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Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup

posted by Liz Berg on June 30, 2011 (updated 7/29/24)

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup: This is the quintessential pancake recipe replete with real buttermilk. With regular or blueberry maple syrup, you’ll never go back to the box pancake mix!

You can also mix some fresh blueberries into the pancake batter to make Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes!

Blueberry pancakes on a square white plate with fork and blueberry garnish.

Table of Contents hide

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 You May Also Like:

7 Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup

Why You Must Make

This recipe is from our local Junior League cookbook, Winners (affiliate link). It was brought to my attention when someone on the Internet was told that this recipe was the quintessential pancake recipe. I typed it up on the website for the gal who made the inquiry and kept it in the back of my mind for years.
They’re made with pantry ingredients plus blueberries and the batter takes just minutes to make.
Adding a blueberry maple syrup is a gourmet addition making for a special breakfast.
For an extra boost of deliciousness, mix some fresh blueberries into the batter and make a classic blueberry pancake recipe.

I decided to update the photos for this recipe after seeing on TV, maybe on America’s Test Kitchen, that leaving your batter a little lumpy makes for thicker pancakes. Huh? I had to give it a try.

Pancake ingredients on a metal sheetpan with labels.

Ingredient Notes

Kitchen Staples – Salt, Sugar, Baking Soda, Flour (sifted), Butter (melted)
Eggs – Large eggs; Have at room temperature for easier incorporation.
Buttermilk – The acidic nature of buttermilk helps to loosen the gluten strands in the flour, making more tender pancakes.
Baking Powder – Unlike baking soda (also used in these pancakes), baking powder usually expires before you use it all. Check the expiration date on the can. You can also test your baking soda by putting a spoonful in a cup of very hot water. If it’s still active, it will bubble vigorously. If it doesn’t, purchase a new can before starting this recipe.
Maple Syrup – Use real maple syrup, not artificially flavored brands like Log Cabin. There will be a noticeable difference in taste if you don’t.
Fresh Blueberries – Make sure your blueberries are plump, firm, without blemishes, with a silvery frost across their surfaces.

How to Make

Whisk eggs together then add salt and sugar.

Expert Tips

This recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda. Baking powder often expires while sitting in your pantry as it’s not used as often as baking soda and has a shorter life span. Check the expiration date before starting this recipe.
Have your eggs at room temperature to make for easier incorporation.
Let your batter rest for 10-15 minutes before using it.
The batter should be slightly lumpy. Over-mixing can minimize their ability to rise and make for less tender pancakes.
Cook over medium heat.
Flip when the bubbles on the surface of the pancakes start to burst, the edges are set, and the undersides are browning.

Then one Sunday morning, the hubby had a moment of panic. NO BISQUICK! He has his weekend routine: oatmeal on Saturday, and French toast, eggs, pancakes, or waffles (with bacon) on Sunday.

He had his heart set on pancakes. Well, being the best darn wife in the world (he doesn’t read my blog, but his office does, so he’ll hear my proclamation. Haha.) He’ll never know that making these is a breeze. Shhh, don’t tell.

Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup - the quintessential pancake recipe with a blueberry infused maple syrup

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Buttermilk Pancakes Better?

The acid in the buttermilk activates the baking soda helping make taller, fluffier pancakes. The acid also breaks down the gluten strands creating tender pancakes, plus giving the pancakes a subtle tang.

What Can You Use if You Don’t Have Buttermilk?

You could also add sour cream or yogurt, but a simple buttermilk substitution is very easy to make. Use 1 cup of milk minus 1 tablespoon and add a tablespoon of either lemon juice or vinegar and stir to combine. Let it rest a few minutes until it starts to curdle and thicken, then give it another stir and measure out to use in your recipe.

Does the Buttermilk Pancake Batter Need to Rest?

It’s recommended but not necessary that the batter rests before using it. The resting time allows the batter to hydrate plus gives the gluten time to rest and relax making better quality pancakes.

Is It OK for the Pancake Batter to Be Lumpy?

Yes, in fact, you want your pancake batter to be slightly lumpy. Do not over-whisk or beat your batter or your pancakes won’t be as tender. There should not be large clumps of visible flour, but small lumps are desirable.

How Hot Should Your Pan Be When Cooking Pancakes?

The preferred temperature for your pan or griddle is 350°. If you flick a drop of water on the surface of the heated pan, it should skip across the surface.

Can You Freeze Leftover Pancakes?

Yes, just separate them with layers of wax paper or plastic wrap and wrap them so they’re airtight. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Reheat in a 250° oven until warm.