Classic American Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Few things are as comforting and iconic as a stack of Classic American Pancakes drizzled generously with warm maple syrup. Light, fluffy, and golden brown, these pancakes are a breakfast staple that bring pure joy to mornings everywhere.

Whether enjoyed on a lazy weekend, a special brunch, or a busy weekday, these pancakes are quick to make and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The combination of buttery softness and the sweet, earthy flavor of maple syrup makes each bite unforgettable.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this pancake recipe because it’s simple, foolproof, and consistently perfect. The pancakes turn out light and fluffy every single time, with a delicate golden crust and tender interior. The slightly sweet batter pairs beautifully with the richness of butter and the natural sweetness of maple syrup.

Plus, it’s a recipe that evokes nostalgia and warmth — reminiscent of cozy mornings, family breakfasts, and the comforting smell of pancakes cooking on a hot griddle. It’s a dish that makes any morning feel special.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic and timeless: A breakfast favorite loved across generations.
• Perfectly fluffy: Buttermilk and baking powder give the best rise.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
• Versatile: Great with fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts.
• Comfort food at its best: Simple ingredients that taste amazing together.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (8–10 pancakes)
• Calories: ~210 kcal per pancake (without syrup)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For Cooking & Serving:

• Butter or oil, for greasing the pan
• Maple syrup, for drizzling
• Optional toppings: Fresh berries, banana slices, or whipped cream

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl.
3. Combine both mixtures gently.
4. Cook pancakes on a hot greased pan until golden.
5. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Make a small well in the center to pour the wet ingredients later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
2. Gently stir with a whisk or spatula until just combined.
   • The batter should be slightly lumpy — don’t overmix or the pancakes will be tough.
3. If the batter seems too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to adjust the consistency.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
3. Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet.
4. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2 minutes).
5. Flip and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 5: Serve

1. Stack pancakes on a plate, top with a pat of butter, and drizzle with warm maple syrup.
2. Add fresh fruit, nuts, or whipped cream if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, stacked high, and dripping with maple syrup and melted butter.
• Add sides like scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a full breakfast.
• For a fancy brunch, top with fresh berries, caramelized bananas, or Nutella drizzle.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or orange juice for the perfect morning meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter — a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking for extra fluffiness.
• Use medium heat — too high and they’ll brown before cooking through.
• Wipe the pan between batches to prevent burnt butter spots.
• Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing the batch.

Variations

1. Blueberry Pancakes — Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
2. Chocolate Chip Pancakes — Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
3. Banana Pancakes — Add mashed ripe banana to the wet ingredients.
4. Whole Wheat Pancakes — Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
5. Cinnamon Pancakes — Add ½ tsp cinnamon for warm spice flavor.
6. Vegan Pancakes — Use almond milk and flax egg, and replace butter with coconut oil.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a toaster for crispness.

Freezing:

• Stack cooled pancakes with parchment paper between each one.
• Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Ladle or ¼-cup measuring cup (for pouring batter)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are my pancakes flat and dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause gluten to form, making pancakes heavy. Mix just until combined.

Q2: Can I make pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours, but it’s best used fresh for fluffier results.

Q3: Why are my pancakes burning quickly?
Your heat is too high. Medium heat allows pancakes to cook evenly without burning.

Q4: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

Q5: Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Conclusion

Classic American Pancakes with Maple Syrup are the heart of a perfect breakfast — simple, satisfying, and universally loved. Each pancake is fluffy, buttery, and golden brown, soaking up that rich maple syrup in the most irresistible way.

They’re the ultimate comfort food for mornings, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself. With endless variation possibilities and easy preparation, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.