Ihop Pancake Recipe

Introduction

IHOP pancakes are famous worldwide for their light, fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. These golden stacks are a breakfast classic, often enjoyed with syrup, butter, and a variety of toppings. With this recipe, you can recreate the IHOP experience right at home.

The secret behind IHOP pancakes lies in their batter, which is perfectly balanced to create softness without being too heavy. By using a few pantry staples and following the right method, you can achieve pancakes that taste just like the restaurant version.

Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a family breakfast, or a quick snack, IHOP pancakes bring comfort and joy to the table. Once you try making them yourself, you’ll see just how easy and rewarding it is to enjoy homemade pancakes that rival the real thing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, fluffy, and restaurant-style texture
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert
• Customizable with fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips
• Kid-approved and family-friendly
• Great make-ahead and freezer option

Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Best For	Spice Level	Freezer-Friendly
Breakfast/Brunch	Mild	Yes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: In another bowl, beat the egg with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Slowly pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix—lumps are okay.

Step 4: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.

Step 5: Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet.

Step 6: Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.

Step 7: Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm.

Step 8: Repeat until all batter is used, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Step 9: Stack pancakes high and top with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Step 10: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use buttermilk for the fluffiest pancakes—regular milk won’t give the same rise.
• Add blueberries, strawberries, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
• For a healthier version, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Keep cooked pancakes warm in the oven at 200°F (90°C) until ready to serve.
• Double the batch and freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts.
• For an extra indulgence, top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Servings

This recipe makes about 8–10 medium-sized pancakes, serving 3–4 people.

Serving Suggestions

Serve IHOP pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh fruits like blueberries, bananas, or strawberries make a refreshing topping. For a savory twist, pair them with crispy bacon or sausage.

Why it’s Good For You

While pancakes are an indulgent treat, they can also provide energy and satisfaction when balanced with nutritious toppings. Using bananas, nuts, or oats in the batter can increase fiber and nutrients. Plus, making them at home allows you to control the sugar, fat, and portion sizes for a healthier version.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to make with simple ingredients	Can be high in sugar if not adjusted
Moist, flavorful, and customizable	Not ideal for strict low-carb diets
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly	Best eaten within a few days for freshness

Nutrition Information

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium
210	6g	6g	32g	1g	220mg

FAQs

Q: Can I make these pancakes without buttermilk?
A: Yes, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

Q: How do I make pancakes extra fluffy?
A: Avoid overmixing the batter and let it rest for 5 minutes before cooking.

Q: Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
A: Absolutely! Stack them with parchment paper in between and freeze up to 2 months.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat pancakes?
A: Warm in the microwave, toaster, or oven until soft and fluffy again.

Q: Can I add protein powder to the batter?
A: Yes, replace ¼ cup flour with protein powder for a higher-protein version.

Conclusion

IHOP pancake recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a diner-style breakfast at home. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up light, fluffy pancakes that taste just like the ones you love at the restaurant. Serve them with your favorite toppings, and they’ll quickly become a family favorite for weekends and special mornings.