Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-style pancakes are thick, soft, and perfectly golden, making them an ideal breakfast or brunch treat. These easy-to-make pancakes use self-raising flour and eggs to achieve their signature fluffiness. Serve them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or crispy bacon for a classic American pancake experience.
What are Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-Style Pancakes?
Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-style pancakes are thicker and airier than traditional British pancakes, thanks to baking powder and beaten eggs. These light and fluffy pancakes are perfect for stacking and drizzling with syrup, honey, or your favorite toppings.

Other Popular Pancakes Recipes
- Jamie Oliver One Cup Pancakes
- James Martin American Pancakes with Blueberries
- Mary Berry Crêpe Pancake
- Delia Smith Pancakes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Fluffy and Light – Thanks to self-raising flour and eggs.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Perfect for Stacking – Ideal for classic pancake breakfasts.
- Customizable Toppings – Works for both sweet and savory options.
- Great for Kids and Family Brunch – A fun, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-Style Pancakes
For the Pancakes:
- Self-Raising Flour (200g / 1 ½ cups) – Creates extra fluffiness.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – This adds more lift to the batter.
- Milk (200ml / ¾ cup, full-fat preferred) – Keeps the pancakes light.
- Eggs (2, large) – Helps with structure and fluffiness.
- Unsalted Butter (25g, melted) – Adds richness.
- Caster Sugar (1 tbsp, optional) – For a slightly sweet flavor.
- Salt (a pinch) – Enhances all the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp, optional) – Adds a hint of sweetness.
For Cooking:
- Butter or Oil (for frying) – Prevents sticking and adds flavor.
For Serving (Sweet Options):
- Maple Syrup & Butter – A classic pancake topping.
- Fresh Berries & Greek Yogurt – Light and refreshing.
- Nutella & Banana Slices – A deliciously indulgent option.
- Honey & Chopped Nuts – A natural sweetener with crunch.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional) – A simple finishing touch.
For Serving (Savory Options):
- Crispy Bacon & Eggs – A hearty, salty-sweet pairing.
- Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese – Elegant and rich.
- Avocado & Feta – A modern, healthy twist.
- Cheese & Chives – A simple but flavorful choice.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick frying pan or griddle
- Ladle or measuring cup
- Spatula
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-Style Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine.
Tip: Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour a small ladleful (about ¼ cup) of batter into the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Stack the pancakes and top with butter, syrup, or fresh fruit.
- Serve immediately while warm.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-Style Pancakes
- Fresh Berries & Syrup – A refreshing combo.
- Peanut Butter & Banana – A protein-packed option.
- Crispy Bacon & Maple Syrup – A perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- Greek Yogurt & Honey – A light and tangy topping.
- Chopped Nuts & Dark Chocolate – A crunchy, indulgent finish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best American Pancakes
- Use Fresh Baking Powder – Ensures the pancakes rise properly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Keeps the pancakes light and airy.
- Let the Batter Rest for 5-10 Minutes – Helps with fluffiness.
- Keep the Heat Medium-Low – Prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Flip Only Once – Avoid pressing down on the pancakes.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-Style Pancakes
- Chocolate Pancakes – Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter.
- Lemon & Poppy Seed Pancakes – Mix in zest of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp poppy seeds.
- Protein Pancakes – Replace half the flour with protein powder.
- Gluten-Free Pancakes – Use gluten-free self-raising flour.
- Vegan Pancakes – Replace milk with almond or oat milk and use a flaxseed egg.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-Style Pancakes
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 Months – Stack pancakes with parchment paper between them and freeze.
- Reheat in a Pan or Microwave – Warm in a non-stick pan for 30 seconds per side or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition Value (per pancake, without toppings):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-style pancakes are the perfect go-to recipe for a quick, delicious, and satisfying breakfast. With their light, airy texture and endless topping possibilities, they are a versatile dish that everyone will love. Try them today and enjoy the best homemade pancakes!
FAQs
Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh.
Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes! The batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Stir before using.
Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute almond, oat, or soy milk, and use vegan butter for frying.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients to make more pancakes.
Print
Jamie Oliver Fluffy American-Style Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Fluffy American-style pancakes are thicker and airier than traditional British pancakes, thanks to baking powder and beaten eggs. These light and fluffy pancakes are perfect for stacking and drizzling with syrup, honey, or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- Self-Raising Flour (200g / 1 ½ cups) – Creates extra fluffiness.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Adds more lift to the batter.
- Milk (200ml / ¾ cup, full-fat preferred) – Keeps the pancakes light.
- Eggs (2, large) – Helps with structure and fluffiness.
- Unsalted Butter (25g, melted) – Adds richness.
- Caster Sugar (1 tbsp, optional) – For a slightly sweet flavor.
- Salt (a pinch) – Enhances all the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp, optional) – Adds a hint of sweetness.
For Cooking:
- Butter or Oil (for frying) – Prevents sticking and adds flavor.
For Serving (Sweet Options):
- Maple Syrup & Butter – A classic pancake topping.
- Fresh Berries & Greek Yogurt – Light and refreshing.
- Nutella & Banana Slices – A deliciously indulgent option.
- Honey & Chopped Nuts – A natural sweetener with crunch.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional) – A simple finishing touch.
For Serving (Savory Options):
- Crispy Bacon & Eggs – A hearty, salty-sweet pairing.
- Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese – Elegant and rich.
- Avocado & Feta – A modern, healthy twist.
- Cheese & Chives – A simple but flavorful choice.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine.
Tip: Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour a small ladleful (about ¼ cup) of batter into the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Stack the pancakes and top with butter, syrup, or fresh fruit.
- Serve immediately while warm.