The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes are a delightful breakfast option perfect for any occasion. These fluffy pancakes, enhanced by the magic of yeast, have slightly crispy edges and a soft, airy center. Topped with a luscious maple butter sauce, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, these pancakes bring warmth and joy to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy Texture: The yeast gives these pancakes a light and airy quality that sets them apart from standard recipes.
• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, whipping up these pancakes is simple and hassle-free.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or your favorite syrup for a personalized touch.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts during busy mornings.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Buttermilk Pancakes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Skillet or griddle
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Skillet or griddle: Using a non-stick skillet or griddle ensures even cooking and easy flipping of pancakes.

Ingredients

The secret to the Best Buttermilk Pancakes? Yeast! Slightly crispy edges and a soft, fluffy middle. Top it all off with maple butter sauce!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups buttermilk (may need a bit more depending on how thick the batter comes out)
• 2 tablespoons oil (I prefer corn oil for this)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Maple Butter Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract

How to Make The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3. 2 tablespoons sugar
4. 1 packet Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast
5. 1 teaspoon salt
6. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, mix:
2. 2 cups buttermilk
3. 2 tablespoons oil.
4. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until warm to the touch (120F to 130F degrees), being careful not to boil.

Step 3: Mix Batter

1. Add the heated buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients along with:
2. 1 large egg, beaten
3. Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
4. Stir until just combined; pancake batter should have lumps. If too thick, add more heated buttermilk until it reaches cake batter consistency.

Step 4: Let Batter Rise

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot for about 10-15 minutes. The batter should almost double in size and look bubbly.

Step 5: Preheat Skillet or Griddle

1. Heat your skillet or griddle to medium heat (about 250F degrees).
2. Add about a tablespoon of oil to coat the skillet evenly.

Step 6: Cook Pancakes

1. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle.
2. Cook until edges are dry and surface is bubbly; then flip and cook until golden brown.

Step 7: Make Maple Butter Sauce

1. In a small pan over low heat, melt:
2. 2 tablespoons salted butter.
3. Stir in:
4. The entire can of sweetened condensed milk
5. 1/2 teaspoon maple extract.
6. Whisk well for about one to two minutes until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Serve

Once everything is ready, pour the maple butter sauce over warm pancakes and enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Serving pancakes is all about creativity and personal preference. The Best Buttermilk Pancakes can be enjoyed in various delightful ways, making your breakfast or brunch an irresistible treat.

Classic Maple Syrup

• Rich maple syrup drizzled over the warm pancakes enhances their flavor and adds sweetness.

Fresh Fruits

• Top with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or sliced peaches for a refreshing twist and added nutrients.

Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream makes for a decadent topping, perfect for special occasions or lazy weekends.

Nut Butters

• Spread almond or peanut butter on top for a protein-packed option that adds a creamy texture.

Yogurt Parfait

• Layer pancakes with Greek yogurt and granola for a fun and filling parfait-style breakfast.

Chocolate Chips

• Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter or on top after cooking for a sweet surprise in every bite.

How to Perfect The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Perfecting your pancake game takes some practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pancakes turn out fluffy and delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and yeast are fresh for the best rise and taste.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined; lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
• Control the heat: Cook on medium heat to avoid burning. If they cook too quickly, reduce the temperature.
• Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to sit briefly helps it develop flavor and improve texture.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like honey or fruit compote to keep things exciting.
• Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick surface ensures even cooking without sticking, making flipping easier.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

Pairing side dishes with pancakes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tasty options that complement The Best Buttermilk Pancakes perfectly.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of pancakes.
2. Turkey Sausage: Savory turkey sausage links add flavor while keeping it leaner than traditional sausage.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and a burst of color to your plate.
4. Crispy Hash Browns: Golden hash browns offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with soft pancakes.
5. Oven-Baked Turkey turkey bacon: Crispy oven-baked beef turkey turkey bacon provides that beloved savory element alongside your sweet pancakes.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl filled with fruits offers a nutritious counterpart to pancakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect buttermilk pancakes can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a fluffy and delicious result.

• Skipping the yeast: Yeast is key for that light fluffiness. Don’t skip it; it helps the pancakes rise beautifully.
• Using cold buttermilk: Cold ingredients can hinder the yeast activation. Always warm your buttermilk before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Lumps are okay! Overmixing can make your pancakes tough. Stir just until combined for the best texture.
• Not letting the batter rise: Allow time for the batter to rise. This step contributes to a lighter pancake, so don’t rush it.
• Cooking on high heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Medium heat is ideal for even cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last for up to 3 days when properly stored.

Freezing The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

• For longer storage, freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Pancakes can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pancakes on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add pancakes and cover for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my pancakes are done?

Pancakes are ready to flip when the edges appear dry and bubbles form on the surface.

Can I make The Best Buttermilk Pancakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge overnight or cook them ahead and reheat as needed.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How can I customize The Best Buttermilk Pancakes?

Feel free to add blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts to your batter for extra flavor!

Conclusion

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes are not only fluffy and delicious but also versatile enough to suit any breakfast table. With options for customization, these pancakes will quickly become a family favorite. Give them a try today and enjoy!

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