Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes for Two

Easy Small Batch Buttermilk Pancakes: Your Fluffy 7-Ingredient Recipe

Learn how to make a small batch of buttermilk pancakes with just 7 simple ingredients we all have at home! The perfect quick back-to-school breakfast for the kids or a great weekend treat!

Stack of golden small batch buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh berries and maple syrup

Whip Up Pure Pancake Perfection with Just 7 Ingredients!

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly made pancakes, knowing that a stack of fluffy, tender buttermilk goodness is just minutes away. These aren’t just any pancakes; they’re a quick 7-ingredient fix, perfectly portioned for a small family or a solo indulgence. Whether it’s a bustling school morning and you need a speedy, satisfying breakfast for the kids, or a leisurely weekend and you’re craving a special treat, this small batch buttermilk pancake recipe is about to become your new favorite.

The best part? This recipe is specifically designed for a small crowd, making approximately 6 pancakes perfect for 2-3 people. No more mountains of leftover pancakes or scrambling to adjust a large recipe. This means less waste, less cleanup, and more enjoyment. And let’s be honest, who could ever say no to a stack of warm, pillowy buttermilk pancakes, generously adorned with vibrant fresh berries, a sprinkle of crunchy sliced almonds, and a cascade of rich maple syrup dripping down the sides? It’s a breakfast dream come true!

Close-up of fluffy buttermilk pancakes being cooked on a skillet, showing bubbling batter

Nostalgia on a Plate: The Magic of Buttermilk Pancakes

For many, buttermilk pancakes have a magical way of transporting us back to simpler times, evoking cherished childhood memories. I recall growing up, my brother and I never left the house without a hearty breakfast, nor did we return home to anything less than a nutritious snack. My mom was a culinary force, ensuring we were always fueled. Perhaps this is where my profound love and devotion to food truly blossomed! Even on days when school mornings were a chaotic rush, she’d send us off with a muffin or granola bar, guaranteeing we’d have something to keep us going until lunch, which, by the way, felt like a five-course meal in itself! I truly adore moms, especially my own, for instilling such wonderful food values.

As the back-to-school season rolls around, these memories resurface. Modern life, however, is often a whirlwind of commitments. We’re all incredibly busy, juggling a million and one tasks, constantly seeking quicker solutions for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners. I certainly know the feeling! That’s why the concept of a simple, quick recipe like these 7-ingredient pancakes resonates so deeply. They offer a taste of homemade comfort without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Quick & Easy Meal Solutions for Busy Families

If the idea of quick and easy meals appeals to you, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate Sweet Phi’s new cookbook, Fast & Easy 5 Ingredient Recipes. This isn’t just another cookbook; it’s an indispensable guide for busy, budget-conscious families who yearn for real, home-cooked meals that are not only healthy and nutritious but also undeniably delicious crowd-pleasers. Phi is absolutely serious about her philosophy — every single recipe in her book requires only five simple, yet incredibly magical ingredients. This revolutionary approach to cooking simplifies mealtime without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Overhead view of various ingredients for buttermilk pancakes laid out on a kitchen counter

Beyond Pancakes: Delicious 5-Ingredient Family Favorites

Not only is Sweet Phi’s book brimming with mouth-watering recipes, but the stunning photography will have you craving and running into the kitchen to bake, cook, and eat! I mean, when was the last time you prepared a complete pasta dinner, protein included, with fewer than five ingredients? It sounds incredible, right? Yes, it’s entirely possible!

What I personally adore most are the perfect breakfast and afternoon “snackies” for the kids that are guaranteed to be a win – meaning they’ll go down without a fuss (and trust me, these aren’t limited to children; I could happily devour each and every one of these myself and be perfectly content):

  • Banana coconut muffins
  • Homemade hand pies (or pop tarts)
  • Chocolate banana smoothies
  • Nachos! (!!! they absolutely deserve the excessive exclamations !!!)
  • Pepperoni pizza pockets
  • Potato wedges with cheesy sauce

Going back to school sounds a lot more appealing when you have such amazing breakfast and after-school snack options readily available!

The Secret to Fluffy Pancakes: Buttermilk and No Overmixing

As for these simple buttermilk pancakes, you truly need to — you have to — whip these up, especially on the weekend. The beauty lies in their simplicity: just 7 common ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary. They are absolutely perfect for those lazy Saturday mornings when you want something special without a lot of fuss. The buttermilk is key here; its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create those wonderful air pockets, resulting in an incredibly light and fluffy texture that regular milk just can’t replicate. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. While not quite the same, it works wonders in a pinch!

A golden brown small batch buttermilk pancake cooking on a griddle, showing steam

Tips for Pancake Perfection:

  • Don’t Overmix: This is arguably the most crucial tip for fluffy pancakes. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine; in fact, they’re desirable! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy pancakes instead of light and airy ones. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature egg and buttermilk helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more consistent and better-textured pancake.
  • Proper Griddle Temperature: Heat your griddle or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. A good test is to flick a few drops of water onto the surface; if they sizzle and evaporate immediately, it’s ready. If they just sit there, it’s not hot enough. If they burn instantly, it’s too hot. Adjust as needed.
  • The First Pancake Test: Don’t be discouraged if your first pancake isn’t perfect. It’s often a “test pancake” to help you gauge the griddle temperature and batter consistency. Adjust heat or add a tiny bit more buttermilk if needed.
  • Look for Bubbles: Wait until you see plenty of bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set before flipping. This indicates that the underside is golden brown and ready to be turned.

All of the delicious 5-ingredient meals listed above, and many more, can be found in Sweet Phi’s new cookbook Fast & Easy 5 Ingredient Recipes. Grab a copy and get cookin’ to transform your meal prep!

Yield: 2-3 (about 2-3 pancakes per person)

Small Batch Buttermilk Pancakes

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes

Learn how to make a small batch of buttermilk pancakes with just 7 simple ingredients we all have at home! The perfect quick back-to-school breakfast for the kids or a great weekend treat!

A stack of golden small batch buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 large egg, room temp
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temp
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Use a whisk to mix until just combined. Spread the flour mixture onto the corners of the bowl essentially creating a well in the center.
  2. Crack an egg into the well and pour the buttermilk and melted butter on top of the egg. Using a rubber spatula break the egg yolk and stir to combine. DO NOT OVERMIX. A few small clumps are okay, you just want to work out the major flour pockets.
  3. Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, you can spray with cooking spray if you’d like, I usually skip it and go straight with the batter. Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, pour the batter into the skillet.
  4. Allow the pancakes to cook about 1-2 minutes per side or about 3-4 minutes total. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  5. Serve the pancakes topped with pancake or maple syrup and a ton of fresh berries, granola or sliced almonds! YUMMY!

Notes

  • Keep in mind that the cooking time for the pancakes will vary based on the thickness of your skillet. I used a 1/3 cup measuring cup to pour the batter into the skillet and ended up with 6 (4inch) pancakes.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!

© Marzia
Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Small Batch Buttermilk Pancakes with berries and syrup

Another stack of small batch buttermilk pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup and fresh berries

Why You’ll Love This Small Batch Pancake Recipe

In a world where convenience often trumps quality, this small batch buttermilk pancake recipe stands out as a true gem. It offers the best of both worlds: the heartwarming taste of homemade comfort food coupled with the practicality needed for today’s fast-paced lifestyle. No more compromising on flavor for speed, or being overwhelmed by too many leftovers.

These pancakes are incredibly versatile. While a classic topping of maple syrup and fresh berries is always a winner, don’t hesitate to experiment! Consider a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, sliced bananas, toasted nuts, or even a homemade fruit compote. Each variation offers a new delightful experience, ensuring these pancakes never get boring. They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience, a moment of joy that starts your day right, whether you’re fueling up for school or savoring a peaceful weekend morning.

So, gather your seven simple ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to fall in love with the ultimate small batch buttermilk pancakes. They are truly amazing, promising fluffy perfection and a taste that will bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!