If you’re anything like me, mornings can get hectic, and standing over a griddle flipping pancakes isn’t always the most appealing way to start the day. That’s exactly why I adore this Sheet Pan Pancakes with Butter and Toppings Recipe—it takes classic pancakes to a whole new level, all baked evenly in the oven on a single pan. It’s a game changer for feeding a crowd or just making breakfast incredibly simple and delicious. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your breakfast rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Breakfast Hack: You make a big batch all at once without flipping a single pancake on the stove.
- Perfectly Fluffy Every Time: Oven baking gives the batter an even, tender rise that’s so soft and light.
- Customizable Toppings Galore: You can add your favorite extras right on the pan before baking, saving cleanup and making it look amazing.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: Makes 8 to 16 servings depending on how hungry everyone is!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is straightforward and full of pantry staples, which makes this an easy recipe to pull off any morning. Each one plays a role—flour for structure, cornstarch for that tender crumb, and buttermilk for tang and fluff.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your pancake batter; I recommend spooning it into the measuring cup then leveling it for accuracy.
- Confectioner’s sugar: Adds gentle sweetness without graininess and helps with browning.
- Cornstarch: Super important for keeping pancakes light and delicate instead of dense.
- Baking powder: Your rising agent—freshness here really matters, so do check that expiration date!
- Sea salt: I stick with sea salt for its pure flavor, but adjust if you use table salt.
- Eggs: Bind everything together; I usually use large eggs but three small work just fine too.
- Buttermilk: The star for both moisture and that subtle tang makeover to the pancake flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip or substitute lightly!
- Butter (melted): Part goes into the batter and part is brushed on top to ensure those crispy, golden edges.
Variations
I love how forgiving this Sheet Pan Pancakes with Butter and Toppings Recipe is when it comes to personalizing it. Whether you want to keep it classic or add fun twists, this is your playground.
- Fruit Topped: I often scatter fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries on top before baking—they plump up inside and give bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip: For a weekend treat, sprinkling semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Gluten-Free Swap: I’ve swapped in a gluten-free all-purpose mix and the texture stays wonderfully fluffy, just watch the baking time.
- Vegan Option: I’ve tested with flax eggs and a dairy-free milk substitute—results are tasty though slightly less fluffy; melt vegan butter to brush on top for a golden finish.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pancakes with Butter and Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by lining your sheet pan (roughly 18″ x 13″) with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Then brush about one tablespoon of melted butter over the parchment; this extra bit of fat helps give the bottom of your pancakes a lovely golden finish. Preheat your oven to 425°F / 218°C, which is a hot enough temperature to give your pancakes that perfect puff.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your flour, confectioner’s sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. If you’re using a homemade or store-bought pancake mix instead, just place the mix in your bowl and skip the separate dry mixing. Sifting or mixing well here makes sure no lumps hide in your batter, which is key for that smooth texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Create Batter
In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the 5 tablespoons of melted butter. Then pour the wet ingredients into your dry mix and stir until just combined. I know it’s tempting to keep going, but don’t overmix—leave some tiny lumps. Overmixing can lead to tougher pancakes, and we’re going for soft fluffiness!
Step 4: Spread Batter and Add Toppings
Pour your batter into the prepared sheet pan. I use an offset spatula to spread it evenly—this helps the pancakes bake uniformly. Gently shake the pan to settle the batter, but be gentle; you don’t want to deflate those lovely bubbles forming. Now’s the time to add any toppings you love—fresh berries, nuts, or even chocolate chips work beautifully here.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Golden Perfection
Bake your sheet pan pancakes on the oven rack just above center for 5 to 7 minutes. I always peek at 5 minutes by poking the center gently—it should feel springy, and a toothpick should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs. Depending on your oven’s quirks or toppings, it might take up to 10 minutes. When it’s done, brush the entire top with the remaining melted butter, then switch your oven to broil.
Put the pan back under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes, keeping the oven door slightly open so you can watch closely. Rotate the pan halfway if your broiler isn’t even. This part gives that irresistible golden-brown finish on top, so don’t walk away here—you want perfection, not burnt edges!
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven and still hot, cut your sheet pan pancakes into 8 large, 12 medium, or 16 small squares depending on your appetite and occasion. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup or pancake syrup, and any extra toppings you adore. I promise, the whole family will be asking for this again and again.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Pancakes with Butter and Toppings Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Leaving small lumps in the batter keeps pancakes tender and fluffy, trust me on this one.
- Use Melted Butter on Parchment: Brushing the pan first with butter prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the pancake bottoms.
- Watch Broiling Closely: That broiler stage is fast—stay near the oven to avoid burning your pancakes.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your oven has fully preheated to 425°F / 218°C to get an even rise and color.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Pancakes with Butter and Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these pancakes with a pat of butter that melts right over the warm surface, combined with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries add a nice pop of color and freshness, and sometimes I sprinkle toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
For heartier breakfasts, I usually serve these with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. A side of scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad pairs wonderfully and helps balance the meal. When I want something lighter, Greek yogurt with honey makes a nice accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special mornings, I arrange the cut squares on a large platter in a fun pattern and top with colorful fresh fruit, edible flowers, and whipped cream dollops. Another fun idea is layering the squares like a mini pancake cake with layers of yogurt and berries in between – a guaranteed showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last up to 3 days without losing their fluffy texture. To keep them from getting soggy, I layer parchment paper between stacks.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing these pancakes individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then stacked in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to two months, which makes them a lifesaver for busy mornings when you want a quick, homemade breakfast.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I usually pop them in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a couple of minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven crispness. You can also microwave them briefly but watch out—the edges won’t stay as crisp this way.
FAQs
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Can I make this sheet pan pancake recipe without buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to two cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it won’t be exactly the same tang, but it still keeps your pancakes tender and fluffy.
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How do I know when the sheet pan pancakes are done baking?
The best test is to gently press the center with your finger—it should bounce back and feel springy. Another trick is inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs. If it’s wet or gummy, the pancakes need more time in the oven.
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Can I add toppings after baking instead of before?
Absolutely—adding toppings after baking is a great option if you want to keep fresh berries or delicate ingredients intact and vibrant. Just be sure to add a dab of butter or syrup on top so they stick nicely.
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What’s the best pan size for sheet pan pancakes?
I recommend an 18″ x 13″ baking sheet for this recipe. It provides enough space for an even, thin layer of batter to cook properly. If your pan is smaller or larger, adjust baking time accordingly and keep a close eye on the pancakes.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how this Sheet Pan Pancakes with Butter and Toppings Recipe makes life easy and delicious. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how evenly fluffy the pancakes came out without any flipping or fuss. It’s become my go-to when time is tight but I still want that homemade touch. You’ll find that once you’ve tried making pancakes this way, you’ll never go back to the stovetop method for feeding more than a couple of people. So go ahead—grab that sheet pan, gather your favorite toppings, and make a batch. Your mornings just got upgraded.
Print
Sheet Pan Pancakes with Butter and Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sheet Pan Pancakes are a convenient and delicious way to serve fluffy, soft pancakes for a crowd. Baked in the oven on a large sheet pan, these pancakes are easy to prepare, customizable with various toppings, and perfect for busy mornings or family breakfasts. The recipe uses a mix of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and buttermilk to create a tender texture, with a quick broil at the end for a golden, buttery finish.
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)
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)
For Brushing and Serving
- 45 g melted butter (3 tbsp, for brushing on top)
- Maple syrup or pancake syrup, and optional toppings of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the sheet pan: Line a sheet pan approximately 18″ x 13″ with parchment paper and brush the bottom evenly with 1 tablespoon of butter or more to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the oven: Set your conventional oven to 425°F (218°C) and allow it to reach temperature while preparing the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, confectioner’s sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. If using a homemade or premade pancake mix instead, place that mixture directly in the bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and 75 g melted butter until well combined.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not over-mix; small lumps should remain to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared sheet pan. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly across the pan. Gently shake the pan to distribute the batter evenly, taking care not to knock or deflate it.
- Add toppings: If desired, sprinkle any pancake toppings you prefer at this stage, such as berries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
- Bake the pancakes: Place the sheet pan on the rack just above the center of the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Start checking at 5 minutes; the pancakes are done when the center is springy and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs. Baking time can vary up to 10 minutes depending on your oven and toppings.
- Broil with butter: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and switch the oven setting to broil. Brush the pancake surface liberally with the remaining 45 g (3 tbsp) melted butter.
- Broil the top: Return the sheet pan to the oven under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes with the oven door slightly ajar. Rotate the pan as necessary to achieve an even golden brown color. Watch the pancakes carefully as they can burn quickly.
- Cut and serve: Once golden brown, remove from the oven and cut the pancakes while still hot into 8 large, 12 medium, or 16 small portions. Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite syrup and toppings.
Notes
- These sheet pan pancakes are incredibly soft, light, and fluffy, perfect for large gatherings or family breakfasts.
- They are versatile — customize with your favorite toppings such as berries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
- Use weight measurements for accuracy and consistent results.
- This recipe is beginner-friendly but requires close attention during broiling to prevent burning.
- Yields 8 large, 12 medium, or 16 small servings.
- Common US cup, teaspoon, and tablespoon measurements are used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- 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
