Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes from Shari's Cafe & Pies feature fluffy, golden layers made with rich buttermilk and topped with melted butter and warm maple syrup, delivering a classic breakfast experience with a tender, airy texture and sweet finish.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sifter (optional)
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Griddle or nonstick skillet
- Turner/flipper
- Plate (for serving)
- Butter warmer or small saucepan (for melting butter)
- Syrup warmer or microwave-safe container (for warming maple syrup)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Using fresh buttermilk is essential to achieving the tender and airy texture characteristic of Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes from Shari's Cafe & Pies. Ensure the baking powder and baking soda are fresh to help the pancakes rise properly and create those fluffy, golden layers. Melt the unsalted butter carefully to avoid burning, which can affect the flavor of your pancakes. Measuring ingredients accurately with measuring cups and spoons will maintain the right balance of sweetness and leavening. Your pancakes will closely replicate the classic taste with a rich, sweet finish when served with warm maple syrup and melted butter.
Instructions
- Preheat griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, sift (optional) together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; gently whisk until just combined (do not overmix—batter should be slightly lumpy).
- Lightly grease griddle/skillet with butter.
- Using a ladle, pour batter onto griddle for each pancake (about 1/3 cup per pancake).
- Cook until bubbles form on surface and edges look set (about 2–3 minutes).
- Flip pancakes with turner/flipper and continue cooking until golden brown and cooked through (about 1–2 minutes).
- Transfer pancakes to plate.
- Melt extra butter in butter warmer or small saucepan.
- Warm maple syrup in syrup warmer or microwave-safe container.
- Serve pancakes in stacks, topped with melted butter and warm maple syrup.
Substitution
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes from Shari's Cafe & Pies copycat menu offer a tender and airy texture with a rich, classic flavor. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute by combining 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar, allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. Use melted butter or a neutral oil like vegetable oil if unsalted butter is unavailable, but avoid flavored oils to maintain the classic taste. When measuring baking powder and baking soda, ensure freshness to achieve optimal fluffiness in your pancakes. Your maple syrup can be gently warmed in a microwave-safe container to enhance its sweetness without altering the pancake texture.
Tips
For perfectly fluffy Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter as it should remain slightly lumpy to preserve the airy texture. Use a lightly greased griddle preheated to medium heat to ensure even cooking and golden-brown edges without burning. Pancakes are ready to flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, signaling the right moment to achieve tender layers. To enhance flavor, gently melt unsalted butter and warm your maple syrup before serving your pancake stack.
Nutritions
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, primarily from the all-purpose flour, eggs, and butter used in the recipe. Each serving delivers energy-dense calories with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D from the buttermilk, along with moderate amounts of sugar from both the pancake batter and maple syrup topping. Your breakfast will benefit from the protein in eggs, which supports muscle maintenance, while the maple syrup adds natural antioxidants and minerals such as manganese. Keep portion sizes in mind to maintain a controlled intake of sugars and saturated fats from the butter and syrup.
Storage
Store leftover Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate them for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a toaster or microwave before serving to preserve their tender, airy texture. To extend shelf life, you can freeze the pancakes by separating layers with parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of 2 cups milk and 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, which maintains the tangy flavor and tender crumb. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk combined with an acid like apple cider vinegar to replicate the buttermilk effect. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients enhances warmth and depth, complementing the sweetness of the maple syrup. If you prefer thinner or thicker pancakes, adjust the batter consistency by adding a little more milk or flour accordingly before cooking.
Allergies
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes contain common allergens like eggs, dairy (buttermilk and butter), and wheat (all-purpose flour), which can trigger reactions in individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients. Your risk of an allergic reaction may increase if you have a known allergy to any of these components. Always check ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Shari's Cafe & Pies Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes are loved for their fluffy texture and rich, classic flavor that captures the essence of homemade breakfast. The perfect balance of tangy buttermilk and light batter creates a tender bite that melts in your mouth, appealing to pancake enthusiasts. You will enjoy recreating this recipe at home because it offers an authentic taste experience and allows customization of toppings to your preference. Making the copycat version is worth it for the satisfaction of a restaurant-quality meal with fresh, wholesome ingredients.