Vanilla Bean Pancake Stack

Name: Vanilla Bean Pancake Stack
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped; Maple syrup; Fresh berries; Powdered sugar (optional)

Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas

I love starting my mornings with a stack of fluffy vanilla bean pancakes. There’s something delightful about transforming simple ingredients into a warm, comforting breakfast that fills the kitchen with a sweet aroma. The richness of the vanilla bean elevates these pancakes beyond the ordinary, making them a perfect treat for leisurely weekends or special gatherings. As I drizzle them with maple syrup and add fresh berries, I can’t help but relish every bite of this indulgent breakfast experience.

Created by

Sophia

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:22:28.655Z

Creating these vanilla bean pancakes became a weekend tradition for my family. I found that using fresh vanilla bean instead of extract really amplifies the flavor, giving each bite a truly aromatic experience. We often experiment by adding ingredients like blueberries or chocolate chips based on what we have at home, which makes each stack a little different!

One tip I’ve learned is to let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking. This small step allows the baking powder to activate fully, resulting in pancakes that are wonderfully fluffy and light. You won’t want to skip this tip if you crave that perfect pancake texture!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fragrant vanilla flavor that's irresistible
Fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Customizable with your favorite toppings

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the perfect fluffy texture in pancakes largely relies on the balance between wet and dry ingredients. The combination of baking powder and the moisture from the milk and egg creates air bubbles when cooked, resulting in a light, airy pancake. It’s essential to avoid overmixing the batter; doing so can develop the gluten in the flour, which may lead to denser pancakes. Instead, stir until just combined, leaving small lumps for the best rise.

Using a good non-stick skillet or griddle is crucial for even cooking and preventing sticking. I recommend preheating the skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough so droplets of water sizzle upon contact. If the heat is too low, your pancakes might turn out tough and chewy, while too high can cause them to burn on the outside before cooking through. A consistent medium heat should achieve a nice golden brown around the edges.

Ingredient Insights

The star of this pancake recipe is undoubtedly the vanilla bean, which offers a rich and deep flavor compared to vanilla extract. If you can't find vanilla beans, you can substitute with one teaspoon of high-quality vanilla extract, though the depth of flavor won’t be quite the same. Make sure to scrape the seeds properly from the bean, as they add both aesthetic appeal and flavor bursts in every bite.

Sugar also plays a key role beyond sweetness— it contributes to the golden color and helps caramelize the surface of the pancakes. For a healthier twist, consider substituting white sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the liquid content accordingly to maintain the batter’s consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for an unbeatable pancake experience:

For the Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

To Serve

Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar (optional)

These ingredients come together to create pancake perfection.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your pancake stack:

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and scraped vanilla bean until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.

Heat the Griddle

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.

Cook the Pancakes

Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes until golden brown.

Serve

Stack the pancakes on a plate, drizzle with maple syrup, and add your favorite toppings.

Now, enjoy your delicious pancake stack!

Pro Tips

For extra fluffiness, use buttermilk instead of regular milk. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While maple syrup is a classic accompaniment, you can elevate your pancake stack by adding fresh seasonal berries or sliced bananas. If you're feeling adventurous, try a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture. Personalized toppings can transform your pancakes each time, so get creative with what you have on hand!

Consider making a berry compote by simmering mixed berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice on low heat until they break down into a sauce. This adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes and can be prepared in advance, saving you time during your morning routine.

Make-Ahead and Storage

For those busy mornings, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Store them separately in the refrigerator overnight, and combine just before cooking. This allows you to enjoy fresh pancakes without the hassle of measuring in the morning.

If you have leftover pancakes (which can happen!), allow them to cool completely and then stack them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or a microwave until warm, and you can enjoy a fresh pancake experience any day of the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I store leftover pancakes?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

→ Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger bowl for mixing and ensure your griddle has enough space for the pancakes.

→ What can I substitute for the vanilla bean?

You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if vanilla bean is not available.