If you love pancakes but sometimes find the traditional stove-top method a bit slow or fussy, you’re going to adore this Sheet Pan Pancakes with Vanilla and Butter Recipe. It’s a game-changer when you want fluffy, tender pancakes in one go without flipping a single one. Plus, the vanilla and butter combo gives these sheets of morning goodness a cozy, rich flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Keep reading—I can’t wait to share all my tips so yours comes out perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Method: No flipping individually—just mix, pour, bake, and broil for golden perfection.
- Fluffy & Tender Texture: The blend of vanilla and melted butter keeps the pancakes soft and full of cozy flavor.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: You can make a big batch all at once, which means more pancake smiles around your table.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily add your favorite toppings or mix-ins right before baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples that work beautifully together to create that classic pancake flavor and fluffy texture you’re craving. If you can, measure ingredients by weight for perfect consistency every time—trust me, it makes a difference!
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure but keeps the pancakes tender; spoon and level when measuring for accuracy.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness without affecting the texture negatively.
- Cornstarch: A secret weapon for softness, making these pancakes extra light.
- Baking Powder: Your main leavening agent for that fluffy rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors; if using table salt, use a little less.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and help with lift—a couple of large eggs do the trick.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the batter; you can substitute with milk and a splash of lemon juice if needed.
- Vanilla Extract: That warm, fragrant touch you’ll notice in every bite.
- Butter (melted): Incorporated in two parts—into the batter and brushed on top for flavor and browning.
Variations
I love how flexible this Sheet Pan Pancakes with Vanilla and Butter Recipe is. You can swap, add, or skip ingredients to make it suit your tastes or dietary needs—let your creativity run wild here!
- Gluten-Free: I once swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend and it turned out great—just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.
- Vegan Version: Use a flaxseed egg and plant-based milk instead of buttermilk; it’s a little different but still super tasty!
- Berry Burst: Sprinkle fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries over the batter before baking for a fruity twist my family goes crazy for.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter—you’ll get melty pockets of chocolate in every slice.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pancakes with Vanilla and Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by lining a large sheet pan (about 18″ x 13″) with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the pancakes from sticking. Give the bottom of the parchment a good brush with about a tablespoon of melted butter. Then, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Getting this high heat is key for a golden crust on your pancakes without making them dry inside.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, confectioner’s sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. Sifting helps aerate these ingredients and prevents clumps, giving you a lighter batter—and you know I’m all for light and fluffy! If you’re using a ready pancake mix instead, just dump it in here and skip this step.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the melted butter. I find this method easier than mixing everything all at once and helps the wet ingredients blend smoothly into the dry without overworking the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Don’t worry if you still see some small lumps—that’s actually the secret to tender pancakes. Over-mixing can develop gluten, making them tougher, which nobody wants in their fluffy morning stack.
Step 5: Spread the Batter on the Sheet Pan
Scrape the batter into your prepared sheet pan, then spread it out evenly with an offset spatula. I like to gently shake the pan just a little to help level the batter, but be careful not to knock the pan too hard or you’ll deflate those precious air bubbles.
Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional)
If you want to jazz up your pancakes, now’s the time to sprinkle on extras like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips. Just remember that toppings with moisture might extend the baking time a bit, so keep an eye on things.
Step 7: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake your sheet pan pancakes in the oven rack just above center for 5 to 7 minutes. Check at 5 minutes by gently pressing the center—it should feel springy, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs. Depending on your oven, it might take up to 10 minutes, especially with wet toppings. Once baked, switch the oven to broil. Brush the top liberally with the remaining melted butter, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes with the oven door slightly ajar. Rotate if necessary to brown evenly, but don’t walk away—even a few seconds too long can mean burning.
Step 8: Slice and Serve Warm
Remove the pan and immediately cut the sheet pancakes into your preferred portions—8 large pieces, 12 medium, or 16 small. Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite pancake toppings and watch your family’s faces light up!
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Pancakes with Vanilla and Butter Recipe
- Don’t Over-mix: I learned the hard way that over-mixing leads to dense pancakes—stop when you see small lumps!
- Broil with Attention: The broiler works fast. Keep the oven door slightly open and watch closely to avoid burnt edges.
- Use Parchment Paper: It keeps pancakes from sticking and makes cleaning up effortless—this tip saves me so much time.
- Measure Ingredients by Weight: Switching from volume to weight measurements made my pancakes way more consistent every single time.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Pancakes with Vanilla and Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a simple garnish of fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar—adds a light freshness and a pretty touch. If you want a little indulgence, dollops of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm honey take these pancakes next level in flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
My family loves pairing these sheet pan pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage and a side of scrambled eggs. For a lighter option, fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait with granola balances out the rich pancakes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
One time, I made these for a birthday brunch and cut the pancakes into stars with cookie cutters, then topped them with a little edible glitter and fresh raspberries. It was such a fun, festive touch that my guests loved—perfect if you want to make breakfast feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, I wrap leftover pancakes tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They stay good for about 2 to 3 days, making for easy weekday breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these pancakes successfully by separating each slice with parchment paper before stacking in a freezer-safe bag. When you want some, just pop a few in the toaster or oven—super convenient for busy mornings!
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend a quick toast or warming in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep that slightly crisp edge. Avoid microwaving too long or they might get rubbery. Adding a little butter when reheating helps revive the fresh-baked flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ll have a tangy stand-in that keeps the pancakes tender and flavorful.
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Will these pancakes be dense because they’re baked?
Not at all! Thanks to the combination of baking powder, cornstarch, and gentle mixing, these sheet pan pancakes come out incredibly fluffy and light—just like your classic stove-top pancakes, but way less fuss.
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Can I add mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding mix-ins is one of the best ways to customize this recipe. Just sprinkle your favorite add-ins evenly over the batter after spreading it on the pan, and bake as usual. Keep in mind extra moisture might increase baking time slightly.
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How do I know when the pancakes are done baking?
Check that the center of the pancakes feels springy and use a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, you’re good to go! Oven temperatures vary so start checking at 5 minutes to avoid over-baking.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Pancakes with Vanilla and Butter Recipe has seriously become my go-to for weekend breakfasts and brunch gatherings. I love how it saves me time but never compromises that fluffy, buttery comfort I crave in pancakes. Trust me, once you try baking pancakes this way, you might never go back to flipping individual ones! So go ahead—preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. Your kitchen, and your hungry loved ones, will thank you!
Print
Sheet Pan Pancakes with Vanilla and Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 medium slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sheet Pan Pancakes are a convenient and delicious twist on traditional pancakes, baked in the oven for a fluffy, soft texture and easy serving. Perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd, this recipe yields light, airy pancakes that can be customized with a variety of toppings. The batter is simple to prepare with common pantry ingredients and the baking method ensures an even cook without fussing over individual pancakes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour (2 cups, spooned and leveled)
- 40 g confectioner’s sugar (⅓ cup, spooned and leveled)
- 75 g cornstarch (⅔ cup, spooned and leveled)
- 23 g baking powder (4½ tsp)
- ¾ tsp sea salt (use less if using table salt)
- OR 410 g homemade pancake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs)
- 500 ml buttermilk (2 cups)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 75 g butter (5 tbsp, melted for the batter)
- 45 g melted butter (3 tbsp, to brush on pancakes)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a sheet pan (about 18″ x 13″) with parchment paper and brush the bottom with 1 tablespoon of butter or more to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your conventional oven to 425°F (218°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift all dry ingredients into a large bowl, or if using pancake mix, place it directly into the bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate jug, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and 75 g melted butter until evenly mixed.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Leave some small lumps to keep the batter light and fluffy; avoid over-mixing.
- Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Gently shake the pan to level the batter but do not knock it against your work surface to avoid deflating.
- Add Toppings: Add any desired toppings at this stage such as berries, nuts, or chocolate chips (optional).
- Bake Pancakes: Place the sheet pan on the oven rack just above the center and bake for 5-7 minutes. Start checking at 5 minutes for a springy center and a clean or lightly crumb-covered toothpick inserted in the middle. Total time may go up to 10 minutes depending on oven and toppings moisture.
- Broil for Golden Top: Remove the pan from the oven and switch the oven to broil. Brush the pancake surface liberally with the remaining 45 g melted butter.
- Broil Pancakes: Place the sheet pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes with the oven door slightly ajar. Rotate the pan as needed to achieve an even golden brown color. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven once golden brown. While hot, cut the sheet pancakes into 8 large, 12 medium, or 16 small portions.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with maple syrup, pancake syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- These sheet pan pancakes are exceptionally soft, fluffy, and versatile for different toppings and flavors, making them perfect for family breakfasts or serving groups.
- Use weight measurements for the best and most consistent results, especially for dry ingredients.
- The recipe is very beginner-friendly but keep a close eye during the broiling step to avoid burning.
- Adjust the salt if substituting table salt for sea salt to suit your taste.
- You can easily customize the recipe by adding berries, chocolate chips, or nuts before baking.
- This recipe yields about 12 medium slices but can be cut smaller or larger depending on preference.
- Common US cup, teaspoon, tablespoon measurements are used for volume ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of sheet pan)
- Calories: 199 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 97 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg