Savory Pancakes for When You’re Not in a Sweet Mood
Not everyone wakes up craving syrupy goodness. Some of us want cheese, herbs, and maybe even a little spice. Sound like you? Cool, let’s talk savory pancakes.
Try This Combo:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar is 🔥)
- Chopped chives, onions, or spinach
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, avocado, or even a fried egg on top. Honestly, these could double as lunch. Or dinner. Or midnight snack.
Pro tip: Make mini savory pancakes as party snacks. You’ll be the most popular person in the room, guaranteed.
Pancake Topping Ideas That Go Beyond Syrup
Don’t get me wrong—maple syrup is the GOAT. But if you wanna shake things up, here are some next-level toppings that’ll make your stack the stuff of dreams:
Sweet Toppings:
- Fresh berries and whipped cream
- Nutella + sliced strawberries
- Caramelized bananas and walnuts
- Yogurt + honey + granola
- Crushed cookies (because you’re a rebel)
Savory Toppings:
- Smoked salmon + dill + sour cream
- Avocado + chili flakes + lime
- Feta + tomatoes + basil
- Fried egg + hot sauce (breakfast goals)
Mix. Match. Experiment. You’re the pancake artist now. 🎨
Final Thoughts: Make Pancake Day, Every Day
Let’s not pretend pancakes are just for Sunday brunch. With these home made pancakes recipe ideas, you can whip up a fresh batch in under 20 minutes—faster if you don’t mind a little mess on the counter (worth it).
So whether you’re in the mood for classic buttermilk, healthy protein-packed, or something a little weird like savory cheese pancakes, there’s a recipe here that’ll hit the spot.
Next time someone tells you pancakes are boring or basic? Laugh politely… and make them the best stack of their life.
Then steal their fork. 😉
