Pancakes, the American pancakes 2026

Having homemade pancakes for breakfast is the true American dream. If you also grew up envying the stars of your favorite TV shows who ate pancakes covered in maple syrup and butter, this recipe is for you. 

American pancakes are very easy to prepare and require very few ingredients. Unlike French crepes , pancakes are much fluffier thanks to the presence of yeast, which incorporates air bubbles into the batter. In fact, the word pancake comes from "pan" and "cake," meaning "pan" and "cake," because their texture is similar to that of a sponge cake, but they don't require an oven to cook.

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Thanks to their neutral flavor, pancakes are the perfect base for any topping, such as whipped cream, jam, Nutella, fruit, or simply a pat of butter. We love them with berries, banana slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup. 

If you like American breakfasts, you'll also love our glazed donut recipe and our favorite chocolate chip cookies . And if you're more of a dessert person, you have to try these super-easy cupcakes and this incredible carrot cake.

In our video, we explain the secret to making authentically fluffy and soft pancakes, just like those in American movies.

Don't wait any longer and discover how to make some delicious pancakes!

Necessary ingredients

How to make fluffy pancakes

Below we show you how to prepare these delicious pancakes, following the recipe step by step.

What to serve with pancakes?

American pancakes can be served with all kinds of toppings. The most traditional are butter, maple syrup, or cream, but they are also often served with chocolate or Nutella, jam, or honey. They are also often served with sliced ​​fruit such as bananas, strawberries, or blueberries.

If you're more of a savory pancake person, you have to try these with bacon and maple syrup. We promise you won't regret it.

Can I add other ingredients to the pancake batter?

Yes, you can add different ingredients to customize your pancakes. The most common are blueberries, but they're also delicious with chocolate chips, oatmeal, nuts, or even sliced ​​fruit.

If you want to make blueberry pancakes, simply add a handful of blueberries to your pancake once you've added the batter to the pan. Add the blueberries and press them lightly with your finger so they don't escape from the batter. If you want to add other smaller ingredients, such as seeds or oats, you can add them directly while preparing the batter.

Full American breakfast

If you want to make the perfect American breakfast, be sure to pair your pancakes with orange juice and coffee or fried eggs with bacon and toast. And if you don't want to leave anything out, be sure to include some crazy cereals like Fruit Loops or Lucky Charms.

What is the difference between pancakes and crepes?

American pancakes and crepes are often compared, but in reality, they have nothing in common. Pancakes are small cakes prepared in a pan, which rise thanks to the addition of baking soda or yeast. Pancakes are served with toppings but are not filled.

Crepes, on the other hand, are made very thin and are usually filled with other ingredients, whether sweet or savory. If you're craving delicious crepes, try our recipe here .

How to get super fluffy pancakes?

The key to super thick and fluffy pancakes is to let the batter rest before baking. This gives the yeast time to work, filling the batter with air bubbles. If you've let your batter rest and still end up with flat pancakes, it could be because the batter is too runny or overmixed. To fix this, add a little more flour and fold it in lightly with a spatula without overmixing. Pay attention to the texture of our batter when we pour it into the pan; that's the texture you're looking for.