Fluffy Heaven: Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

Weekends call for something special, and these Ina Garten buttermilk pancakes recipe will make your morning shine.

Breakfast transforms from ordinary to extraordinary with this delightful morning treat.

Fluffy, golden, and packed with rich buttermilk goodness, these pancakes promise pure comfort on a plate.

Soft and tender, each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

The secret lies in the simple ingredients that blend seamlessly to create a breakfast masterpiece.

Ina classic approach ensures foolproof results that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Wake up to a breakfast that celebrates simplicity and deliciousness.

Easy Instructions to Make Ina Garten Buttermilk Pancakes

Cozy Breakfast Pancakes

• Pancake Foundation Creating a delectable base starts with blending dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Combine flour, sugar, rising agents, and warm spices until perfectly mixed.
• Liquid Magic Whisk eggs and dairy elements together in a separate container. Bring melted butter and vanilla into the blend for rich, smooth consistency.
• Batter Harmony Gently merge wet and dry ingredients. Slight lumps are welcome – overmixing destroys pancake tenderness. Let the mixture rest briefly.
• Griddle Preparation Warm a non-stick surface over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter to prevent sticking and create golden edges.
• Pancake Crafting Pour batter carefully onto hot surface. Watch for tiny bubbles signaling perfect cooking time. Flip when edges look set and bottom turns beautiful golden brown.
• Serving Celebration Stack pancakes on warm plates. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle extra spices, or garnish with fresh seasonal fruits for a delightful morning treat.

How to Customize Ina Garten Buttermilk Pancakes

• Replace buttermilk with yogurt or sour cream for a tangy alternative if you're out of buttermilk. Greek yogurt adds extra richness and protein to the batter.
• Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow flour to absorb liquid, creating fluffier pancakes. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough, dense results.
• Fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts directly into the batter for exciting flavor bursts. Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for even heat distribution. Test pan temperature by sprinkling water droplets – they should sizzle and dance, indicating perfect cooking surface.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Buttermilk Pancakes

• Stack and Drizzle Delight: Create towering pancake stacks drizzled with warm maple syrup, letting the golden liquid cascade down the fluffy layers for a decadent breakfast experience.
• Fruit Festival Topping: Sprinkle fresh seasonal berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries over the pancakes, adding a burst of color and natural sweetness to complement the pumpkin pie spice.
• Whipped Cream Wonder: Add a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream on top, lightly dusted with extra pumpkin pie spice for an indulgent and aromatic breakfast treat that feels like a special occasion.
• Nutty Crunch Finish: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the pancakes for a delightful textural contrast and subtle nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Store and Reheat Ina Garten Buttermilk Pancakes

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen pancakes stay fresh for 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or microwave.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm refrigerated pancakes in a toaster for crispy edges or microwave for 20-30 seconds for a soft texture. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture.
• Batter Timing: Prepare pancake batter just before cooking for the fluffiest results. If refrigerating batter, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and gently stir before using.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything You Need for Ina Garten Buttermilk Pancakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for fluffy pancakes, choose unbleached flour for best texture and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden-brown exterior, select fine-crystal sugar for even distribution.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and airy texture by generating air bubbles during cooking, ensure it's fresh for maximum rise.
• Baking Soda: Helps pancakes become tender and supports browning, check expiration date for optimal performance.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for smooth incorporation.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings warm, aromatic flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, choose freshly ground for intense taste.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides richness, select large, fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and tangy flavor, look for full-fat version for best results.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to soft texture, use whole milk for creamier pancakes.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps with browning, melt carefully to avoid burning.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor profile, choose pure vanilla for authentic taste.

• Maple Syrup: Classic pancake topping with rich, natural sweetness.
• Fresh Fruits: Adds freshness and nutritional boost, select seasonal berries or sliced fruits.
• Extra Pumpkin Pie Spice: Optional garnish for additional warmth and aroma.

Kitchen Tools for Ina Garten Buttermilk Pancakes

• Large Mixing Bowls: Two bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients with plenty of mixing space.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly and beating eggs perfectly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for flour, sugar, spices, and liquids.
• Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle: Crucial for cooking pancakes evenly without sticking.
• Spatula: Perfect for flipping pancakes and transferring them to serving plates.
• Pastry Brush: Great for spreading melted butter on the cooking surface.

Fluffy Ina Garten Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s buttermilk pancakes offer classic comfort with rich, fluffy texture. Weekend morning breakfast becomes special when golden pancakes arrive at breakfast table, delighting diners with their delicate, homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (optional)
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 2 tsps pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• Extra butter for cooking

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Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl until thoroughly combined and uniform.
2. Create Wet Blend: Whisk eggs until slightly frothy, then integrate buttermilk, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into a smooth, well-incorporated liquid mixture.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry components, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture. Allow slight lumps to remain, avoiding overmixing.
4. Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat non-stick skillet or griddle to 375°F, lightly brushing with butter to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Cook Pancakes: Pour batter onto heated surface, forming consistent circular shapes. Watch for bubbles to emerge across the surface and edges to firm up, approximately 1-2 minutes.
6. Flip and Finish: Turn pancakes carefully, cooking the opposite side until achieving a rich golden-brown color and ensuring complete interior cooking. Repeat with remaining batter, periodically re-greasing the cooking surface.
7. Serve and Garnish: Present immediately while warm, topping with maple syrup, an extra dusting of pumpkin pie spice, or freshly sliced seasonal fruits to elevate the flavor experience.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter minimally to keep pancakes light and fluffy, stopping when ingredients are just combined with slight lumps remaining.
• Optimal Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 375°F for perfectly golden-brown pancakes without burning or undercooking.
• Batter Consistency Matters: Aim for a smooth yet slightly lumpy batter to ensure tender, soft pancake texture that doesn’t become tough or dense.
• Timing is Critical: Watch for small bubbles and slightly firm edges as key indicators that pancakes are ready to flip, typically 1-2 minutes per side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg