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These classic American-style pancakes are made extra-fluffy with the help of two raising agents: baking powder and self-raising flour. Follow our simple pancake batter recipe using basic pancake ingredients plus maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. This fluffy pancake recipe is perfect for a leisurely brunch or Shrove Tuesday celebration.

For more perfect pancake inspiration, check out our savoury pancake recipes, vegan pancakes, classic crêpes and more pancake recipes.


How to make American pancakes... step-by-step video


Easy American pancakes recipe

  • 150g self-raising flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 150ml milk
  • ½ tbsp maple syrup
    plus more to serve
  • 1-2 tbsp butter
    plus more to serve

Nutrition:

  • kcal488
  • fat19g
  • saturates11g
  • carbs64g
  • sugars7g
  • fibre3g
  • protein14g
  • salt1.41g

Method

  • Pancake mix recipe:

  • step 2

    Put the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk to combine and aerate the flour slightly. Make a well in the middle, crack in the egg and pour in the milk and maple syrup. Whisk to form a thick, smooth batter.

  • To cook the pancakes:

  • step 4

    Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add 1 tbsp butter. Brush around the base of the pan, and pour any excess into a small bowl – you only want a small film on the base of the pan or the pancakes will crisp at the edges, rather than being a uniform golden brown.

  • step 5

    Add 2-3 tablespoons of batter to form small-medium pancakes, about 10cm wide. Do this in batches to ensure the pancakes don’t stick together during cooking. Fry for 2-3 mins until bubbles rise to the surface, and the sides look set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 mins until golden on both sides. Keep warm in a low oven or on a warm plate while you make the rest – you should get six pancakes. Repeat with the remaining butter and mixture until all the batter is used up. Serve in stacks with more maple syrup and butter.

Try five more of our pancake recipes:

Classic crêpes

These classic crêpes, requiring just five ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, can be served sweet or savoury – we love them topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

A plate of crepes on a stone surface topped with sliced fruit and a dusting of icing sugar

Vegan peanut butter and jelly pancakes

Welcome the weekend in style with a stack of delicious, fluffy vegan pancakes. To top it all off, we've added a classic combo of peanut butter and homemade blueberry compote. Irresistible.

Vegan PBJ Pancakes Recipe

Scotch pancakes

Also known as 'drop scones', these light and fluffy Scotch pancakes make the ideal afternoon tea or breakfast treat. Enjoy warm with a slathering of butter.

Scotch Pancakes Recipe (Drop Scones Recipe)

Healthy banana pancakes

These gluten free and dairy free pancakes are really quick to whip up and use just 3 ingredients. The peanut butter makes them sturdy so they’re easy to flip, and you can use any nut butter you like. Try making these easy pancakes for Shrove Tuesday.


Blueberry pancakes

Treat yourself to a stack of healthy blueberry-flecked cornmeal pancakes, flavoured with orange zest and maple syrup. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch

Three stacks of blueberry pancakes

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