The Famous Denny’s Pancake Recipe

Fluffy, tender, and perfectly golden, this Easy Denny’s Pancake Recipe brings the classic diner breakfast straight to your kitchen. Ready in minutes, these pancakes are ideal for a cozy morning or a weekend brunch with family and friends.

If you’ve ever rolled into Denny’s at an unreasonable hour and fallen in love with their pancakes, you’re not alone. Those fluffy, buttery stacks have a devoted fan club—and yes, I’m proudly in it. The good news? You don’t need a booth, a menu sticky from syrup, or a 2 a.m. craving to get your fix anymore.

This copycat Denny’s pancake recipe hits all the familiar notes: soft, tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up butter like it’s a full-time job.

These pancakes come together fast with pantry staples, and the batter cooks up like the real deal. Honestly, if you serve these at home, you might start charging people a “24/7 diner fee” at your kitchen counter.

Why These Pancakes Turn Out So Good!

• The batter stays thick, giving you that signature diner-style fluff
• A splash of buttermilk amps up the tenderness
• No fuss ingredients, no weird steps—just real pancakes
• They brown beautifully on a griddle (the Denny’s look is half the charm)
• Perfect for doubling, tripling, or feeding your entire neighborhood

Denny’s Pancake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – classic base for soft, fluffy diner-style pancakes
• Sugar – adds a light sweetness without overpowering flavor
• Baking powder – key to lifting pancakes into perfect fluffiness
• Baking soda – helps browning and boosts tender, airy texture
• Salt – balances sweetness and deepens overall pancake flavor
• Eggs – bind the batter and create structure and richness
• Buttermilk – gives tangy flavor and signature tender pancake crumb
• Milk – thins batter slightly for smooth, pourable consistency
• Melted butter – adds richness and keeps pancakes extra tender
• Vanilla extract – brings warm, cozy flavor to every bite

How To Make Denny’s Pancake Recipe

Step One: Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything looks well combined.

Step Two: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

Step Three: Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and gently stir until the batter just comes together. A few lumps are fine—overmixing is the fastest way to ruin that classic diner fluff.

Step Four: Warm it over medium heat and lightly grease it. When a drop of water sizzles, you’re good.

Step Five: Scoop about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges look slightly set, then flip and finish until golden brown.
Stack them high and hit them with butter, syrup, or whatever Denny’s-style toppings make you happy.

Easy Denny’s Pancake Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps keep the pancakes fluffy instead of rubbery.
• Let the batter rest: For 5–10 minutes to help it puff up like classic diner pancakes.
• Use medium heat: Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
• Lightly grease the pan; too much oil keeps the pancakes from getting that even golden color.
• Flip only once: Right when bubbles form on top and the edges start looking set.
• Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven so everyone gets a hot stack.
• For extra richness, add a tiny pat of butter to the skillet before each new scoop of batter.
• If you want extra flavor, mix chocolate chips or blueberries into the batter after it’s combined.
• Measure your batter with a scoop or measuring cup so the pancakes cook evenly.

Storing, Freezing & Make Ahead Instructions

• Storing: Keep leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay soft and fluffy, making them great for quick breakfasts. Warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or pop them in a skillet for a minute to bring back that fresh-off-the-griddle texture.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked pancakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They keep well for up to 2 months and won’t stick together. Microwave for 30–45 seconds or heat in a toaster—yes, just like frozen waffles.
• Make-Ahead Batter: Mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a jar for up to a month. When you’re ready, whisk in the wet ingredients and cook as usual.

Easy Denny’s Pancake Recipe Faqs

What makes Denny’s pancakes so fluffy? They get their signature fluffiness from the combo of baking powder and baking soda plus the buttermilk, which creates a light, airy batter.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? You can, but the pancakes won’t be quite as fluffy. If you need a quick substitute, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes—prep the dry ingredients ahead and store them in a sealed jar. Mix in the wet ingredients right before cooking for the best texture.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter? Overmixing develops too much gluten, which leads to tough pancakes. A few lumps are totally fine.

Can I cook the pancakes on an electric griddle? Absolutely. Set it to 350°F and it works just like a diner-style flat top.

How do I know when to flip the pancakes? Flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges look slightly set. If you rush it, they won’t rise properly.

Can I add mix-ins? Of course—blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or even cinnamon chips all work great. Just sprinkle them on the batter right after it hits the pan.

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free? Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and avoid overmixing. The texture will still be soft and fluffy.

What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm for a crowd? Hold them in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet until serving time. They stay tender without drying out.

Can I double or triple the recipe? Definitely—this recipe scales easily. Just be sure your mixing bowl can handle the volume.

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