30-Minute Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes Recipe

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Enjoy a delightful twist on traditional pancakes with this quick and easy 30-Minute Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes Recipe. Perfect for any time of day!

Delilah Spencer

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:40:16.284Z

This 30-Minute Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes Recipe is a family favorite, blending the comforting flavors of breakfast with the fun of dinner. Whip up a batch in no time and enjoy fluffy pancakes topped with your favorite fruits and syrup!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fluffy and tender pancakes that are quick to make
  • Versatile toppings to customize for everyone’s taste
  • Perfect for any meal of the day

A Versatile Meal Option

Breakfast-for-dinner is a beloved tradition in many households, and this pancake recipe is the perfect way to embrace that concept. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, these pancakes can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making them an excellent choice for any meal. They can be enjoyed sweet or savory, allowing you to tailor them to your family’s preferences.

The versatility of pancakes is one of their greatest charms. You can easily swap in different ingredients to create unique flavors. For instance, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for a fun twist. Alternatively, incorporating cinnamon or pumpkin spice can give your pancakes a seasonal flair. The possibilities are endless!

Perfectly Fluffy Every Time

Achieving the ideal pancake texture is all about the right balance of ingredients and cooking techniques. These pancakes are designed to be fluffy and tender, providing that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Using buttermilk not only adds a subtle tang but also helps to create a lighter texture due to its acidity, which reacts with the baking soda.

Another key tip is not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in dense pancakes. Instead, stir until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps. This approach allows the batter to maintain its lightness, ensuring your pancakes are perfectly fluffy.

Customize Your Toppings

One of the best parts about pancakes is the abundance of topping options available. Whether you prefer the classic maple syrup or something a bit more adventurous, toppings can elevate your breakfast-for-dinner experience. Fresh berries add a burst of color and freshness, while sliced bananas provide natural sweetness.

For those who enjoy a bit of indulgence, whipped cream can transform your pancakes into a dessert-like treat. Feel free to mix and match your toppings based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. This customization ensures that everyone at the table leaves satisfied!

Ingredients

Pancake Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (optional)

  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Sliced bananas
  • Whipped cream

Gather all the ingredients before you start for a smoother cooking experience.

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.

Cook Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve

Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream.

Enjoy your delicious pancakes for dinner!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover pancakes, don’t worry! They can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them fresh, place a piece of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the toaster, microwave, or on a skillet until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze pancakes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. This makes for a quick breakfast option on busy mornings—just pop them in the toaster or microwave, and you're good to go!

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to make these pancakes a bit healthier? You can easily substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. Additionally, consider reducing the sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.

For a protein boost, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into the batter. Not only will this enhance the nutritional value, but it will also contribute to a creamier texture. By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast-for-dinner that aligns with your health goals.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser.

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the batter fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How do I store leftover pancakes?

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

30-Minute Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes Recipe

Enjoy a delightful twist on traditional pancakes with this quick and easy 30-Minute Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes Recipe. Perfect for any time of day!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Delilah Spencer

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pancake Ingredients

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 2 tablespoons sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  4. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 cup buttermilk
  7. 1 large egg
  8. 2 tablespoons melted butter
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings (optional)

  1. Maple syrup
  2. Fresh berries
  3. Sliced bananas
  4. Whipped cream

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 02

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 03

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.

Step 04

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 05

Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 6g