Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Generously grease the parchment and sides of the pan with butter or cooking spray.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. These dry ingredients need thorough mixing to ensure your leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent rising.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The acid in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a lighter texture, but regular milk with lemon juice works beautifully too if you don't have buttermilk on hand.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a rubber spatula until just combined. You'll still see some small lumps—that's perfect! Overmixing develops gluten and results in tough pancakes, so resist the urge to stir until completely smooth.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, using the spatula to spread it evenly to the corners. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to level the batter and remove any large air bubbles.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>If using, sprinkle your chosen toppings (berries, chocolate chips, sliced bananas) evenly across the batter. You can also create sections with different toppings to please everyone's preferences!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed up, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges will be slightly more golden and crisp—many consider this the best part!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before lifting the pancake out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 squares and serve warm with maple syrup, honey, yogurt, or your favorite pancake toppings.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>For meal prep, cool completely, then wrap individual portions and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast any day of the week!</li></ol>