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Ultimate "Cloud & Crisp" Buttermilk Pancakes

A masterclass in textural contrast, these pancakes feature an ultra-lofty, tender center made possible by the chemical reaction between buttermilk and fresh leavening. By utilizing a "cold-rest" period and a specific double-pour technique, each cake achieves maximum vertical height while maintaining a buttery, golden-laced edge that snaps perfectly against the soft interior.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Batter Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Breakfast, Brunch,, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Spoon and leveled to avoid dense pancakes.
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar For sweetness and to help with the golden browning.
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder Provides the primary vertical lift.
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda Reacts with the buttermilk for "fluffy" height.
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Essential to balance the sweetness of the syrup.
  • 2 cups Buttermilk Use full-fat for the best "tender" crumb.
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature helps the batter stay smooth.
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Melted and slightly cooled before mixing.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Adds a floral, bakery-style aroma.
  • As needed tbsp Salted Butter For the pan—creates the signature crispy "lace" edges.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For the dry ingredients; ensure it's deep enough to avoid flour dusting your counters.
  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl For whisking the wet ingredients (buttermilk, eggs, butter) before combining.
  • 1 Cast-Iron Skillet or Griddle Heavy-bottomed pans hold heat more evenly, which is key for those golden edges.
  • 1 Silicone Spatula Perfect for folding the batter gently without over-mixing.
  • 1 Whisk To ensure there are no large pockets of dry flour in the wet-dry transition.
  • 1 1/3 Cup Measure Using a consistent measure ensures all pancakes are the same size and cook at the same rate.
  • 1 Wide Turner/Spatula A thin, wide edge makes it easier to flip the pancakes without collapsing their height.

Method
 

  1. Prep the Dry Mix:
    In your large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure the leavening agents are distributed evenly so the rise is uniform.
  2. Combine the Wet Mix:
    In the medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly pour in the melted butter while whisking constantly to prevent the butter from clumping.
  3. The "Lumpy" Fold:
    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Using a silicone spatula, fold gently until just combined. Stop immediately when the large flour streaks disappear—small lumps are essential for a tender center.
  4. The Essential Rest:
    Set the batter aside for 15 minutes. You should see small bubbles forming on the surface as the buttermilk activates the baking soda.
  5. Heat the Surface:
    Pre-heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly buff the surface with a buttered paper towel. You want a thin, shimmering film, not a pool of grease.
  6. The Double-Pour:
    Scoop 1/3 cup of batter onto the pan. For extra height, wait 20 seconds and pour an extra tablespoon of batter directly into the center of the circle.
  7. The Patient Flip:
    Wait until bubbles form and burst, leaving tiny permanent holes. Use a wide turner to flip in one swift motion. Do not press down on the pancake with your spatula!
  8. The Golden Finish:
    Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the edges look crisp and the center feels springy. Serve immediately on a warm plate with salted butter and maple syrup.

Notes

Serving & Presentation

To highlight the "Cloud-Like" interior and those crispy, buttery rims, the presentation should focus on height and temperature.
  • The Warm Foundation: Always serve on pre-warmed plates. A cold plate will cause the fluffy center to collapse and turn the buttered edges greasy.
  • The "Diner Stack": Stack 3 to 4 pancakes high to retain internal heat. The weight of the top cakes helps steam the ones below, keeping them tender while you eat.
  • The Butter Crown: Place a cold, salted butter pat on the very top. Let it naturally melt and "waterfall" down the sides to catch the crispy edges.
  • Syrup Strategy: Serve maple syrup on the side or pour it slowly over the center. For the best experience, use warm syrup so it doesn't shock the temperature of the fluffy crumb.
  • The Garnish: A light dusting of powdered sugar through a sieve adds a professional "bakery" look, while a handful of fresh berries adds a tart contrast to the rich buttermilk flavor.