Viral Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
Pancakes aren’t just for flipping anymore. Social media has once again found a way to simplify a classic, and this time, it’s all about skipping the stovetop. Sheet pan buttermilk pancakes have been making the rounds online for their even bake, easy prep, and clean-up-friendly format. Instead of standing over a griddle and flipping one pancake at a time, you can pour the batter into a pan and bake it all in one go. It’s the same cozy breakfast, just faster and more practical.
Why This is a Must-Try Breakfast Recipe
This version offers a low-effort way to bring pancakes back into your weekday lineup, and not just weekends. It also doesn’t hurt that the texture is surprisingly soft, thanks to the use of buttermilk. From college students looking to batch-cook breakfast, to parents trying to feed a group without dirtying every pan, this sheet pan method checks a lot of boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is about what you’d expect from a standard buttermilk pancake recipe, with a few small adjustments for baking.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter (plus more for greasing the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by combining just under 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
How To Make Sheet Pan Pancakes
Preheat and prep the pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. While that’s happening, grease a quarter sheet pan (roughly 9×13 inches) with melted butter or line it with parchment paper. You want the surface well-coated to prevent sticking.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before you add any wet ingredients.
Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract (if using), and melted butter until smooth. Then, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy, not perfectly smooth—overmixing leads to dense pancakes.
Pour and bake
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For a golden brown top, some bakers like to switch to the broil setting for the last minute—just keep a close eye on it.
Toppings and Variations
This method is flexible, and the real fun comes in with toppings and mix-ins. You can customize sections of the pan to suit different preferences, making it ideal for groups.
Before baking, try adding:
- Fresh blueberries or sliced bananas
- Mini chocolate chips
- Swirls of peanut butter or jam
- Streusel topping for a crumb-cake feel
After baking, serve with:
- Maple syrup or honey
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Toasted nuts or granola
- A dusting of powdered sugar
If you’re looking to mix up the flavor, consider replacing the vanilla with almond extract or folding in a few tablespoons of lemon zest. For a slightly richer texture, swap half the all-purpose flour for cake flour.
For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based alternative combined with lemon juice, and use oil instead of melted butter.
Sheet pan pancakes aren’t just a clever hack; they solve the problem of uneven cooking and time-consuming prep. You get consistent texture across the board, fewer dirty dishes, and the freedom to customize without making multiple batches. While they might not replace traditional pancakes for everyone, they do offer a smart solution for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
If you haven’t given this viral recipe a shot yet, it might be time to add a sheet pan to your breakfast routine. While you have the oven on, consider trying this blended baked oats recipe.
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