This Golden Diner pancakes recipe is my homemade take on the giant, ultra-fluffy pancakes from the NYC restaurant. They bake up thick, soft, and golden, then get topped with warm honey butter that melts right into the stack. The pancakes come out looking like they're from the restaurant, but the method is a lot more doable at home than you’d expect.
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Copycat Honey Butter Pancakes from Golden Diner
My cousin Matt lived in New York City for more than three years, and the whole time he kept talking about the pancakes at Golden Diner. He said they were the best pancakes he had in the city, which felt like a big statement considering how many breakfast spots he tried while he was there. The last time I visited him, I finally had them myself, and I understood why he wouldn’t shut up about them.
Recently I started seeing Golden Diner's pancakes going viral on social media all over again, and that was enough to push me into trying to recreate them at home. The method is what makes this pancake so different from a standard stovetop version. Instead of cooking individual pancakes on the stove, the batter goes into one hot oven-safe skillet and bakes into a single thick pancake with a really soft, fluffy center and golden edges. Once you add the honey butter on top, it captures that same comforting, indulgent diner experience that made my cousin talk about it nonstop.
If you like breakfast recipes that are a little different from the usual stack of pancakes, this one is absolutely worth trying at home.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 3 cups buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 3 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Honey Butter:
- 8 oz salted butter
- 4 tablespoon honey
For Serving:
- Soft whipped cream (optional)
How to Make Golden Diner Pancakes
Step 1: Make the batter
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk just until combined. A few small lumps are totally fine.
Step 2: Start the pancake in the skillet
Heat an oven-safe nonstick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the pan. Pour the batter into the skillet and spread it evenly.
Step 3 : Bake the pancake
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed, golden, and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the honey butter and serve
While the pancake bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat and whisk in the honey until smooth. Remove the pancake from the oven, top with soft whipped cream, and drizzle generously with the warm honey butter. Serve right away.
Pro Tips for the Best Golden Diner Pancakes
Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are completely fine. If you keep whisking until it’s perfectly smooth, the pancake can turn out heavier instead of fluffy.
Use a hot, oven-safe skillet. Starting with a properly heated skillet helps the pancake puff better and gives you a nicer golden edge.
Butter the pan well. Make sure the bottom and sides are coated so the pancake releases cleanly and gets that buttery finish around the edges.
Measure the flour carefully. Too much flour will make the pancake thicker and denser than you want. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off if you’re not weighing it.
Check the center before pulling it out. Since this is one large pancake, the middle can need a little more time than the edges. A toothpick in the center should come out clean or with just a few soft crumbs.
Serve it right away. This pancake is best while it’s still warm and puffed. It will settle a little as it cools, which is normal.
How to Store and Reheat Golden Diner Pancakes
These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the oven, but leftovers still reheat well.
Pancakes: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Honey butter: Store separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving again.
Golden Diner Pancake FAQs
What are Golden Diner pancakes?
Golden Diner pancakes are thick, fluffy diner-style pancakes inspired by the famous NYC restaurant version. This homemade recipe bakes one large pancake in a skillet and finishes it with warm honey butter for that same oversized, soft-centered feel.
Why are Golden Diner pancakes so fluffy?
They stay fluffy because the batter is mixed gently and baked in one hot skillet instead of being cooked as individual pancakes on the stovetop. That oven method helps the pancake puff up more and keeps the center soft.
What size skillet should I use?
A 10- to 12-inch oven-safe skillet works best for this amount of batter. A smaller skillet will make a thicker pancake that may need a little more time in the oven.
Can I make Golden Diner pancakes without an oven-safe skillet?
An oven-safe skillet is the best option, but you can use a similar oven-safe baking dish if needed. The shape and texture may be a little different.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3 cups of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I wouldn’t recommend it. This pancake bakes up best when the batter is mixed and used fairly soon, since the lift starts working once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
How do I know when the pancake is done?
The pancake should be puffed, golden, and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with just a few soft crumbs.
Can I use this recipe for regular pancakes instead?
This recipe is built for the skillet-and-oven method, so that’s how it works best. You could use the batter for regular pancakes, but the texture and cook time will be different.
What do you serve with Golden Diner pancakes?
They’re best with the honey butter on top, but whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar all work well too.
More Copycat Pancake Recipes to Try Next
Golden Diner Pancakes Recipe (Copycat NYC Pancakes)
This Golden Diner pancakes recipe is my homemade take on the giant, ultra-fluffy pancakes from the NYC restaurant. They bake up thick, soft, and golden, then get topped with warm honey butter that melts right into the stack. The pancakes come out looking like they're from the restaurant, but the method is a lot more doable at home than you’d expect.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 3 cups buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 3 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoon baking soda
Honey Butter:
- 8 oz salted butter
- 4 tablespoon honey
For serving:
- Soft whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, milk, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
- Heat an oven-safe nonstick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the pan. Pour the batter into the skillet and spread it evenly.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the pancake is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the pancake bakes, make the honey butter by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the honey until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove the pancake from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Top with a scoop of soft whipped cream and drizzle generously with the warm honey butter. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don't overmix the batter. A few lumps keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Use an oven-safe skillet since the pancake transitions from stovetop to oven.
- A toothpick test is the most reliable way to check doneness on a pancake this thick.
- Best served immediately while warm and puffed.
- Reheat leftover slices in the microwave or a low oven; store honey butter separately in the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 large siceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 401Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 12gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 245mgCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 14g
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