Denny’s pancake recipe is loved by all. From late night college students to families at Saturday brunch. What is it about these pancakes that cater to so many different types of customers? If you’ve never had Denny’s pancakes, this recipe will give you the answer you want.
Why are Denny’s pancakes so good?
Fluffy, soft, and flavorful, these pancakes are hard to beat. The buttermilk brings the familiar Denny’s flavor, and just a bit of sugar offers the perfect level of sweetness. With all the right ingredients, you can craft equally delicious pancakes in the comfort of your own home.
The ability to make Denny’s pancake recipe at home is an added benefit for those who prefer to cook or host delicious breakfasts. Use this recipe for an ultimate crowd favorite.
How to Make Denny’s Pancakes
The secret to crafting the perfect pancakes starts with the ingredients. These ingredients could be substituted, but achieving the Denny’s flavor requires most of the ingredients listed. Too many substitutions will alter the taste and consistency completely.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – Sifting your flour and removing any lumps is good to ensure proper measurements. Large lumps of flour are densely packed and could throw off your pancakes.
Granulated sugar – It is a simple switch if you need to sub out the granulated sugar. However, granulated sugar is needed to create an authentic Denny’s pancake recipe.
Baking powder – Without the baking powder in this recipe, you could miss the fluffy texture of a Denny’s pancake. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Baking soda – Baking soda is necessary to get the rise you’re looking for in pancakes and other baked goods.
Salt – Salt is used in this Denny’s pancake recipe to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
Egg – The egg should be beaten before combining it with other ingredients to get the best results. While you can beat the egg while mixing it with the other ingredients, a pre-beaten egg will help you to achieve the softest pancakes.
Unsalted melted butter – Ensure unsalted butter is used, as salt is included in the recipe. If you choose to use salted butter, you will need to adjust the salt in the recipe to ensure you don’t have salty pancakes. Yuck!
Buttermilk – The buttermilk is the star of this recipe. While it is possible to use a buttermilk substitute, it will change the overall flavor and create pancakes that are not a Denny’s copycat.
Instructions
- Preheat your griddle or skillet to medium heat.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, including egg, melted butter, and buttermilk.
- Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredient mixture into the center. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do not over-mix; mix until just combined.
- Use cooking spray to grease your skillet or griddle.
- Using a ladle, scoop out approximately a quarter cup of the mixture and pour it onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
- Flip the pancake when the batter begins to bubble. This should take about 90 seconds, give or take.
- Cook the other side of the pancake for an additional 90 seconds. Both sides of the pancake should be a golden shade. If you are not reaching the necessary color within the estimated time frame, consider adjusting the heat to compensate.
- Transfer pancake(s) to plate. Top with butter, syrup, and chocolate chips for a tasty breakfast! Maple syrup is ideal.
Recipe Notes
You could make a batch, place them in an airtight freezer bag, and freeze them to heat up in the microwave later. It is also possible to pour the batter into a cake pan or baking sheet to bake in the oven.
Denny’s Copycat Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbs sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- ¼ unsalted butter melted
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- syrup optional
Instructions
- Preheat your griddle or skillet to medium heat.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, including egg, melted butter, and buttermilk.
- Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredient mixture into the center. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do not over-mix; mix until just combined.
- Use cooking spray to grease your skillet or griddle.
- Using a ladle, scoop out approximately a quarter cup of the mixture and pour it onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
- Flip the pancake when the batter begins to bubble. This should take about 90 seconds, give or take.
- Cook the other side of the pancake for an additional 90 seconds. Both sides of the pancake should be a golden shade. If you are not reaching the necessary color within the estimated time frame, consider adjusting the heat to compensate.
- Transfer pancake(s) to plate. Top with butter, syrup, and chocolate chips for a tasty breakfast! Maple syrup is ideal.
Notes
Nutrition
What to Serve With Denny’s Pancake Recipe
Although Denny’s pancake recipe provides a filling dish, offering other sides rounds out the meal. Of course, a fruit tray or sausage links is always an option. Consider some of these alternative options to serve with your buttermilk pancakes:
Starbucks Bacon Gruyere Egg Bites
Starbucks Bacon Gruyere Egg Bites are customizable little egg bites that can please anyone at your breakfast table. Use bacon, tomatoes, chives, and cheese as described in the recipe, or get creative. Kids might prefer a ham and cheese alternative; a spinach and artichoke version could also be crafted.
Looking for another delicious egg recipe? Try these bacon, egg, and cheese pinwheels.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Add some fruit to your carbohydrate-dense breakfast with a tasty Strawberry Banana Smoothie! This delicious smoothie boasts flavored yogurt, strawberries, and bananas, packing it with flavor. If you’re looking to add some additional nutrients to your breakfast, adding some spinach or kale is a great solution.
Sweet Potato
Another healthy addition to your Denny’s copycat pancakes is boiled sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes offer a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and other vitamins. Adding some cinnamon and brown sugar to your sweet potatoes can make this side dish an especially scrumptious treat.
Use a delicious dipping sauce such as Lawson’s chip dip, McDonald’s breakfast sauce, or homemade white gravy.
Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
When you want a memorable side dish on your brunch table, these cheese-stuffed mushrooms will not disappoint. Garlic and cheese with a little kick from cayenne pepper make these a crowd-pleaser! They are a great umami flavor that contrasts the sweetness of Denny’s pancake recipe.
Air Fryer jalapeno Poppers
If you like a little spice with your brunch, these air fryer jalapeno poppers are perfect! You may have never seen jalapeno poppers as a breakfast or brunch item before; they can create a sweet and spicy meal that leaves everyone happy. By adding bacon or another protein to your poppers, you have the perfect side dish to go with your Denny’s pancake recipe.
More Breakfast Ideas
Breakfast Charcuterie Boards
Apple and Spice Muffins
Krusteaz Waffle Recipe
How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns
Birthday Breakfast Ideas
Hot Butter Rum Muffins
Recipes Using Pancake Mix
Have questions or suggestions about Denny’s pancake recipe? Leave them in the comments below.
