IHOP Pancake Recipe (Copycat Version)

If you love the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes from IHOP, you’ll be thrilled with this easy IHOP Pancake Recipe (Copycat Version). These pancakes are soft, light, and have that signature buttery flavor, perfect for stacking high and drizzling with syrup.

Recipe Overview

Servings: 4 (makes about 8 pancakes)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: ~200 kcal per pancake

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Butter or oil for greasing the pan

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy—this helps keep the pancakes fluffy.

2. Preheat the Griddle:
Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.

3. Cook the Pancakes:
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

4. Keep Warm:
Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you cook the rest.

5. Serve:
Stack the pancakes high, add a pat of butter on top, and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Serve with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, berries, or chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic IHOP Style: Butter, maple syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream.
• Fruity Twist: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas.
• Decadent: Add chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or Nutella for an indulgent treat.

Tips & Variations

• Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? Use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the batter.
• Extra Fluffy Pancakes: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a unique twist.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place pancakes between sheets of parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the toaster, microwave, or oven until heated through.

Enjoy these deliciously fluffy pancakes that taste just like they’re fresh from IHOP—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner!

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