(Better than Bisquick) Vanilla Pancakes

Vanilla Pancakes are the perfect lazy weekend meal! They’re made using only 7 ingredients and are complete in just three simple steps. Easily customize these fluffy pancakes with your favorite toppings to make them your own.

Any pancake recipe that doesn’t use a store-bought mix is a winner in my book! Even more so if the recipe is so easy that you can make it with your eyes closed. Spoiler alert: this recipe checks both of those boxes!

These vanilla pancakes are made using a super simple, straightforward recipe that only requires 20 minutes from start to finish. In less than half an hour, you’ll find yourself with ten fluffy, delicious, lovingly-made pancakes!

This recipe is perfect for lazy weekend mornings when you want something tasty but don’t want to venture out to a restaurant. Trust me, these pancakes will bring the restaurant right to you! They’re perfect for curling up on the sofa (plate filled and topped with maple syrup) to watch your favorite Netflix series! 

Ingredients needed to make vanilla pancakes

The ingredients needed to make these pancakes are just as you’d expect – flour, sugar, and so on! By keeping these ingredients simple, this is a recipe that you can probably make without having to go to the store.

• Flour: We’ll use flour as the main component of the batter. All-purpose is perfect here.
• Baking Powder: Baking powder will be used to help give these pancakes their fluffy texture. 
• White Sugar: I’m keeping these pancakes simple by using regular, granulated sugar.
• Salt: A dash of salt goes a long way, both for improving the texture and balancing the taste.
• Milk: Milk helps provide consistency and is needed to make the batter. Use whichever milk you have on hand (plant-based also works!)
• Egg: We’ll be using just one egg in this recipe. See notes below on how to veganize this recipe!
• Butter: Three tablespoons of butter is the perfect amount for these pancakes, adding flavor, texture, and keeping them from sticking to the pan!
• Vanilla Extract: For extra flavor, vanilla extract does the trick! 

How to make pancakes

These vanilla pancakes are one of my favorite breakfasts to whip together, and not just because they taste great! Sure, they’re absolutely delicious, but they’re also extremely easy to make. When I need something that’s quick  and will satisfy my sweet tooth, these are my go-to.

1. Mix the ingredients: First, stir the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until mostly combined. If you have some lumps in the batter, that’s fine! Do not over stir. 

2. Cook the batter: Next, lightly grease a large saute pan and set over medium heat. Spoon ¼ cup portions of pancake batter into the pan, cooking until you see bubbles form on the top, and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until the second side is golden brown.

3. Serve and enjoy: Set the oven to 200°F (95°C). Keep the cooked pancakes warm by setting them on a baking sheet and placing them in the oven.

Veganize this recipe

This is one of the easiest recipes to make vegan-friendly. With just a few simple ingredient swaps, you’ll be on your way to delicious vegan pancakes. Here are the ingredients you’ll have to omit, along with ideas for replacements.

• Milk: Milk is the easiest swap to make! Instead of cow’s milk, use the plant-based milk of your choice. Vanilla soymilk would work well, as would almond or oat milk. They don’t have to be vanilla flavored. 
• Egg: Instead of using an egg in this recipe, using flax seeds will work really well. To replace one egg (which is what’s needed for this recipe), simply mix one tablespoon of flax meal (ground flax seeds) with three tablespoons of hot water. 
• Butter: Butter is another easy swap. Simply use the plant-based butter of your choice! Use the exact measurement that the recipe calls for (3 tablespoons).

Go crazy with toppings and mix-ins

Pancakes are so much fun to make because there are a million and one ways to customize them! You can add pretty much anything to the batter, or you can throw extra goodies on top! 

• Syrup: You don’t have to be confined to maple syrup! You can top this recipe with chocolate, strawberry, or caramel syrup.
• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more all taste great when added to the batter and cooked into the pancakes.
• Chips: Chocolate chips are the usual go-to, but what about white chocolate, butterscotch, or caramel chips? I bet they would all be delicious.
• Coffee: Are you a coffee lover? Mix a teaspoon of grounds into your batter for a little coffee kick!
• Candy: Mix in crushed Kit-Kats, Reese’s Cups, M&Ms (or use mini M&Ms), etc.!

More breakfast ideas

Feeling stumped when it comes to breakfast ideas? Good thing I’ve got plenty for you to try! Here are some delicious options that you’re sure to enjoy. 

• Sweet Potato Rolls
• Eggless French Toast
• Granola Bars
• Quinoa Skillet