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Stack of fluffy American pancakes topped with melting butter, drizzled maple syrup, and fresh berries on a white plate

fluffy American Pancakes (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Want pancakes so light they practically float off the plate? These diner-style pancakes are thick, airy, and golden, with a slightly crisp edge and a tender, cloud-like center that melts in your mouth. The secret is all in the mixing – and no buttermilk? No problem – we've got a pantry hack that works every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 12 pancakes

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Electric mixer or whisk (for egg whites)

Ingredients
  

  • - 200 g all-purpose flour
  • - 1 tsp baking soda
  • - 1 tsp baking powder
  • - 1 tbsp sugar
  • - ½ tsp salt
  • - 300 ml buttermilk or 300 ml milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes
  • - 50 g melted butter + extra for cooking
  • - 2 eggs separated
  • - 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • - A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg optional

Instructions
 

  • Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
  • Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  • Whip the egg whites: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine everything: Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour in the liquid mixture and mix gently. Fold in the egg whites carefully using a spatula, lifting the batter to keep as much air as possible.
  • Rest the batter: Let the batter rest at room temperature for 10 minutes – it will puff up noticeably.
  • Cook the pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour a small ladle of batter for each pancake. When bubbles form on the surface and the edges look cooked, flip the pancake. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  • Serve: Stack the pancakes and top with maple syrup, fresh fruits, or a dollop of butter

Notes

- For a nuttier flavor, replace 50 g of flour with spelt flour.
- You can add blueberries or chocolate chips directly into the batter for a fun twist.
- To keep pancakes warm for a crowd: place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven.