How to Make Pancakes in Cast Iron

Ahh, the call of a beautiful weekend morning flipping pancakes in cast iron for hungry kids gathered around the breakfast table.

For us, on Saturday morning, we slowly rouse and gather in the kitchen for pancakes. 

It really makes a better pancake to cook your pancakes in cast iron. They are buttery and crispy on the outside from the excellent steady heat that the pan provides. 

Plus, making pancakes from scratch rather than a pre-mixed batter will always make a better dish. There are no additives that take away from the simple ingredients here.

Best skillet for pancakes

A larger 12” cast iron skillet will give you more room for flipping pancakes, so opt for space in the name of efficiency.

That way, your hungry family can get them while they’re hot.  

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It’s important that the skillet is well-seasoned. Check out our tips for cast iron care to ensure yours is up for the task. 

You could also use a skillet that is enameled to make it a little easier on the care end. This is a great option for enameled cast iron skillets to cook pancakes in.

Plus, a lot of butter goes a long way when making pancakes in cast iron.  

Cast iron skillet pancakes from scratch

Pre-mixed pancake batter can be quick and easy in a pinch, don’t get me wrong. 

But it should put your mind at ease to know that the ingredients to make pancakes are very simple pantry staples. And you won’t have to worry about nasty preservatives and fillers when making them from scratch. 

Ingredients you’d have on hand for most staple baked goods will do the trick here. 

A little flour, baking powder and soda, salt, egg, butter and milk and that’s it. 

It’s fun to remember that this is how pancakes became such a common breakfast dish in America. 

Pioneers and early American settlers brought recipes over from their ancestry and home nations. Then, using the simple ingredients and tools on hand (like cast iron skillets), they’d whip up breakfast for a crowd. 

It’s rumored that Thomas Jefferson loved pancakes!

How to cook pancakes on cast iron

Simple pantry staples, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, and a quick hand are all you need to make these delicious pancakes on cast iron. 

What you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Egg
• Butter, melted
• Whole milk

Start by preheating the cast iron skillet over medium heat. All dry ingredients will first mix together in a separate bowl. 

Once those dry ingredients are well combined, add the wet ingredients and mix with a hand mixer (or with a wooden spoon and some elbow grease) until just combined. 

Melt a little butter or oil in the skillet, and using a ¼ cup measure, portion out some batter for pancakes in your heated cast iron skillet. 

Cook them until the bottom is golden brown; usually, the batter on the top bubbles a bit as well. Flip and cook the other side until lightly browned. 

Easy. That was the first batch. Work through the batter until all bellies are full. 

What to serve with pancakes

We love to serve ours with high-quality butter and an organic maple syrup. 

Of course, many folks love to use diced berries coated in sugar with whipped cream. Nutella or peanut butter are also crowd favorites. 

Bacon or sausage patties on the side really make the dish complete and helps to make it feel like a special weekend brunch. 

I hope you find the time to make these simple pancakes from scratch in cast iron this weekend. Time spent together as a family over the weekend is what it’s all about, friends! Enjoy. 

More cast iron breakfast ideas

• Easy Fall Spiced Baked Persimmons
• English Muffin Omelette
• Cast Iron Breakfast Casserole
• Easy Waffle Recipe