This post contains affiliate links.

These are hands-down the fluffiest, melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk pancakes you’ll ever taste (see ya later, box mix!). Tested, loved, and devoured by thousands, this 20-minute recipe is virtually foolproof.

Pair these pancakes with Breakfast Fruit Salad and Sheet Pan Eggs to save stove space!

Buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate.
save this recipe!
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

world’s Fluffiest Pancakes

If you’ve ever turned to boxed pancake mix for those Saturday morning breakfasts (no judgment—we’ve all been there), it’s time to up your game!

Making pancakes from scratch is way easier than you think, and guess what? You probably already have all the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.

These fluffy buttermilk pancakes are what dreams are made of (we’re talking light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth good). One bite will have you seriously questioning why you ever settled for Bisquick. Let’s do this!

Reader rating

★★★★★

“Excellent, fluffy and delicious!” —Ronda

Add your review

Stack of buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate with a wedge cut out of it.

Will powdered buttermilk work?

I prefer using fresh buttermilk here, which has a nicer flavor and thicker texture. In a pinch, you could use powdered buttermilk, but the flavor won’t be quite as good.

Ingredients needed to make buttermilk pancakes.
Mixing pancake batter.
Lumps are your friend! Overmixing the batter can make your pancakes dense and tough.

What does buttermilk do?

You may be wondering, “Why buttermilk in pancakes?” To which I would say, “Because MAGIC”. Buttermilk works wonders for making your pancakes fluffy and tender. The acidity in the buttermilk reacts with baking soda to make these the fluffiest pancakes (no baking powder needed).

Buttermilk pancake on a spatula.
Buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate.

Switch It Up!

Gluten-Free: I haven’t tried a gluten-free version of these buttermilk pancakes, but you can try our gluten-free banana pancakes if you’re looking for something similar!

Berry-Licious: Add frozen or fresh fruit (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries would be delish!) directly into the batter before cooking.

Protein Punch: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder in place of some flour for a post-workout breakfast with an extra protein kick!

Whole Wheat: For a healthier twist, swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. (You’ll get a nice nutty flavor and boost the fiber content!)

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes (No Baking Powder)

4.73 from 11 ratings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 pancakes
These melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk pancakes are the fluffiest ever—tested and loved by thousands! A foolproof 20-minute recipe that beats any box mix.

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, 240 g
  • 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk, 480 mL
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Save this recipe!
Enter your email & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Instructions 

  • Stir Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 Tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
    Mixing the dry ingredients for pancakes.
  • Stir Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. While whisking, streamin ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted). Its okay if the butter solidifes a bit when it hits the milk.
    Mixing the wet ingredients for pancakes.
  • Stir It All Together: Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until mostly combined (some lumps in the batter are okay, do not over-stir). Let pancake batter rest while you heat the pan (it's best to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cooking).
    Mixing pancake batter.
  • Cook: Lightly grease a large nonstick skillet and set over medium/low heat. Spoon ½-cup portions of pancake batter into the pan, cooking until you see bubbles form on top and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until golden brown.
    Buttermilk pancake on a spatula in a pan.
  • Serve: Keep cooked pancakes warm until serving by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or by placing on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.
    Buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate.

Nutrition

Serving: 3pancakes | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 62.8g | Protein: 13.8g | Fat: 12.8g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 990mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 15.2g | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 3.4mg

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.

did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!

Eat vegetarian cookbook.

Let's eat more plants!

Packed with over 100 reader-favorite vegetarian recipes, my cookbook is your go-to guide for easy, healthy meals that make plant-based eating a breeze.

You May Also Like

4.73 from 11 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Question? Ask your question here! Sarah personally answers comments every weekday.

Rate this Recipe:




16 Comments

  1. Ellison says:

    5 stars
    My family loved this!