IHOP Pancake Copycat Recipe: Make Fluffy, Restaurant-Quality Pancakes at Home

I’ve always loved waking up to a stack of IHOP pancakes—their light and fluffy texture paired with that irresistible buttery flavor just hits the spot. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special breakfast, there’s something magical about those classic pancakes that make mornings brighter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Butter or oil, for cooking

Tools and Equipment

Creating the perfect IHOP-style pancakes starts with having the right tools in your kitchen. Here’s what I use to achieve that fluffy, restaurant-quality result:

• Mixing Bowls

I keep a large mixing bowl handy for blending dry ingredients and a separate one for wet ingredients to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.

• Whisk

A sturdy whisk is essential for thoroughly combining ingredients and incorporating air, which makes the pancakes light and fluffy.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Precision is key. I use a complete set of measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure flour, sugar, baking powder, and other ingredients.

• Non-Stick Griddle or Skillet

A good non-stick surface ensures even cooking and makes flipping pancakes effortless without sticking or breaking.

• Spatula

A wide, flexible spatula is perfect for flipping pancakes gently, keeping them intact and beautifully round.

• Ladle or 1/4 Cup Measuring Cup

Pouring batter with a ladle or a measuring cup helps maintain consistent pancake sizes, ensuring they cook evenly.

• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer (Optional)

While not mandatory, an electric mixer can make the batter smoother and save time, especially when mixing larger batches.

• Cooling Rack

Placing cooked pancakes on a cooling rack prevents them from becoming soggy, keeping them warm and fluffy until served.

• Serving Plates and Utensils

Have your favorite plates ready along with serving utensils for butter and syrup to complete the breakfast presentation.

Having these tools ready not only makes the cooking process smoother but also enhances the overall pancake-making experience, bringing a touch of IHOP’s magic to your home kitchen.

Directions

Creating these IHOP-style pancakes at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to enjoy a stack of fluffy, buttery pancakes any morning.

Prep

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat 1 large egg and then whisk in 1½ cups buttermilk, 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Prepare the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a whisk until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing.
4. Preheat the Griddle: Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of cooking butter or oil to coat the surface.

Cook

1. Pour the Batter: Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour ¼ cup of batter onto the preheated griddle for each pancake.
2. Watch for Bubbles: Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Flip the Pancake: Carefully flip the pancake with a flexible spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Repeat: Continue with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the griddle as needed to prevent sticking.

Serve

1. Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to keep them warm and fluffy.
2. Add Toppings: Serve your IHOP-style pancakes with melted butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings.
3. Enjoy Immediately: Stack the pancakes on warm plates and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality breakfast at home.

Tips for Perfect IHOP Pancakes

As a chef who loves perfecting classic recipes, I’ve gathered some essential tips to help you create IHOP-style pancakes that are irresistibly fluffy and flavorful. Follow these guidelines to elevate your pancake game:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your pancakes.

• Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to achieve maximum rise.
• Buttermilk: Fresh buttermilk adds tanginess and contributes to the fluffiness.

2. Proper Measuring Techniques

Accurate measurements are crucial for the right batter consistency.

• Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
• Wet Ingredients: Beat the eggs thoroughly before mixing with other wet components.

3. Do Not Overmix the Batter

Achieving the perfect texture requires gentle mixing.

• Gentle Folding: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
• Resting Time: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and results in tender pancakes.

4. Optimal Cooking Temperature

Cooking at the right temperature is key to golden-brown pancakes.

• Preheat the Griddle: Heat your non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat.
• Test the Heat: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If they dance and evaporate, the temperature is perfect.
• Adjust as Needed: Lower the heat if pancakes are browning too quickly.

5. Consistent Pancake Size

Uniform sizes ensure even cooking.

• Use a Ladle or Measuring Cup: Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter for each pancake.
• Spacing: Leave space between pancakes to allow for spreading.

6. Proper Flipping Technique

Flipping at the right time prevents soggy or burnt pancakes.

• Bubbles Formation: Wait until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set before flipping.
• Gentle Flip: Use a flexible spatula to turn the pancake smoothly without deflating it.

7. Maintain Warmth

Keeping pancakes warm ensures they stay fluffy and enjoyable.

• Cooling Rack: Place cooked pancakes on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F.
• Stacking with Parchment: If you prefer stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

8. Enhance Flavors with Add-Ins

Customize your pancakes with delicious additions.

• Blueberries or Chocolate Chips: Gently fold them into the batter for extra flavor bursts.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a pinch to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.

9. Perfect Serving Suggestions

Serve your pancakes like a pro for the ultimate breakfast experience.

• Butter and Syrup: Add a pat of melted butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup while the pancakes are still warm.
• Fresh Fruits: Top with sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a fresh touch.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to fluffy pancakes.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing the Batter in Advance

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk until well blended.

1. Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Add 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a whisk until just combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy.

1. Refrigerate the Batter

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and the batter to thicken slightly, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

Freezing Cooked Pancakes

1. Cook the Pancakes

• Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.

1. Cool Completely

• Transfer the cooked pancakes to a cooling rack and let them cool completely to prevent them from becoming soggy during freezing.

1. Freeze Individually

• Place the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 2 hours until solid.

1. Store in Freezer Bags

• Transfer the frozen pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy delicious IHOP-style pancakes anytime with minimal effort. Whether prepping batter the night before or having a stack of frozen pancakes ready to go, your breakfast routine will be both easy and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Making IHOP-style pancakes at home has been a delightful experience for me. There’s something truly satisfying about enjoying those light and fluffy pancakes fresh off the griddle.

Experimenting with different toppings and add-ins has made each breakfast unique. Whether it’s a classic drizzle of maple syrup or a handful of fresh berries, the possibilities are endless.

I encourage you to try this recipe and bring that IHOP magic to your mornings. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!