How to Make Pancake Batter

Boxed pancake mix is usually the go-to when it comes to weekend breakfasts, but you'd be surprised to learn how easy it is to whip up pancake batter from scratch with the ingredients in your pantry! Read this article for classic and gluten-free recipes.

Ingredients

Basic Pancake Batter

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Yield: 8 Pancakes

Gluten-Free Pancake Batter

1 cup rice flour
1/3 cup potato starch
3 tablespoons tapioca flour
4 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
1 packet sugar substitute
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
2 eggs
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups water

Yield: 10 Pancakes

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Basic Pancake Batter

1
Combine the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Slowly pour in the milk and mix well.
2
Add the eggs, vanilla, and vegetable oil. Whisk the batter thoroughly until there are no more lumps.

Advertisement
3
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Coat with a non-stick cooking spray, butter, or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4
Spoon the batter onto the pan and cook each side until it is golden brown. Use a spatula to flip the pancakes and to remove them when they are finished.
5
Serve immediately. Add fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar if desired.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Gluten-Free Pancake Batter

1
Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the eggs, water, and oil and whisk the batter until the lumps are gone.
2
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat with non-stick cooking spray, butter, or vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
3
Spoon the batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form. Flip the pancake over with a spatula and cook until both sides are golden brown.
4
Serve immediately. Add maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, walnuts, and other toppings if desired.
5
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I make pancake batter without baking powder?

Community Answer

I never use baking powder in my pancakes. Just use one cup of flour, an egg or two (depending on if you like dryer pancakes), and a flavoring extract of choice.
Question

Do you have to have baking powder and the baking soda?

Community Answer

You don't necessarily have to, but they greatly help the pancakes rise and be fluffy.
Question

Do I need baking powder?

Community Answer

Baking powder will help the pancakes to rise. It's not necessary, but you can use it if you like taller, fluffier, airier pancakes.