If you’ve ever wished for pancakes that are light as air yet wonderfully tender, then let me introduce you to my favorite Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe. This recipe is a total game changer—I absolutely love how it comes together with just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll find that the yogurt not only adds a delightful tang but also gives these pancakes an incredible fluffiness you won’t believe. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these pancakes will make everyone in your kitchen smile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unmatched Fluffiness: The yogurt tenderizes the batter, making each bite irresistibly light and airy.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Texture: The slight tang from the yogurt balances sweetness beautifully, adding a fresh depth of flavor.
- Quick and Fuss-Free: From mixing to flipping, you’ll have fluffy pancakes on your plate in just about 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work hand-in-hand to create the fluffiest pancakes. I always keep an eye on the yogurt—it’s the hero here, so using a quality plain yogurt, full-fat or non-fat, really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base for our pancakes; you can even get creative with some cornmeal for a bit of texture.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tang of the yogurt without overpowering.
- Baking powder: This gives the pancakes their bounce and fluffiness.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the yogurt to create lightness and minimize any sour notes.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Plain yogurt: The secret ingredient that adds moisture, tang, and fluffiness.
- Large eggs: They provide structure and richness.
- Melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil: Keeps the pancakes moist and lends a golden crust.
- Whole milk (optional): I usually add a splash if the batter feels too thick—this keeps the pancakes tender and easy to spread.
- Salted butter, maple syrup, honey, and jam: Classic toppings that pair perfectly with these pancakes.
Variations
One of the reasons I love this Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for different tastes or dietary needs—you really can’t go wrong experimenting with add-ins or substitutions!
- Gluten-Free: I swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend before, and it was just as fluffy and tasty—perfect if you’re gluten-sensitive.
- Sweet Add-ins: Blueberries or chocolate chips mixed into the batter always bring an extra smile to the table.
- Dairy-Free: Using a plant-based yogurt and oil instead of butter worked great when I tried it for a friend. Just be mindful of texture changes.
- Spiced Pancakes: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds cozy warmth without taking over the delicate flavor.
How to Make Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by heating your griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat, then turn it down to medium to maintain an even temperature. This part really matters—I learned the hard way that too hot means pancakes burn before they cook through, while too low and they come out dense. You’ll know the pan is ready when a drop of water dances on the surface rather than splattering. Meanwhile, gather and measure your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for those perfect fluffy pancakes.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the plain yogurt and eggs until smooth. This mix carries most of the moisture and acts as the starter for our fluffy batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the yogurt-egg mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold to combine. Stir in the melted butter or oil. If the batter feels too thick—which it might depending on your yogurt’s consistency—add a little whole milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a loose but scoopable texture. Overmixing is a common pitfall; stir just enough that everything comes together.
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes
Brush or spray your griddle with a little oil. Use a ladle or large spoon to pour batter onto the surface, making sure to leave enough space between each pancake. Cook for about 2 minutes until bubbles form on top and the edges start to look set. Flip carefully and let the other side brown for another 2 minutes. These timing cues help keep the pancakes tender but cooked through without burning.
Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
- Even Heating is Key: Rotate your pan regularly and adjust heat so the surface is hot but not scorching—this helps golden, evenly cooked pancakes.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined. A few lumps are okay; overmixing leads to tough pancakes.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs and Yogurt: They blend more smoothly and help create a lighter batter.
- Test Your First Pancake: The first pancake is often a tester—adjust your heat or batter thickness for the best results.
How to Serve Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I can’t resist a generous pat of salted butter melting over warm pancakes, topped with real maple syrup—classic and unbeatable. Sometimes I’ll toss fresh berries on top or a dollop of whipped cream for a bit of indulgence. Honey and your favorite jam are delicious too and add a lovely touch of sweetness without overpowering.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for crispy bacon or sausage on the side—it adds that smoky, savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or even a simple green salad brightens the meal and balances the richness of the pancakes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special weekends, I like stacking these pancakes tall and layering them with yogurt and fresh fruit between each one, almost like a pancake cake. Drizzle with chocolate or berry sauces for a festive touch that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, stack your pancakes separated by parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for about 2 days, though I often find they disappear faster because they’re so good!
Freezing
I’ve frozen these pancakes successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. They keep their fluffiness beautifully and make for super quick breakfasts—just pop a frozen pancake in the toaster or microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, I lightly butter a skillet over medium heat and warm pancakes for a minute or two on each side, which restores their crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy. You can also microwave them covered for 20–30 seconds if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
-
Can I use flavored yogurt for this Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe?
While plain yogurt is best to allow you control over sweetness and flavors, you can experiment with mild flavored yogurts like vanilla for a subtle twist. Just reduce added sugar slightly to avoid overly sweet pancakes.
-
Why does this recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?
The combination helps achieve the perfect rise and fluffiness. Baking powder provides leavening on its own, while baking soda reacts with the yogurt’s acidity to create extra lift and tenderness.
-
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I recommend making the batter fresh just before cooking for the fluffiest results. If you must prepare in advance, give it a gentle stir before cooking, but expect a slight loss in lift and texture.
-
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles rising on the surface and edges that start to look set but not dry. The bottom should be golden brown—this usually takes about 2 minutes.
-
Is it okay to substitute milk completely with yogurt?
Absolutely! In fact, the recipe relies mainly on yogurt for moisture. Milk is only added to thin the batter if needed, so you can omit milk if your yogurt is creamy enough.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want breakfast to feel special but not complicated. The tangy richness of the yogurt combined with the tender, cloud-like texture is just unbeatable—my family literally goes crazy for these! I’m confident you’ll enjoy making these pancakes as much as eating them. So the next time you want to impress without stress, give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, too.
Print
Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8 pancakes (4 servings)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy yogurt pancakes are a delightful twist on classic pancakes, using yogurt to add moisture, tanginess, and tenderness. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, they have a light, airy texture and can be served with butter, maple syrup, honey, or jam for a delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, or 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour plus 1/4 cup cornmeal, or other flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt, full fat or non-fat
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, or vegetable oil
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup whole milk, optional
For Serving
- Salted butter
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Jam
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients listed to ensure you have everything ready before starting.
- Heat the Pan or Griddle: Place a griddle or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Rotate it regularly to ensure even heating. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium, aiming for a surface temperature where a drop of water bounces or dances without splattering or exploding—this ensures perfectly cooked pancakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir well to blend evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and the eggs until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the yogurt and egg mixture into the flour mixture and gently stir until just combined, trying not to overmix to maintain fluffiness.
- Add Butter or Oil and Milk If Needed: Stir in the melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil. If the batter feels too thick, gradually add 1/4 to 1/3 cup whole milk to reach a pourable consistency.
- Prepare the Cooking Surface: Brush or spray a thin layer of oil onto the heated griddle or pan to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Spoon the batter onto the griddle in even portions, making sure pancakes don’t touch. Cook until bubbles form and start to pop on the surface, about 2 minutes.
- Flip Pancakes: Using a spatula, flip the pancakes and cook the other side until golden brown, approximately another 2 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a platter or individual plates. Serve immediately hot with butter, maple syrup, honey, or jam as desired.
Notes
- Adjusting the heat carefully during cooking is essential for even pancakes without burning.
- Using yogurt adds a slight tang and makes the pancakes tender and moist.
- If you prefer a bit more texture, substituting part of the flour with cornmeal works well.
- The optional milk helps adjust batter thickness depending on yogurt consistency.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- These pancakes freeze well; reheat gently in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg