Add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt to a large bowl. Whisk everything together until evenly mixed. This step helps create light pancakes with even texture.

In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter and vanilla. Mix until smooth. The buttermilk gives these pancakes their classic rich flavor and soft texture.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until combined. Small lumps are completely fine. Do not overmix or your pancakes may become dense.

Let the batter sit for about five minutes. This short rest allows the ingredients to settle and helps create fluffy restaurant-style pancakes.

Warm a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat. The surface should be hot but not smoking. Proper heat creates golden pancakes without burning.

Pour about ¼ cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear and edges look set. Flip carefully and cook the second side until golden.

Stack the pancakes while warm. Add butter, syrup, fruit or whipped cream. Enjoy this homemade version while fresh and soft.