Copycat IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes

Copycat IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes

These homemade buttermilk pancakes are soft, fluffy, and melt in your mouth, just like the ones you enjoy at IHOP! With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the classic, diner-style pancake at home. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings!


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (or 1 3/4 cups milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Mix the Batter:
    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should still have some lumps. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.
  4. Preheat the Griddle or Pan:
    Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. You’ll know it’s ready when a few drops of water sizzle on the surface.
  5. Cook the Pancakes:
    Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.
  6. Serve:
    Serve the pancakes hot with butter and maple syrup. You can also add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Tips for Fluffy Pancakes

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing leads to tough pancakes.
  • Temperature Control: Make sure your pan or griddle isn’t too hot, as this can cause the pancakes to burn before they cook through.
  • Keeping Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F until ready to serve.

Customization Ideas

  • Fruit Toppings: Top your pancakes with sliced bananas, berries, or sautéed cinnamon apples for added sweetness.
  • Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella into the batter for extra flavor.
  • For a Lighter Version: Use half whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier take on the classic pancake.

Would you like any additional tips on how to make these pancakes even fluffier or ideas for toppings?

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