IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, is there?

With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring that iconic IHOP taste right into your own kitchen.

To get them just right, make sure your griddle is preheated to medium-low so the pancakes cook evenly without burning.

Trust me, the secret is in the buttermilk! It adds the perfect tangy flavor and soft texture that is irresistible!

How to Make IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your skillet over medium heat, or use a nonstick griddle, ensuring it’s ready for the batter.

Step 2:

Combine your dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Give them a quick mix.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil.

Then pour this mixture into your dry ingredients.

Step 4:

Gently combine all components and mix until you have a smooth batter.

Avoid overmixing as it can affect the texture.

Step 5:

Spoon the batter onto the skillet, using about 1/4 cup for each pancake.

Cook until bubbles form and edges look firm before flipping.

Serve with your favorite toppings.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Keep It Consistent

Pour the batter slowly to keep your pancakes sized consistently, as that helps them cook evenly on the skillet.

Watch Those Bubbles

Look for bubbles on the top surface; it’s a great indicator of when to flip for perfect pancakes.

Use Low Heat

Cook them at medium-low heat to get that beautiful golden-brown exterior without burning.

Adjust the Thickness

If the batter feels too thick, adding a splash of buttermilk can help create the desired consistency easily.

Keep Them Warm

To keep pancakes warm for serving, place them on a tray in the oven set to a low temperature.

What to Serve with IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes

Maple Syrup and Butter

Nothing complements IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes quite like a classic drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of butter.

The golden-brown pancakes soak up the syrup beautifully, enhancing their fluffy texture.

This simple combination is always a favorite morning indulgence!

Fresh Berries

For a fresh and fruity touch, serve your pancakes with a side of freshly picked berries.

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a burst of color and a tangy contrast to the sweet pancakes.

It’s a vibrant way to start your day with both flavor and nutrition.

Scrambled Eggs

Pairing pancakes with scrambled eggs creates a satisfying breakfast spread.

The creamy, savory texture of the eggs balances wonderfully with the sweet, fluffy pancakes.

Adding some herbs like chives or dill to your eggs can elevate this combination further.

Bacon or Sausage

Crispy bacon or savory sausage links make an excellent savory addition to your pancakes.

The saltiness of the bacon or sausage offers a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes.

Plus, the smoky aroma blends perfectly with warm pancakes in the morning.

Greek Yogurt and Honey

For something a bit different, try serving your pancakes with a side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey.

The creaminess of the yogurt adds a lovely texture, while the honey provides sweet notes to complement the pancakes.

It’s an unexpected but delicious pairing that can also add a healthy twist.

Avocado and Salsa

If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of mashed avocado with salsa can bring a savory, spicy twist to your pancake breakfast.

The creamy avocado mixed with tangy salsa creates a refreshing counterpoint to the pancakes.

This unconventional choice is sure to surprise and delight your senses in the morning.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding Flavors

If you’re looking to change up the classic IHOP buttermilk pancakes, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter.

You can also incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring a warm and cozy flavor to your pancakes.

For a tangy twist, add some lemon zest to the batter before cooking.

Healthier Options

Substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour to make your pancakes a bit more wholesome.

Opt for coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a subtle flavor change and potential health benefits.

Consider using egg whites or a plant-based substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water in place of whole eggs.

Dietary Restrictions

Use a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk to make these pancakes dairy-free.

Replace buttermilk with a mixture of 1 cup plant-based milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour in your pancake mix.

How to Store Leftover IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes

Cooling Down

Make sure that your pancakes are completely cooled to room temperature before you store them away.

This helps them keep their texture and prevents them from getting soggy.

If you haven’t tried this step before, it really makes all the difference!

Airtight Storage

Once your pancakes are cooled, place them in an airtight container.

This keeps them fresh and prevents any drying out from happening.

A resealable plastic bag can work just as well if you don’t have a container handy.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you’re thinking of keeping your pancakes for more than a couple of days, pop them in the freezer.

Just lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before stacking.

They’ll be ready when you have a pancake craving!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter

You might think mixing the batter until it’s perfectly smooth is the way to go.

Avoid overmixing! Too much mixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of the fluffy ones you crave.

A few lumps in the batter are completely okay and actually desirable.

Cooking at the Wrong Temperature

Cooking pancakes at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.

Medium heat is the sweet spot for achieving that perfect golden-brown color.

If your pancakes are turning dark too quickly, try lowering the heat just a bit.

Not Letting the Batter Rest

It’s tempting to start cooking right away, but resting the batter helps the ingredients meld together.

Letting the batter sit for about 10 minutes allows the baking powder to activate and gives a fluffier result.

Patience is key to pancakes that are light and airy!