If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s irresistibly light and tender, this Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe is going to change your mornings. I absolutely love how these pancakes come out—soft with just a hint of tanginess from the yogurt that makes them extra special. Whether you’re a pancake pro or a newbie, stick around, because this recipe has a few tricks up its sleeve that help you get that perfect fluffy texture every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy Texture: The yogurt adds moisture and subtle tang that makes the pancakes irresistibly tender.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry and fridge, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Flexible Flour Options: You can swap some all-purpose flour for cornmeal for an interesting twist without losing fluffiness.
- Quick and Fuss-Free: This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients play together beautifully—the flour and leavening agents puff the pancakes up, while the yogurt keeps them moist without heaviness. Here’s what I recommend grabbing before you start, and I’ll share little tips for each to help you get the best results.
- All-purpose flour (or blend with cornmeal): Classic choice for fluffy pancakes; adding cornmeal gives a lovely texture and slight nutty flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the batter without overpowering the yogurt’s tang.
- Baking powder: The main leavening agent that helps the batter rise and get those delightful air pockets.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the yogurt’s acidity to add extra lift and tenderness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the batter—don’t skip it!
- Plain yogurt (full fat or non-fat): The star of the show; I like full fat for richness, but non-fat works well too.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- Melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps with browning; I often use butter for that extra flavor.
- Whole milk (optional): Use to thin the batter if it feels too thick, depending on your yogurt’s consistency.
- Salted butter, maple syrup, honey, and/or jam: For serving, bringing that warm finishing touch you’ll want every time.
Variations
I love how versatile this Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played with different twists to make it fit whatever mood or dietary need we have—and I encourage you to make it your own, too!
- Cornmeal Blend: Adding a quarter cup of cornmeal creates a fun texture contrast and a slightly savory flavor that my family adores.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the yogurt for coconut or almond milk yogurt and use vegetable oil instead of butter for a tummy-friendly version without compromising fluffiness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend—I did this once and found the pancakes just as fluffy, though they brown a bit differently.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in some vanilla extract, cinnamon, or lemon zest for extra personality; I especially enjoy cinnamon during chilly mornings.
How to Make Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Cooking Surface Just Right
I learned early on that the key to perfectly cooked pancakes lies in the heat of your griddle or pan. Heat it over medium-high, then turn it down to medium so it stays hot but not scorching. You want a drop of water to dance around without sizzling away immediately. This balance gives you pancakes that cook evenly—golden on the outside, fluffy inside. Don’t rush this step; a well-heated surface is your secret weapon.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients With Care
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour (or flour-cornmeal combo), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these well ensures your pancakes rise evenly with that delicate crumb texture you want. I usually sift the baking powder and baking soda just to be sure there are no lumps sneaking in.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, beat together the yogurt and eggs until smooth and homogenous. This step helps blend them nicely, so when you add them to the dry mix, you avoid over-mixing. Trust me, over-working pancake batter is the fastest way to end up with tough pancakes.
Step 4: Combine and Adjust Batter Consistency
Now, gently fold your wet ingredients into the dry. Stir until just combined—you’ll still see a few lumps, and that’s perfectly fine. Stir in your melted butter or oil next. If your batter feels super thick (this depends a lot on the yogurt you used), slowly add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you get a pourable but thick consistency. I’ve found it easier to control pancake size this way too.
Step 5: Cook With Patience and Care
Brush or spray your pan lightly with oil or butter to prevent sticking. Spoon batter onto the griddle—don’t crowd the pan, or your pancakes will end up stuck together. When bubbles start forming on the surface and the edges look set (usually about 2 minutes), it’s time to flip. Cook the other side for another 2 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Perfect golden pancakes require a little patience but once you get the heat right, it becomes second nature.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Transfer your pancakes to a plate, plate them up, and top with a pat of salted butter and your favorite syrup, honey, or jam. From the very first bite, you’ll notice how fluffy and tender these are—just the way breakfast dreams should be.
Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
- Maintain Perfect Pan Temperature: I always test the griddle heat with a drop of water—this little move saved me from countless burnt pancakes.
- Mix Batter Gently: Over-mixing can make pancakes rubbery! Stop stirring as soon as the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Adjust Thickness with Milk: Depending on your yogurt’s thickness, adding a touch of milk will help your batter spread nicely without being runny.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and perfect browning on each pancake.
How to Serve Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I generally keep it classic—salted butter melting over the warm stack and a drizzle of maple syrup is my go-to. But sometimes I like to throw on fresh berries or a spoonful of homemade jam for a fruity pop. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can make it feel just a bit more special.
Side Dishes
Fluffy yogurt pancakes are great on their own, but I love pairing them with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or even fresh fruit salad to round out the meal. It makes breakfast feel balanced and decadent at the same time.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or weekend brunches, I’ve stacked these pancakes into a tower layered with cream cheese frosting or yogurt mixed with a little honey and fresh fruit between each layer. Another fun idea is to make mini pancakes and serve them as little bites with a variety of toppings in small bowls for everyone to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I find that rare!), I let the pancakes cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 2 days. I find wrapping them neatly with parchment paper between layers helps prevent sticking.
Freezing
I freeze these pancakes all the time! Lay them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, then stack and store in a freezer-safe bag. When frozen like this, they keep for up to 2 months without losing that fluffy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftover pancakes in the toaster or microwave—just be careful not to overheat, or they can dry out. I like the toaster best because it brings back a little crispness on the edges, almost like freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored yogurt for this Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe?
You can definitely try flavored yogurt, such as vanilla or berry, but keep in mind it may change the flavor profile and sugar level of your pancakes. If you like experimenting, start by substituting a small amount and adjust sweetness accordingly.
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Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Fluffy pancakes rely on proper leavening and gentle mixing. If you over-mix the batter or your baking powder is old, the pancakes won’t rise well. Also, make sure your pan temperature isn’t too hot or too low; hitting the sweet spot will help them puff beautifully.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, try substituting yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or soy yogurt, replace eggs with flaxseed or chia egg, and use oil instead of butter. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
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How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be thick but pourable—similar to a creamy soup consistency. It should spread out a bit when spooned on the pan but hold shape. If it’s too thick, add a little milk; too thin, add a touch more flour.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s reliable, quick, and gives pancakes that delicate lift you’re always chasing. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these pancakes as much as I do—they’re perfect for cozy mornings and for treating your family to something a little special. Give them a try and watch how they become your new go-to breakfast classic!
Print
Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes are soft, tender, and full of flavor, made with a simple mix of yogurt, eggs, and flour. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, these pancakes come together quickly and easily on the stovetop, offering a delightful texture with a hint of tangy yogurt. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like butter, maple syrup, honey, or jam for a delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
Main 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
- 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)
- Salted butter, maple syrup, honey, and/or jam for serving
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients needed to prepare the pancake batter to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a griddle or large frying pan over medium-high heat, rotating regularly for even heating. Then reduce heat to medium to maintain a hot surface suitable for cooking pancakes.
- Make the Dry Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix well to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and eggs until smooth and combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the wet yogurt and eggs mixture to the dry flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Add Fat and Adjust Consistency: Stir in the melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil. If the batter is too thick, slowly add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of whole milk to achieve a pourable consistency suitable for pancakes.
- Prepare the Cooking Surface: Lightly brush or spray oil onto the preheated griddle or pan to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Spoon the batter onto the griddle forming even cakes. Cook on medium heat until bubbles form on the surface, approximately 2 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Using a spatula, carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown on the other side. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Serve: Transfer cooked pancakes to a platter or individual plates and serve hot with butter, maple syrup, honey, or jam as desired.
Notes
- Adjust milk quantity based on yogurt thickness to achieve the right batter consistency.
- Maintain medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring the pancakes cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook pancakes in batches to ensure proper cooking and flipping.
- Use freshly baked or store-bought toppings according to your preference.
- These pancakes can be made with whole fat or non-fat yogurt according to dietary preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg