IHOP Pancake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating those pillowy-soft, golden-brown stacks that make breakfast at America’s favorite diner so magical, then this IHOP Pancake Recipe is your ticket to all-day comfort. These pancakes rise to fluffy perfection, sporting that signature buttery flavor and just the right hint of sweetness. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy weekend brunch or a speedy weekday treat, this recipe promises IHOP-style results that will turn your kitchen into everyone’s favorite breakfast spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples builds the base for the iconic IHOP Pancake Recipe. Every ingredient plays a critical role, from creaminess and rise to golden color and tender bite—don’t be tempted to swap or skip!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your pancakes, giving them that ideal light, fluffy body.
• Egg: Adds richness, sets the structure, and helps everything hold together without feeling dense.
• Buttermilk: The hero ingredient—its gentle tang makes pancakes irresistibly tender and creates those trademark soft pockets.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to keep things delightful but never cloying.
• Baking powder: Team leavening agent—works with baking soda for the ultimate rise and cloud-like texture.
• Baking soda: Interacts brilliantly with buttermilk, boosting fluffiness and that perfect golden color.
• Salt: A touch sharpens and balances all the flavors so your pancakes aren’t flat or bland.
• Melted butter: Delivers richness and that signature IHOP buttery taste in every bite.
• Vanilla extract: One whiff and you know these pancakes are something special—don’t skip it for that classic aroma.

How to Make IHOP Pancake Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—trust me, fluffy pancakes need lots of room to breathe! Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re thoroughly combined. This simple step ensures every bite has an even distribution of leavening agents and sweetness, laying the foundation for pancakes that rise light and proud.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg well, then pour in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything’s just blended. The melted butter should mix in smoothly, giving your batter a subtle richness and delightful aroma—the secret to that IHOP Pancake Recipe magic.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Now pour your wet mixture over the dry ingredients, and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. It’s fine (actually, ideal!) if there are a few streaks of flour or small lumps. Over-mixing toughens the batter, but a gentle approach keeps things light and airy—exactly what you want for a stack that tastes just like the real deal.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Let your bowl of pancake batter hang out for 5–10 minutes on the counter. This little pause gives the flour time to hydrate and the chemical leaveners a head start—resulting in thick, incredibly fluffy pancakes that could easily fool any IHOP devotee.

Step 5: Heat the Skillet or Griddle

Set a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with either butter or neutral oil. The goal: a sizzle as soon as your batter touches the surface, but no smoking. Getting the temperature right helps the pancakes develop that characteristic golden color without burning.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Scoop about ¼ cup of batter onto the preheated skillet for each pancake. Watch for bubbles to form and pop on the surface and for the edges to look set—usually around 2 minutes. Flip gently (no need to rush!), then finish for another 1–2 minutes until the undersides are a deep golden brown and pancakes spring back when pressed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Now comes the best part: serve your IHOP Pancake Recipe hot off the skillet with generous dabs of butter, a silken drizzle of maple syrup, a swoosh of whipped cream, or any toppings your heart desires. Enjoy every tender, fluffy bite!

How to Serve IHOP Pancake Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the toppings—this is your homemade IHOP experience! Go classic with salted butter and warm maple syrup, or pile on fresh strawberries, blueberries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or crunchy nuts to add layers of flavor and texture. Consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that “breakfast café” look.

Side Dishes

Balance your IHOP Pancake Recipe stack with all-time breakfast favorites! Crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or scrambled eggs make perfect partners. For a lighter spread, pair with a fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or even a tangy smoothie—it’s all about creating that diner-style breakfast feast in your own kitchen.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not have a little fun? Try building a pancake tower layered with whipped cream and berries, or stack minis for a charming brunch board that begs to be shared. For kids (and kids at heart), use shaped molds or cut pancakes into “dipper” strips for dunking in syrup. However you present them, let your imagination shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any uneaten pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to cool, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers. Stored in the fridge, your IHOP Pancake Recipe will stay soft and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for busy mornings or late-night cravings.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange pancakes in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then seal in a zip-top freezer bag with as much air pressed out as possible. They’ll keep beautifully for 1–2 months. Grab however many you need and warm up whenever the IHOP Pancake Recipe craving hits.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, pop pancakes in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid high heat, which can dry them out. If reheating from frozen, add a little extra time or let thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I substitute milk for buttermilk in the IHOP Pancake Recipe?

You can, but the results won’t be quite the same. Buttermilk brings that essential tang and tenderness, but if you’re in a pinch, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to reach 1¼ cups. Let sit for 5 minutes, then use in place of buttermilk.

What’s the secret to super fluffy pancakes?

Resting the batter and not over-mixing are key. The leavening agents need time to activate, and gentle mixing keeps gluten development low, resulting in that classic IHOP Pancake Recipe fluffiness.

Can I add fruit or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Scatter blueberries, chocolate chips, or finely chopped nuts over the pancakes immediately after ladling onto the skillet—this keeps add-ins evenly distributed and prevents them from sinking or burning.

Why do my pancakes stick to the griddle?

Usually, it’s a sign your skillet wasn’t oiled enough or it wasn’t fully preheated. Lightly grease between batches and make sure the surface is hot (but not smoking) before adding batter for that perfect golden IHOP Pancake Recipe finish.

Is it okay to make this batter ahead of time?

It’s best mixed just before cooking for maximum fluffiness, but you can combine the dry ingredients the night before. If you need to prep ahead, chill the batter and give it a quick stir before cooking—just note pancakes may be a touch less airy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about flipping your own golden, fluffy pancakes that rival anything you’d find at a diner. With this IHOP Pancake Recipe, you’re one bowl, one skillet, and a few minutes away from the ultimate breakfast treat. Give it a try—your kitchen may just become everyone’s favorite spot for a stack!

Print