Diner-Style Pancakes
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There’s something magical about the oversized, thinner, and light pancakes you get at classic American diners—crispy edges, soft centers, a melting pat of butter, and that irresistible maple syrup drizzle. This recipe is my love letter to those nostalgic breakfast plates.
WHY THEY WORK
Simple ingredients – Flour, baking powder, a bit of salt and sugar, milk, eggs, and butter—nothing fussy.
Generous size – Scooping out ½ cup of batter gives you delightfully big pancakes.
Rest-and-make method – Letting the batter take a 5-minute breather makes for tender pancakes.
RECIPE DETAILS
If you only want the recipe and missed the “jump to recipe” button at the top, just keep scrolling.
MAKING THE PANCAKES
The cooking instructions for these diner-style pancakes are pretty basic and similar to any other pancake recipe. This is just the cooking directions. For the full recipe, keep scrolling down.
Mix dry: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add wet: Stir in milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it.
Rest: Let sit about 5 minutes so the gluten relaxes.
Heat pan: Warm a large griddle or cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium. Brush with butter (unless you’re using a nonstick griddle).
Cook: Drop ½-cup batter circles onto the pan. Dollop more than dab—these pancakes are BIG! Cook 2½–3 mins until bubbles form and edges set.
Flip: Cook another 2–2½ mins until golden. Keep the cooked ones warm (either on a platter or in a 200 °F oven).
COOKING WITH KIDS
DISCLOSURE: Please keep in mind that the following tips are general and are meant to be suggestive. I personally use these strategies with my own kids, who are all unique even within my own family of five. Therefore, please regard these as suggestions or ideas. If you feel that your child requires more or less assistance, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your child best.
Turning pancake mornings into family memories:
Tip: Keep it fun and messy—it’s part of the charm. And remember, they’ll learn more from the process than a perfect pancake.
Serve: Stack ’em high, brush with butter, and top with maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, sprinkles, jam—your picks!
STORAGE DETAILS
Buy Now → TOPPING IDEAS
Classic butter + real maple syrup
Fresh berries or sliced fruit
Whipped cream or flavored yogurt
Sprinkles or chocolate chips for a treat
FINAL THOUGHTS
These diner-style pancakes bring a little nostalgic joy to your kitchen and double as a sweet activity with your family. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and so vibrant when every family member gets involved. Enjoy your cozy breakfast ritual—and happy memories to you and your loved ones!
DID YOU MAKE THIS PANCAKE RECIPE?
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MORE RECIPES YOU CAN’T MISS
Diner-Style Pancakes
These pancakes are thin, light, and nostalgically delicious. Their large size is what really makes them a classic from those American diners we all know and love.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 people
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar
- 3 cups 1% milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt & cane sugar.
- Add milk, unsalted butter & egg. Mix together until combined (careful, don’t over-mix)
- Let sit for about 5 minutes or so (this gives all the gluten a chance to sit and figure itself out).
- Heat a large griddle or cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium; brush with butter (except the griddle).
- Working in batches, scoop ½-cupfuls of batter onto griddle; cook until bubbles form on the surface and pop and the underside is a nice dark (not burnt) golden brown, 2½–3 minutes.
- Flip and continue to cook until dark (not burnt) golden brown on the other side, about 2–2½ minutes more. Transfer pancakes to plates or a platter and brush tops with butter.
- Serve with maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or any of our favorite pancake toppings.
Topping Suggestions
- Fruit
- whipped cream
- maple syrup
- sprinkles
- jam
Equipment
Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch
Buy Now →
Mora Ceramics Small Mixing Bowls Set of 2 – 2.5 & 1.6 Qt (Vanilla White)
Buy Now →Notes
- extras can refrigerated for up to a week.
- See my details on how to freeze them here.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan
- Cuisine: American
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©Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith
