If you have been on the lookout for a simple yet utterly satisfying breakfast or snack, this Delicious Classic Pikelets Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. These little golden beauties are soft, fluffy, and perfectly tender, combining the nostalgic charm of traditional homemade treats with ease and speed. Whether you enjoy them with sweet toppings or just a pat of butter, pikelets bring a delightful comfort that’s sure to brighten your mornings or cozy afternoons. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to whip up these scrumptious bites that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and ensures your pikelets turn out just right. Each simple component plays a crucial role in delivering that fluffy texture, subtle sweetness, and inviting golden color that make these so irresistible.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The fundamental base creating structure while keeping pikelets tender.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of buttermilk.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Your secret weapon for that perfect puff and airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give a lovely rise and lightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes tender fluffiness with its tangy richness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients, providing moisture and lift.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for cooking: Adds a subtle richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
How to Make Delicious Classic Pikelets Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This mix of dry ingredients ensures even distribution of rising agents, which is essential for achieving the light, fluffy texture that makes this recipe shine.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. This blend brings moisture and richness, with the buttermilk lending that signature tangy flavor while tenderizing the pikelets as they cook.
Step 3: Combine and Stir Gently
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir with a spatula just until combined. Aim to keep the batter slightly lumpy—overmixing could make your pikelets tough rather than tender, so a gentle touch here pays off.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. A properly preheated pan is key to developing those irresistible golden edges while ensuring even cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Pikelets
Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter onto the skillet, allowing enough space for them to spread slightly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set. Then flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Repeat and Serve Warm
Continue with the remaining batter, adding butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking. Serve these warm little delights immediately, or hold them loosely covered while finishing the batch—they’re best enjoyed fresh!
How to Serve Delicious Classic Pikelets Recipe

Garnishes
While these pikelets are delicious on their own, adding garnishes turns them into a dazzling treat. Think creamy butter melting into their warm folds, vibrant jams bursting with fruity sweetness, a drizzle of honey for natural floral notes, or even a scattering of fresh berries to add both color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pikelets make a fantastic partner for light sides like a bowl of mixed fresh fruits, a dollop of whipped cream, or even crispy bacon if you want to mix sweet and savory. For a brunch spread, they shine alongside eggs and smoked salmon, creating an indulgent and well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Planning to impress guests or just jazz up your breakfast? Stack your pikelets into mini towers layered with lemon curd and mascarpone, sprinkle with toasted nuts for crunch, or create a pikelet sandwich with cream cheese and cucumber for a fun twist. Their petite size lends itself beautifully to creative plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your batch of this Delicious Classic Pikelets Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps them stay moist and flavorful while preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
To keep pikelets fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to a month, making them an excellent make-ahead option.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored pikelets, reheat in a toaster or oven to gently warm them through and restore their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that lovely texture, as it can make them a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I make pikelets without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity and tenderness buttermilk provides. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Why are my pikelets dense instead of fluffy?
Fluffiness comes from gentle mixing and the right amount of rising agents. Overmixing the batter can develop gluten and result in dense pikelets. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and your pan is properly heated.
Can pikelets be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check if the blend includes xanthan gum for structure or add a small amount yourself.
What toppings pair best with pikelets?
Classic toppings include butter and jam, honey, lemon curd, fresh fruit, or cream cheese. For a savory option, try smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill or sautéed mushrooms and herbs.
How do I know when pikelets are cooked through?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and edges that look set before flipping. After flipping, the pikelets should be golden and spring back slightly when pressed—this means they’re cooked inside.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Delicious Classic Pikelets Recipe is like inviting a little bit of homemade happiness into your kitchen. These tender, golden pikelets are quick to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. So don’t hesitate—mix up a batch today and savor the comforting joy that only freshly cooked pikelets can deliver.
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Delicious Classic Pikelets Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These classic Pikelets are fluffy, soft, and perfectly golden mini pancakes that make a delightful breakfast or snack. Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk and flour, they come together quickly and are perfect for serving warm with butter, jam, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for cooking
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth and well blended.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Some lumps in the batter are fine; do not overmix to keep the pikelets light and fluffy.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook pikelets (first side): Spoon tablespoon-sized amounts of batter onto the hot skillet. Cook each pikelet for 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set and slightly dry.
- Flip and cook (second side): Carefully flip each pikelet and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat cooking: Continue cooking the remaining batter in batches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed to keep pikelets from sticking.
- Serve warm: Serve the pikelets immediately while warm, topped with butter, jam, honey, or fresh fruit as desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure pikelets remain light and fluffy.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned griddle for best results.
- Buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang; if unavailable, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Pikelets can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking remaining batter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Australian