Pancake Love Stack

Name: Pancake Love Stack
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Maple syrup; Fresh berries; Whipped cream

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

I love starting my day with a tall stack of pancakes, and this Pancake Love Stack recipe is my go-to! The fluffy texture and sweet aroma fill my kitchen with warmth and comfort. Each layer of these delightful pancakes can be customized with toppings like fresh fruit, syrup, or even whipped cream for a little indulgence. This recipe is not only simple but is guaranteed to impress anyone at the breakfast table, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or hosting a brunch gathering with friends.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T15:00:30.461Z

When I first decided to create the Pancake Love Stack, I wanted a recipe that celebrated the joy of breakfast. I experimented with various flours and liquids, and I found that combining all-purpose flour with buttermilk gave the pancakes an incredible fluffiness that truly elevates the experience. Each bite is a perfect balance of lightness and flavor.

One tip I’ve learned is to let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. This small step allows the gluten to relax, resulting in even softer pancakes. I can already imagine the delighted faces of family and friends as they dig into this stack – it’s a breakfast moment worth savoring!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fluffy and light texture that makes every bite a delight.
Customizable toppings to suit everyone's taste.
Perfect for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to special celebrations.

      

Mastering the Batter

The base for these pancakes centers on the combination of dry and wet ingredients. It's essential to sift the flour and other dry components to avoid clumps, ensuring a smooth batter that will yield fluffy pancakes. Mixing them well, just until combined, helps create air pockets while preventing gluten from developing too much, which can lead to a dense texture. A few small lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing is a common pitfall that many home cooks encounter.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond milk in place of some of the buttermilk or even incorporating a hint of cinnamon to the batter. If you find yourself without buttermilk, a quick substitute can be made by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for five minutes. This acidity aids in creating the pancake’s tender structure while providing a subtle tang that complements the sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect pancake also relies heavily on your cooking technique. Preheat your skillet or griddle on medium heat before adding any batter; too low of a temperature won't produce the golden-brown crust desired. When you pour the batter, you should hear a gentle sizzle – this indicates the pan is hot enough. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes for bubbles to form on the surface; when they start to pop, it’s time to flip. This visual cue ensures that the pancake is cooked enough to hold together during flipping.

If your first pancake comes out unevenly cooked, don't worry! It's often a sign that your pan wasn’t quite at the right temperature yet. Adjust heat settings as needed for subsequent batches and ensure to re-grease your skillet each time to keep them from sticking. Remember that leaving space between pancakes will allow them to cook evenly without steaming each other.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once your pancakes are beautifully stacked, add an artistic touch with toppings! Try mixing different berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, for a vibrant presentation. A drizzle of warm maple syrup on top can enhance the flavor with its sweet richness. If you want something more indulgent, whipped cream can add a light, airy complement to the fluffiness of the pancakes, creating a delightful texture contrast.

If you're looking to meal prep, pancakes can be frozen for up to two months. Simply let them cool completely, then layer parchment paper between each pancake before placing them in an airtight bag. To reheat, microwave them for about 30-45 seconds per pancake or use a toaster for a crisp finish. This makes it easy to enjoy homemade pancakes any weekday morning without the fuss of preparation!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Whipped cream

Gather all the ingredients listed above to make your pancake stack delightful and satisfying.

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Once hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Stack and Serve

Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the pancakes high on a plate. Top with your favorite accompaniments like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream before serving.

Enjoy your Pancake Love Stack with good company and delightful toppings!

Pro Tips

For fluffier pancakes, ensure you don’t overmix the batter. Allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before cooking for best results.

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Pancake Love Stack! For a chocolate lover’s dream, fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before cooking. Alternatively, adding mashed bananas or grated zucchini can lend moisture and natural sweetness while sneaking in some fruits or veggies for a balanced breakfast. Infusing the batter with spices like nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile, making your pancakes feel like a special treat.

For a savory spin, you can experiment with adding finely chopped herbs like chives or spinach into the batter. Serve these savory pancakes with a side of avocado and poached eggs for an invigorating brunch option that stands out from the traditional stack.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your pancakes are coming out too dry, it's often a sign of overmixing. Ensuring that you only mix until everything is combined can make a tremendous difference in texture. Additionally, checking your baking powder’s expiration date is vital, as old leavening agents can prevent pancakes from rising properly, resulting in a dense final product.

On the other hand, if your pancakes are too wet or gummy in the middle, increasing the cooking time slightly while monitoring the temperature might help. Every stove is different; turning the heat up a notch can allow the outside to cook through without compromising the fluffy interior.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How do I keep the pancakes warm?

You can keep the cooked pancakes warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) while you cook the rest.

→ Can I freeze leftover pancakes?

Absolutely! Let the pancakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and freeze. To reheat, use a toaster or microwave.