Lots of people reach for prepared pancake mix for convenience, but homemade pancakes are sooo much better — and almost as easy. And more importantly of course, you get to control the ingredients.

Pancakes always feel like a special indulgence, and maybe that’s because we associate them with leisurely weekend mornings. But in truth pancake batter can be ready in just about the time it takes to heat up your griddle – particularly so when you make the batter without the usual buttermilk and eggs.

I made these pancakes recently for my daughter and husband, who devoured them as soon as their forks hit the plates. Since I almost always make pancakes with whole-grain flour, these pancakes (with all-purpose flour) seemed like an extra special treat. I had a feeling they were going to be good, but even I was surprised how quickly they vanished. Maybe my husband was exaggerating, but he did say these were the best pancakes he ever had.

Maybe someone very nice will surprise you with these light and fluffy pancakes on Mother’s Day! And why shouldn’t you help the process along just a little bit by leaving this recipe in plain view and dropping hints throughout the week?