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Why You’ll Absolutely Love This McDonald’s Pancake Recipe
Oh, pancakes! Just the word itself conjures up the warmest, fuzziest memories, doesn’t it? For me, it’s Sunday mornings as a kid, the smell of maple syrup dancing in the air, and my dad in his element, flipping stacks of golden discs on our old, trusty griddle. There was just something so magical about those mornings, and at the heart of it all were those perfect, fluffy pancakes. And you know what? Sometimes, those McDonald’s pancakes just hit the spot with their simple, comforting flavor. I’ve been on a mission to recreate that same effortless joy right here in my own kitchen, and guess what? I think I’ve absolutely nailed it!
This recipe isn’t just about pancakes; it’s about bringing a little bit of that weekend morning magic into your everyday. Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying breakfast, a fun brunch treat, or even a “breakfast-for-dinner” kind of night (my personal favorite!), these pancakes are your answer. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, using ingredients you likely already have, and in just about 15 minutes, you’ll be stacking up fluffy, golden pancakes that taste just like (dare I say, even better than?) the McDonald’s classic. The secret? It’s all about the perfect balance of ingredients and a few little tricks I’m bursting to share. Ready to make some kitchen magic? Let’s dive in!
McDonald’s Pancake Recipe Ingredients
Full Ingredient List
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk (or see substitutions below)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the griddle
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit (berries, bananas)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
Easy Ingredient Swaps & Simple Substitutions
Life happens, and sometimes you’re missing an ingredient or need to make a swap for dietary reasons. No worries, I’ve got you covered!
- Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? No problem! For a quick fix, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then add milk (dairy or non-dairy) to reach the 1 ¼ cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken – voila, DIY buttermilk!
- Gluten-Free Pancakes: Craving pancakes but avoiding gluten? Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. My favorite is a blend that includes rice flour, brown rice flour, and tapioca starch for the best texture.
- Dairy-Free Pancakes: Easily make these dairy-free! Use your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk all work great) in place of the buttermilk and ensure your butter is a dairy-free variety, or substitute with coconut oil.
Smart Shopping & Savvy Savings Tips
Making delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank! Here are a few tips to keep your pantry stocked and your wallet happy:
- Buy in Bulk: Flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda are pantry staples that last a long time. Buying larger bags or containers often works out cheaper per ounce in the long run.
- Check for Sales: Keep an eye on grocery store flyers or apps for sales on butter, milk, and eggs. These are frequent sale items!
- DIY Buttermilk Powder: If you use buttermilk often but hate that it goes bad, consider buying buttermilk powder. It lasts for ages and is super convenient.
- Storage Savvy: Store your flour and sugar in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for months. Baking powder and baking soda also benefit from airtight storage to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
The Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Good news! You don’t need fancy gadgets to make amazing pancakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls (2): One large for dry ingredients, one medium for wet. Stainless steel or glass bowls work perfectly.
- Whisk: For smoothly combining the wet and dry ingredients. A whisk helps to minimize lumps without overmixing.
- Griddle or Large Skillet: A non-stick griddle is ideal for even cooking and multiple pancakes at once. If you don’t have a griddle, a large non-stick skillet will work just as well.
- Spatula: A thin, flexible spatula is essential for flipping pancakes gently and easily.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements – baking is a science, after all!
How to Make McDonald’s Pancakes: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect McDonalds Pancakes every time!
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for fluffy pancakes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot when you add it to avoid cooking the egg.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk just until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps – do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your pancakes tough.
- Preheat Griddle: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Be patient and don’t flip too early!
- Serve Immediately: Stack your fluffy pancakes and serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Enjoy the kitchen magic you just created!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Expert Insights: Tips, Tricks, and Culinary Hacks for Success
Unlock the secrets to perfect pancakes with these pro tips!
Want to take your pancake game to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for pancake perfection:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: I can’t stress this enough! Lumps are your friend in pancake batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your griddle or skillet is properly preheated to medium heat. If it’s too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before they cook through. If it’s too cool, they’ll be pale and flat. The water droplet test is your best friend!
- Butter the Griddle Lightly: A lightly buttered griddle prevents sticking and adds a lovely subtle flavor and golden-brown color to your pancakes. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.
- Flip at the Right Time: Wait until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges look set before flipping. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Flipping too early can result in torn pancakes.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: As you cook your pancakes, keep them warm in a preheated oven (around 200°F or 95°C) on a baking sheet. This way, everyone can enjoy warm pancakes together!
Insider Hack: For extra fluffy pancakes, let your batter rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate and the gluten to relax slightly.
Recipe Swaps & Variations for McDonald’s Pancakes
Pancakes are a blank canvas for flavor! Get creative with these fun variations:
- Buttermilk Pancakes: For a richer, tangier flavor, use full-fat buttermilk. It also makes for incredibly tender pancakes.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips (mini or regular) into the batter just before cooking. Who can resist chocolate chip pancakes?
- Blueberry Pancakes: Gently fold in ¾ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. Frozen blueberries can sometimes turn the batter slightly blue, but they taste just as delicious!
- Cinnamon Spice Pancakes: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Vegan Pancakes: Use plant-based milk and melted coconut oil instead of butter. You can also use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) as an egg replacer.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with McDonald’s Pancakes
Endless possibilities! Try these delicious serving suggestions for your pancakes.
Pancakes are fantastic on their own, but the right pairings can elevate your breakfast or brunch to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Classic Syrup & Butter: You can’t go wrong with the classics! Warm maple syrup and a pat of melting butter are pancake perfection.
- Fresh Fruit & Berries: Top your pancakes with a medley of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or peaches for a touch of freshness and natural sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.
- Bacon or Sausage: For a savory-sweet combo, serve your pancakes alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage.
- Fruit Compote: Make a quick fruit compote by simmering berries or chopped fruit with a little sugar and lemon juice. It adds a warm, flavorful topping.
- Beverages: Pair your pancakes with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a hot cup of coffee, or a cozy mug of tea. For a brunch gathering, mimosas or sparkling cider are always a hit!
Presentation Tip: Dust your pancake stack with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. A sprig of mint or a few extra berries also adds a pop of color.
Storing Your McDonald’s Pancakes
Made too many pancakes? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerator: Let leftover pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated pancakes, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds per pancake, or toast them in a toaster or toaster oven for a crispier texture. For frozen pancakes, reheat them directly in the toaster or oven until warmed through.
- Food Safety Pointer: Always ensure pancakes are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Leftover Hack: Pancake French Toast Sticks! Slice leftover pancakes into strips, dip them in a mixture of egg and milk (like French toast batter), and pan-fry until golden brown. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a fun and delicious twist!
Printable Recipe Card
McDonald’s Pancake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls Large and medium size
- 1 Whisk For mixing batter
- 1 Griddle or Skillet Non-stick, large size
- 1 Spatula Thin and flexible
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 3 ½ tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups Buttermilk or substitute (see notes)
- 1 Large egg
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter melted, plus more for griddle
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk just until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps – do not overmix!
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Stack and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition Breakdown: Calories, Protein, Fats & More
Per serving (approx. 2 pancakes):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Recipe FAQ
See the fluffiness! Our McDonalds Pancakes are texture goals.
- Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, you can! While buttermilk gives pancakes a lovely tang and tenderness, regular milk will work. For a closer buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk (see substitutions section above).
- Why are my pancakes flat? Flat pancakes are often caused by overmixing the batter or using old baking powder. Make sure to whisk your batter just until combined and check the expiration date on your baking powder.
- How do I know when to flip pancakes? Wait until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges look set. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? For best results, pancake batter should be cooked soon after mixing. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately ahead of time and combine them just before cooking.
- What if I don’t have a griddle? A large non-stick skillet works perfectly well for making pancakes!
- Can I add different extracts to the batter? Absolutely! Vanilla extract is a classic, but you can also try almond extract, lemon extract, or even a touch of maple extract for extra flavor.
Happy Cooking & Share Your Results!
Ready to dig in? Enjoy your homemade McDonalds Pancakes!
There you have it – my super simple and utterly delicious McDonald’s pancake recipe that’s guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your breakfast table! I truly believe that food is love you can taste, and these pancakes are just bursting with it. They’re fluffy, golden, and oh-so-satisfying, perfect for those cozy weekend mornings or a fun weeknight treat.
Now it’s your turn! Go ahead, whip up a batch of these kitchen magic pancakes, and watch the smiles appear. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your pancake creations and share them with me on Instagram and Pinterest – use #FingerLickingRecipes so I can see your masterpieces. What are your favorite pancake toppings? And will you be making these for breakfast, brunch, or dinner? Let me know in the comments below – I love hearing from you!
