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Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

| November 12, 2012 | 11 Comments

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
Follow our Step-by-step, photo illustrated instructions for making Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes.  A deliciously easy, made from scratch recipe for equally delicious pancakes.  We’re cooking these in our cast iron griddle but any frying pan or griddle will work.  Just top with butter and syrup for a quick and easy breakfast meal that you can say you made all by yourself.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, slider
Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe:

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, Cousin Curtis
This is my Cousin Curtis.  Recently, Curtis and his wife Francis, invited several members of the family and some friends over to his house for his World Famous Homemade Brunswick Stew.  I was going to say it’s not really world famous but by the time this has been on the Internet for a little while, it will at least be KNOWN around the world.  We get visitors to our site from all around the globe you know…and thank you for that.

Curtis is holding an old cast iron griddle that he was giving to me.  Seems he had heard me talking on my radio program, back during the summer, about how my mama use to bake cornbread and hoe cakes in her cast iron skillets and griddle.  Now, I have my mama’s skillet but I didn’t have a griddle and I must have mentioned this on the air that day.  Cousin Curtis, being the super nice fellow that he is, saw this one at a Yard Sale and decided he’d pick it up and gift it to me.  He had it wrapped up in a plastic bag and started telling me how both his mom and my mom use to prepare cornbread on a griddle just like this one.

I gratefully accepted the griddle and thanked him for it.  That turned into a discussion on how to restore the pan and I began telling Curtis how I had cleaned Mama’s skillet by scrubbing it with Aluminum Foil.  “It really works,” I told him.  And, considering this one was in pretty decent shape, I brought it on home and gave it a good scrubbing.  It just cleaned right up.

Thank you again Curtis for the griddle.  Look for it here on Taste of Southern for many recipes to come.  And Curtis, don’t forget that I’m still waiting for that Brunswick Stew Recipe….only…..I don’t think I’ll really be making as much as you did.

Did I mention that Curtis has been making his stew for years and started out actually cooking it in an old cast iron wash pot?  Sure enough, he did.  But, Cousin Curtis has moved into the more modern days and ways of doing things.  He had a very, very large stockpot sitting over a gas burner and, he stirred it with what almost looked like a boat paddle.  And, when he started reeling off the ingredients to me, he was talking in gallons of tomatoes, 20lb bags of potatoes, 3 types of meat and bunches of other stuff.  It was absolutely delicious and it’s always good anytime family and friends can gather together around the table.

I scrubbed up the griddle and decided these Buttermilk Pancakes would be a great way to start seasoning up the pan.  So, if you’re ready for some made from scratch pancakes…..Let’s Get Cooking!

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, ingredients.
Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe:  You’ll need just a few ingredients.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, warm up the griddle.
See how well the Aluminum Foil worked.  One day, I’ll do a full post on how to clean up and season your cast iron.  Since the one Curtis gave me was in pretty good shape, it didn’t require much elbow grease to get it clean.  I just balled up a bit of Aluminum Foil and used it as a scrubbing pad to remove the old rust and any baked on food stuff.  Once the pan was cleaned, I washed, dried and seasoned it up.  I think it turned out pretty good….let’s just see how well it cooks.

Begin by placing the griddle on your burner and turning the heat just a notch or so below Medium.  The griddle needs to warm up completely before you pour the batter in.  We’ll mix the batter, then I’ll show you one way to test the griddle to be sure it’s hot enough to begin cooking in.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, salt bag.
It’s not necessary but, I also made up this small Salt Bag.  It’s just a piece of Cheesecloth about 6 inches square that I’ve added a couple of Tablespoons of regular table salt too and tied up the ends.  What’s it for you ask?  Keep reading…you’ll see a little later down the page.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, sift the flour.
Grab a medium sized mixing bowl and your sifter.  Measure out the flour and place it in the sifter.  If you don’t happen to own a sifter, just place all the following ingredients in the mixing bowl and then whisk them together with a fork or wire type whisk.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, add the baking powder.
Add the Baking Powder.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, add the salt.
Add the Salt.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, add the sugar.
Add the Sugar.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, sift the ingredients together.
Sift the ingredients together…..then…..set them aside.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, add the lard.
Grab another smaller bowl and add the Lard or shortening.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, add the egg.
Crack open an Egg, balance it in your left hand and, take a picture of it all with your right hand holding the camera.  Or, just break the egg without taking a picture of it, whichever is easiest for you.  Smile.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, add the butermilk.
Add the Buttermilk.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, mix the wet ingredients together.
Grab a fork and mix up the wet ingredients.  Use the fork to breakup the Lard or Shortening as you go.  A few lumps aren’t going to matter.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, test the griddle heat.
After you have the dry ingredients mixed and then the wet ingredients mixed, it’s time to test the griddle and be sure it’s hot enough to add the batter.  You can do this easily by dropping a few drops of water into the pan.  If the water starts to sizzle and dance around, the griddle is hot enough to begin making the pancakes.  You want to make sure the griddle is good and warm before you add the batter.

Once the griddle is hot….add a few drops of cooking oil or maybe a little bit of the lard or shortening.  You can use a paper towel to brush it all around the surface of the griddle but just remember….it’s HOT…so watch your fingers.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, mix the wet and dry ingredients together.
When the griddle is hot enough, take the wet ingredients and pour them into the bowl of dry ingredients.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, stir until moist.
Give the ingredients a quick stir, just enough to incorporate them all together.  Scrape down the bowl as you go.  Don’t stir it but just a little, just mix it all together and don’t worry about any lumps in the batter.  They’re OK.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, add batter to griddle.
Use a large spoon, ladle, or measuring cup and add about 1/2 cup of the batter to the greased griddle or pan.  Use the back of the spoon to gently spread out the batter if it’s thick and doesn’t spread out quickly.  We’re making big pancakes as you can see.  You could also make smaller ones by adding about 1/4th cup of batter at a time.  That way, you could probably fit two or three smaller pancakes on the griddle at one time.  I just prefer the big one’s myself.  Think BIG….DREAM BIG.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, dry edges.
Watch the edges of your pancakes as they cook.  The edges will start out all shiny and glossy in the beginning.  As it cooks, the edges will begin to dry, bubbles will form and burst and, then the bottom edge will start to turn brown.  You can see this browning in the left side of the photo above.  Once this happens, it’s time to turn them over.  This may take 2 -3 minutes or longer.  It really depends on how hot the pan is.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, lift the edge.
Take a spatula and gently lift up one edge of the pancake.  It should come up easily from the pan without any sticking….if it’s starting to cook sufficiently.  Slip the spatula under the pancake and gently flip it over with a quick flip of the wrist.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, flip.
Even with just a little browning showing around the bottom edges, my pancake had started to overcook in some spots.  I seem to have a bit of a hot spot on the burner.  And, I’m cooking this on one of my smaller burners instead of the larger one.  It’s just easier for me to take pictures from the left side of my stove.  You may not experience any problems with yours.  It will take a little practice to figure out when they need to be turned but after making a few, it gets easier.  Flipping them also gets easier….I think….ummm….maybe not.  Of course it will.  Think positive.

This is why it’s important to smooth the batter around when you first place it in the pan.  You don’t want a bunch of batter piled up in the middle of the pan and then thinning out towards the edges.  The edges will brown quickly and then it will be difficult to flip the lesser cooked batter in the middle over without making a big mess or even breaking the pancake.  Practice, practice, practice.  At least you get to eat the results either way.

Also, keep in mind that the second side will cook in about HALF the time it took to cook the first side.  Watch it closely and don’t let them burn.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, rub with the salt bag.
Remove the pancake and sit it on a plate.  If any part of it stuck to your griddle, take the salt bag and lightly rub it around the surface of the griddle.  Do this ONLY with a cast iron griddle.  You don’t want to do this if you’re using a Teflon coated pan as you’ll ruin the finish.  It’s just an old timers trick to clean the griddle a bit.  Be very careful though…that griddle is hot and you could easily burn your fingers if you aren’t paying attention.  Then, add a little more shortening or cooking oil to the pan.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, repeat for the next pancake.
Repeat the process again until you’ve used up the batter.  This recipe made 3 very large pancakes, each one about the size of the griddle itself.

 

Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, serve and enjoy.
Stack your pancakes up on a plate, add some butter if you like and of course….add some of your favorite Syrup.  Aunt Jemima or Log Cabin Syrup are just a few choices that come to mind….unless you live in Vermont and can get some real Maple Syrup…or…maybe at least KNOW someone in Vermont that would be a really good friend and send you a bottle.  Just saying.

Serve warm and Enjoy!

 

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Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

  • Author: Steve Gordon
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 Large Pancakes 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Follow our Step-by-step, photo illustrated instructions for making Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes. A deliciously easy, made from scratch recipe for equally delicious pancakes. We’re cooking these in our cast iron griddle but any frying pan or griddle will work. Just top with butter and syrup for a quick and easy breakfast meal that you can say you made all by yourself.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons of Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 1 ¼ cup Buttermilk
  • 2 Tablespoons Lard or shortening.

Instructions

Slowly heat the griddle for about 15 minutes.

  1. Sift together dry ingredients, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt and Sugar, set aside.
  2. Mix together wet ingredients, Egg, Buttermilk and Lard, set aside.
  3. Test the griddle: Place a few drops of cold water on griddle, if they dance about, griddle is ready.
  4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just slightly dampened. Ignore the lumps.
  5. Pour 1/2 cup of batter onto heated griddle.
  6. When edges of pancakes become dry and some of the bubbles break, turn them.
  7. The second side will cook in about ½ the time it took to cook the first side.
  8. Remove from griddle.
  9. Rub the griddle with the salt bag between making each pancake to clean, if needed.
  10. Add just a little oil to lightly grease the griddle before adding more batter.
  11. Serve warm with syrup and Enjoy.

Notes

Melted Butter may also be used instead of Lard or Shortening.

Keywords: Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe, made from scratch, cast iron griddle, breakfast, southern recipes

 

Your Comments:  Don’t you just love pancakes?  Do you make your own from scratch or do you only use the boxed mixes?  Either way, we’d love to hear your comments and memories of old fashioned pancakes.  Please take just a moment and share your thoughts with us in the section below.  It’s the only true way we have of knowing that you visited our site and we’d appreciate it greatly.  All comments are moderated so your comment will not immediately show up.  This also means that we personally read each and every comment and as time permits, we will respond to as many as possible.  So, share your thoughts and come back later for our reply.  You can also help us spread the word about our recipes by sharing our information with your family and friends.  I hope you will give our recipes a try soon and that you will visit with us often.

Be Blessed!!!
Steve

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Tags: , , ,

Category: Breads, Breakfast

About the Author ()

Award Winning Food Preservationist, Fisherman, Author of three cookbooks. "From Mama's Big Oval Table, From Mama's Big Oval Table - BOOK TWO and Carolina Christmas Sweets and Appetizers." Online Contributor to Our State Magazine Newsletter.

Comments (11)

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  1. How To Make Old Fashioned Pancakes From Scratch | Bau Kelek Woy!!! | April 8, 2016
  1. Mo says:

    I made them with partially softened butter. Still had a few soft lumps of butter. They were delicious!!! Doubled the recipe and used a 1/4 cup measure to scoop them out. Made 18, 4 1/2 inch pancakes

  2. Shawnee says:

    Hi! I just discovered your site and am loving the recipes. Thank you so much for sharing. Out here in Arizona we call that griddle a “comal”. It’s what we make tortillas upon. Most of my friends and neighbors have one that is kept on the stove at all times, it’s great to heat up your daily dose of tortillas on. We use ours not only for tortillas and pancakes but it’s great to make sandwiches and quesadillas with. Everyone should have one on their stove. Again, thank you for your site, I’m making your ham bone beans today with the left over Easter ham.
    -shawnee

    • Steve Gordon says:

      Hi Shawnee, I’ve never heard a griddle being called a comal. Learn something new everyday don’t we? I appreciate your visits and hope you’ll stop by again… real soon. Be Blessed!!! -Steve

  3. The next time you or Curtis start cookin’ give me a holler. I live in Raleigh. I have enjoyed strolling through your website.

  4. Haley says:

    Any way these pancakes will still come out delicious with butter instead of lard?

    • Steve Gordon says:

      Hi Haley, I haven’t ever actually made these with butter so I can’t say exactly how it would turn out. You could use a Crisco type shortening if you don’t care to use the lard or can’t find it in your area. Remember though, the butter will brown more quickly and could cause the pancakes to burn. You might also want to clarify the butter first and perhaps use about 1 Tablespoon of butter instead of the 2 Tablespoons of lard the recipe calls for. Let me know if you try it and how it turns out for you. Good Luck. Thank you for your question and I do hope you’ll stop by for a visit again… real soon. Be Blessed!!! –Steve

  5. Justin says:

    Awesome cakes. These are definitely not one to be consumed every time pancakes are eaten but, for a treat every once in a while… WOW… I’ll call them donut cakes.

    • Steve Gordon says:

      Hi Justin, Thank you for your comments. I’m glad you liked the pancakes. I could probably eat them everyday but, I just can’t do that. Yes, they are a nice treat ever so often. I’m glad you found us and I hope you’ll stop by for a visit again… real soon. Be Blessed!!! -Steve

  6. joel harrison says:

    Steve……I didn’t know Curtis was your cousin…..We worked together at Static Control when he drove a truck for them…..I still see him from time to time. We used to always talk about going fishing at Surf City because at that time he had a place at a local campground near there….Thanks for posting the pic of him…..He is a super nice guy.!!…..Hope you are doing well. Take care.!!

    • Steve Gordon says:

      Joel, I hadn’t thought about you two working together. I remember when he use to work for them as I’d pass him sometimes out on the road. As they say, it IS a small world. Next time you see him, tell him word is now out that we are cousins. Thanks for stopping by Taste of Southern. It’s always great to hear from you. Be Blessed!!! –Steve

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