How many calories are in two large buttermilk pancakes?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Two large buttermilk pancakes can range from 320 to over 380 calories, based on nutritional data from various sources. This wide range highlights the importance of the specific ingredients and methods used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for two large buttermilk pancakes varies depending on the recipe, often between 320 and 380 calories before toppings. Pancakes' size, ingredients, and cooking methods influence this figure. Toppings significantly increase the calorie total.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: Two large buttermilk pancakes typically contain 320 to 380 calories before any toppings, with restaurant versions often being on the higher end.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade pancakes allow for more control over ingredient quantities, potentially resulting in a lower calorie count compared to standard restaurant offerings.
Size Matters: A 'large' pancake is not a standard unit; variation in size, along with the amount of oil or butter used, significantly impacts the final calorie count.
Toppings Add Up: Adding typical toppings like syrup, whipped cream, and butter can easily double the calorie count of the pancakes themselves, so choose wisely.
Smart Swaps: To lower the calorie total, use less sugar and fat, and consider healthier toppings like fresh fruit or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cooking Method Affects Calories: A non-stick pan can minimize the amount of fat needed for cooking, directly reducing the overall calories in your breakfast.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Buttermilk Pancakes

The question of "how many calories are in two large buttermilk pancakes?" doesn't have a simple answer. The calorie count depends on various factors, including whether the pancakes are homemade or from a restaurant, the recipe used, and the cooking method. While a standard estimate can serve as a baseline, understanding the variables is crucial for an accurate assessment.

Restaurant vs. Homemade Pancakes

Restaurant pancakes often have a higher calorie count compared to homemade versions. This is because of the generous use of butter in the batter and on the griddle, as well as the portion size. For example, IHOP's two Original Buttermilk Pancakes contain 320 calories, while Perkins' can range from 330 to 380 calories. Homemade pancakes allow for full control over ingredients and portion size. A homemade recipe might yield two large pancakes with fewer calories by using less butter and sugar.

Factors That Impact Pancake Calories

Several components affect the final calorie total of pancakes. Recognizing these factors helps in making informed choices.

Key Calorie Contributors:

Size: The definition of "large" varies greatly. A restaurant's large pancake may be significantly bigger than one made from a quarter-cup of batter at home. A larger surface area also means more butter or oil is used for cooking.
Ingredients: The type of flour, sugar, and fat used in the recipe all play a role. Using whole-wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar can affect the nutritional value. The type and amount of fat (melted butter in the batter and oil for cooking) are major factors.
Cooking Method: The oil or butter used to grease the griddle adds calories. A non-stick pan can reduce the need for excessive fat during cooking.
Toppings and Add-ons: This is where the calorie count can skyrocket. Syrup, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and extra butter can double or triple the initial calorie estimate of the pancakes themselves. For example, some restaurant servings including syrup and butter can exceed 600 calories.

Calorie Comparison: Homemade vs. Restaurant

To illustrate the calorie differences, a comparison table is provided using data from various sources. All values are for two large buttermilk pancakes without toppings.


Source	Approximate Calories (2 large)	Key Factors	Citations
IHOP	320 kcal	Standard recipe, consistent size
Perkins	330-380 kcal	Varies by specific product and recipe
Friendly's	350 kcal	Without syrup, based on 2-pancake serving
Homemade (Recipe 1)	~320 kcal	Typical recipe using all-purpose flour
Homemade (Recipe 2)	~350 kcal	Slightly higher fat recipe from source

How to Reduce the Calories in Your Pancakes

For those who want to enjoy pancakes while keeping an eye on their caloric intake, here are some helpful tips:

Use a lighter batter. Consider swapping a portion of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or oat flour.
Reduce the amount of sugar in your recipe. Many recipes call for more than is needed for flavor.
Cook with minimal oil. Use a non-stick pan and a light spray of cooking oil instead of a large pat of butter.
Choose lighter toppings. Opt for fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of heavy syrup or whipped cream.
Replace some wet ingredients. Substituting some of the buttermilk with plain Greek yogurt can increase protein and reduce calories.

For a delicious and potentially lighter homemade version, explore various recipes online and adjust them to your dietary needs. A great starting point can be found on sites like Allrecipes, which offers multiple variations of buttermilk pancake recipes.

Conclusion

The number of calories in two large buttermilk pancakes is not a fixed figure. While a general estimate falls in the 320-380 calorie range for the pancakes alone, the final amount is heavily dependent on the source, preparation, and toppings. Homemade versions offer the most control, allowing for easy calorie reduction by making small adjustments to ingredients and cooking techniques. By being mindful of these factors, a classic breakfast staple can be enjoyed without derailing nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Restaurant pancakes often contain more calories due to larger sizes and more generous use of butter in preparation. Homemade versions allow for precise control over ingredients like sugar and fat, enabling a lower-calorie result.

Toppings can dramatically increase the total calorie count. For example, a generous serving of maple syrup, butter, or whipped cream can add several hundred calories to your meal, sometimes more than the pancakes themselves.

Yes, healthier choices are possible by using less sugar in the batter, cooking with minimal oil, and topping your pancakes with healthier options. Fresh berries, a light dusting of cinnamon, or a small drizzle of honey are great alternatives to high-sugar syrups and butter.

Yes, the size of the pancake is a major factor. A 6-inch pancake has more batter and a larger surface area than a 4-inch pancake, requiring more ingredients and cooking fat, resulting in a higher calorie count.

To reduce calories, substitute some all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour, use less sugar in the batter, and cook on a lightly greased non-stick pan. You can also replace some of the buttermilk with a lower-fat option or Greek yogurt.

No, calorie counts vary significantly by restaurant. For instance, IHOP's two pancakes contain 320 calories, while Perkins' can be up to 380 calories, showing the wide range even among similar-sounding menu items.

For a lower-calorie alternative to maple syrup, consider using fresh fruit, a fruit compote made with minimal sugar, a small amount of honey, or a sugar-free syrup substitute. Fresh berries provide natural sweetness without excessive calories.