Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes – The Pioneer Woman’s Simple, Fluffy Favorite
A simple batter transforms into melt-in-your-mouth breakfast stacks with a subtle tang.
Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes: The Pioneer Woman’s Simple, Fluffy Favorite
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate pancake recipe—one that’s easy, endlessly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—look no further than Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes from The Pioneer Woman. This iconic recipe is beloved for its simplicity, tenderness, and the perfect touch of tang from sour cream, making it a standout in the world of breakfast comfort food.
What Makes Edna Mae’s Pancakes Special?
Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes aren’t just any pancakes. They’re light but rich, different but familiar, and—most importantly—they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’re rewarded with pancakes that are fluffy, tender, and just a little tangy—thanks to the cup of sour cream in the mix.
The Secret to Their Fluffiness
The fluffiness comes from the combination of baking soda and sour cream. Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the sour cream to create bubbles, giving the pancakes their signature lift and lightness. The result? Pancakes that are almost souffle-like, yet satisfyingly hearty.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for frying and serving
- Warm syrup, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to recreate Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes at home, just like The Pioneer Woman does.
1. Prepare the Egg-Vanilla Mixture
- Crack 2 large eggs into a small bowl.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Whisk the eggs and vanilla extract together until well combined. Set aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, stir together 7 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3. Mix Sour Cream & Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the sour cream.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the sour cream.
- Stir gently until just barely combined. The mixture will be lumpy—this is normal and desirable.
4. Add the Egg Mixture
- Pour the egg-vanilla mixture into the sour cream and dry ingredient mixture.
- Whisk until just combined. The batter should still be a little lumpy—don’t overmix.
5. Heat the Griddle
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Melt a generous amount of butter on the griddle, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking.
6. Cook the Pancakes
- Use a 1/4 cup measure to pour batter onto the griddle, forming 4-inch pancakes.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, or until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges start to brown.
- Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1–2 minutes until deep golden brown on the other side. The pancakes will be soft—this is part of their charm.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter as needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy
- Stack the pancakes high on a plate.
- Top with a pat (or more) of softened butter.
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup—the genuine article, if you have it.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Get the Texture Just Right
Edna Mae’s pancakes are intentionally tender and slightly soft, so don’t worry if they feel a bit delicate while flipping—this is part of what makes them special. If you like crisp-edged pancakes, let the first side cook a touch longer before flipping.
What others are reading
Sweetening Options
The original recipe calls for a modest amount of sugar—just enough to balance the tang of the sour cream. If you prefer sweeter pancakes, you can increase the sugar to 2 or even 3 tablespoons. Or, if you love the contrast of tangy pancakes and sweet syrup, stick with 1 or 2 tablespoons.
Mixing Do’s & Don’ts
Don’t overmix the batter. Some lumps and streaks of sour cream are fine—overmixing leads to tough pancakes. Stir gently until just combined for the best texture.
Butter Is Non-Negotiable
Butter both for frying and for serving is essential. It adds flavor and richness, so don’t skimp!
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The author shares that even though she isn’t typically a pancake enthusiast, this recipe changed her mind—and even her skeptical husband became a convert after tasting them. The pancakes are light, fluffy, and satisfying, whether served for breakfast or as a comforting snack any time of day.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional: With butter and maple syrup, as the recipe suggests.
- Fruit Lovers: Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or sautéed apples.
- Whipped Cream: For extra indulgence, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and serve with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and dill for a brunch-worthy plate.
Storage & Reheating
While these pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven for best results. If you’d like to freeze them, place a layer of parchment paper between each pancake, seal in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave, toaster, or oven.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 |
| Protein | 6-8g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-30g |
| Fat | 18-22g |
| Sodium | 500-600mg |
(Estimated values for 2 large pancakes, including butter and syrup)
History & Legacy of the Recipe
Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes are a classic family recipe, passed down through generations and made famous by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. They capture the essence of home-style, comfort-food cooking—simple, accessible, and deeply satisfying. The recipe has been featured in Drummond’s cookbook and remains one of the most popular breakfast recipes among her fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream, though the pancakes may have a slightly different, tangier flavor profile.
Q: Why are my pancakes falling apart while flipping?
A: These pancakes are intentionally tender and soft. Make sure your griddle is well-buttered and hot, and be gentle when flipping. If they’re still too fragile, let them cook a bit longer on the first side before attempting to flip.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: For best results, make the batter just before cooking. If you must prepare it in advance, let it sit no longer than 30 minutes, as the baking soda will lose some of its leavening power over time.
Q: How do I make these pancakes gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries?
A: Absolutely! Fold in your favorite additions just before cooking—chocolate chips, blueberries, or even chopped nuts work wonderfully.
The Bottom Line
Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes are a testament to the magic that can happen with a few humble ingredients and a little love in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving a crowd, treating your family, or simply indulging in a quiet breakfast for one, these pancakes deliver comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia every time.
Try It Yourself!
There’s only one way to truly appreciate the magic of these pancakes: make them yourself. Gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and let the rich smell of butter and pancakes fill your kitchen. Edna Mae’s Sour Cream Pancakes might just become your new go-to breakfast—fluffy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
So go on—lean in for a moment and let The Pioneer Woman’s beloved recipe brighten your morning. As Ree herself says, “You’re going to absolutely love these.”
References
- https://thenoshery.com/edna-maes-sour-cream-pancakes-from-the-pioneer-woman/
- https://www.wptf.com/recipes/edna-maes-sour-cream-pancakes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10975/edna-maes-sour-cream-pancakes/
- https://smittenkitchen.com/2010/01/edna-maes-sour-cream-pancakes/
- https://bunnyswarmoven.net/sour-cream-pancakes-pioneer-woman-recipe/
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/breakfastbrunch/pancakeswaffles/edna-maee28099s-sour-cream-pancakes/
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