30-Minute Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes Recipe

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Enjoy a delicious twist on breakfast with these quick and easy pancakes that are perfect for dinner!

Eleanor Briggs

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:28:09.157Z

This pancake recipe is a family favorite that brings a delightful breakfast experience to dinner. Fluffy, golden pancakes topped with your choice of syrup, fruits, or even savory ingredients make for a versatile dish that everyone loves.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Fluffy and light texture that everyone enjoys
  • Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy nights
  • Versatile toppings to satisfy sweet or savory cravings

A Perfect Family Meal

Breakfast-for-dinner is a delightful concept that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the table. These pancakes are not only quick to whip up but also create a fun and engaging mealtime experience for everyone. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this recipe ensures that family members can gather around and enjoy a meal that feels both special and comforting.

Pancakes are inherently versatile, serving as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can customize them with various flavors, such as adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter, or even folding in some chopped nuts for added texture. This adaptability makes them suitable for everyone, from kids to adults, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the standout features of this pancake recipe is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when you want to provide a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The straightforward steps allow even novice cooks to feel confident in their culinary skills. By combining the wet and dry ingredients with minimal mixing, you avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to dense pancakes. This means that fluffy, light pancakes are just a few steps away, making this recipe a go-to for any home cook.

Endless Topping Possibilities

One of the joys of pancakes is the infinite variety of toppings you can choose from. Whether you prefer a classic drizzle of maple syrup or a more decadent option like whipped cream and chocolate chips, the topping choices can elevate your meal to a new level. Fresh fruits like berries or bananas not only add sweetness but also a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.

For those who lean towards savory flavors, consider experimenting with toppings such as sautéed spinach and feta or a poached egg on top. This versatility allows you to cater to everyone's preferences, ensuring that each member of your family can create their perfect pancake experience.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create delightful pancakes.

Pancake Ingredients

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

Topping Options

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

Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your pancakes.

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; a few lumps are okay.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.

Serve

Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

To achieve the fluffiest pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter. It's perfectly fine if there are a few lumps; they will cook out during the frying process. Additionally, letting the batter rest for about 5 minutes can help create a lighter texture as the baking powder activates and the gluten relaxes.

Make sure your skillet is at the right temperature before pouring the batter. If it's too hot, the pancakes will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. A medium heat is usually ideal; you can test the skillet by sprinkling a few drops of water on it—if they sizzle and evaporate, it's ready!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover pancakes, storing them is easy! Allow them to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick snack, or even use the oven to warm them up while maintaining their fluffy texture. Just remember to cover them with foil in the oven to keep them moist!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

→ What can I use instead of milk?

You can substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice.

→ How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace the regular flour.

→ Can I freeze leftover pancakes?

Absolutely! Allow them to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and freeze. Reheat in the toaster or microwave when ready to eat.

30-Minute Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes Recipe

Enjoy a delicious twist on breakfast with these quick and easy pancakes that are perfect for dinner!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Eleanor Briggs

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pancake Ingredients

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

Topping Options

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; a few lumps are okay.

Step 02

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.

Step 03

Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 8g