This fluffy, golden Trader Joes Pancakes Recipe is made with rich buttermilk and melted butter, ready in just 20 minutes. The edges crisp beautifully in the hot skillet while the centers stay perfectly airy to soak up warm maple syrup. I love keeping this copycat version on hand for lazy Sunday mornings.
Why This Classic Works
Finding the perfect balance of leavening agents was my biggest hurdle when trying to replicate that signature diner-style fluffiness. I learned that using both baking powder and baking soda creates the ideal lift when reacting with the acidic buttermilk.
The real trick is letting the batter rest before cooking. This gives the flour time to hydrate and relaxes the gluten, ensuring the pancakes stay light and tender instead of dense.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Pancakes Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for cooking

How To Make Trader Joes Pancakes Recipe
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold Batter Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, leaving some lumps.
- Rest The Batter: Let the batter sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Cook The Pancakes: Heat a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat, pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles burst.
- Flip And Finish: Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.

Recipe Tips
- Do not overmix: Stirring the batter too much will develop the gluten and make your pancakes tough.
- Control the heat: If your skillet gets too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through, so adjust the burner as needed.
- Use room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can cause the melted butter to solidify and create a lumpy batter texture.
What To Serve With Pancakes
Pair these fluffy flapjacks with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a satisfying sweet and savory contrast. A side of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad adds a bright, refreshing finish to the heavy meal.

How To Store
Keep leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place parchment paper between each pancake and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, reheating directly in the toaster.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but you will miss out on the signature tang and fluffiness. To make a quick substitute, add two tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for five minutes.
Why are my pancakes flat?
Flat pancakes usually happen if your baking powder or baking soda is expired. It can also happen if you skip the batter resting step, which is crucial for the leavening process.
Can I make this batter ahead of time?
It is best to cook the batter right away after the short resting period. If left overnight, the leavening agents will lose their power and result in dense pancakes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 28g
- Protein: 7g
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Pancake Bread Recipe
- Trader Joes Protein Pancake Mix Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancakes Recipe
Trader Joes Pancakes Recipe
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesTrader Joes Pancakes Recipe delivers fluffy, soft hotcakes made with rich buttermilk and melted butter in just 20 minutes. This easy weekend breakfast brings that classic golden-brown texture to your skillet with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter or oil for cooking
Directions
- 1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 3. Fold Batter Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, leaving some lumps.
- 4. Rest The Batter: Let the batter sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature.
- 5. Cook The Pancakes: Heat a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat, pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles burst.
- 6. Flip And Finish: Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
