The Best Pancake Recipes

Just about everyone loves pancakes! And we’ve got you covered with the best pancake recipes to suit every taste, from a tried-and-true classic stack to unique flavors and even savory pancake options! 

Any day is a good day for pancakes, whether it’s a lazy weekend, breakfast-for-dinner night, brunch with friends or a special-occasion morning. Having the best pancake recipes at your fingertips will ensure you’re prepared for any occasion requiring a stack of homemade pancakes, topped with syrup and melted butter (or perhaps something fancier — be sure to check out my toppings and syrups section, below).

This roundup includes pancakes of all varieties: classic recipes for pancakes made from scratch, savory versions, quick-fix options and interesting twists and variations. Be sure to check out my pancake making tips and tricks to master making the best-ever pancakes from scratch.

Classic Pancake Recipes

These tried-and-true recipes are for traditional pancakes that have stood the test of time.

Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes: Tangy buttermilk makes the fluffiest, most tender pancakes ever. Turn to this recipe every time you want perfect from-scratch pancakes as good as any diner. 

Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes: Greek yogurt takes the place of buttermilk and packs these fluffy pancakes with protein. A healthy and quick option for a weekday breakfast, this recipe also uses whole-wheat flour for added nutrients and fiber.

Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes: Rich and creamy ricotta cheese makes a truly tender pancake. And whipping the egg whites, then folding them into the batter, keeps them fluffy. They’re fantastic topped with fresh berries.

Banana Nut Pancakes: A handful of chopped pecans add crunch to a classic banana pancakes recipe. Save leftovers to slather with peanut butter for a snack.

Dutch Baby Pancake: A puffy pancake that’s made in a skillet and cut into wedges, this recipe has German origins but was invented in the US in the early 1900s. It’s not too sweet, so it can be eaten with sweet or savory toppings. 

Quick Sheet Pan Pancakes: Cooking for a crowd? No problem! You can avoid standing over the stove forever by making a big sheet-pan pancake to slice into individual portions.

Pancakes With a Twist

Perfect for special occasions or even dessert, these pancake recipes offer a variety of fun variations on everyone’s favorite short stack.

Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes: Just like a favorite muffin variety, these pancakes have a fresh, tangy flavor with a subtle poppyseed crunch. Try them with a dollop of lemon curd or drizzled with blueberry syrup. 

Banana Sour Cream Pancakes: If you’re craving banana bread but don’t have the time to make a loaf, these pancakes are the next best thing.

Pumpkin Spice Dutch Baby Pancake: A DIY spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves gives fall flavor to a classic Dutch baby. Made in a cast iron skillet, this single pancake gets cut into wedges for everyone to share.

Raspberry Oatmeal Pancakes: You’ll stay full all day with these hearty pancakes, made with oatmeal and studded with juicy raspberries. 

Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes: Applesauce is the key to moist, tender pancakes that taste just like fall. Saute some apples in butter and brown sugar to spoon on top. 

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes: Your favorite Thanksgiving dessert in flapjack form! Pumpkin puree and fall spices give this pancake recipe its cozy flavor.

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze: So decadent you could serve them for dessert! The best part of these colorful, chocolatey pancakes is the drizzle of creamy glaze.

Orange Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pancakes: You’ll want to save this recipe for a special brunch. Orange and chocolate are a winning flavor combination, and ricotta cheese adds richness.

Savory Pancakes

Quick and easy pancakes are a perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner?” question. They’re versatile enough to be served with a variety of toppings.

Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes: Perfect when you have a post-Thanksgiving or St. Patrick’s Day excess of mashed potatoes, this recipe whips up cheesy pancakes that are creamy on the inside, crisp on the outside. Top them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of chives or green onions. 

Sweet Corn Pancakes with Bacon: Versatile corn pancakes make a great dinner. Top them with pinto beans or Texas Caviar and sliced avocado, a fried egg or leftover chili. Or, you can skew sweet with a drizzle of maple syrup or berry compote.

Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce: A favorite Asian appetizer, these wafer-thin pancakes are layered with scallions. Dip wedges into a tangy sauce.

Bacon Pancake Dippers: Kids love these fun, handheld breakfast treats. Make up a batch on the weekend and freeze them for a quick school-morning breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Mix and match these decadent toppings to up your pancake game.

• Homemade Whipped Cream
• Bourbon Caramel Sauce
• 10-Minute Blueberry Sauce
• Homemade Butterscotch Sauce
• Slow Cooker Applesauce
• Fresh Strawberry Syrup
• Caramelized Bananas

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