Hello friends! today I’m excited to share a recipe that warms my heart and makes weekend breakfasts extra special: Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes. I remember the first time I made these pancakes on a cozy Sunday morning. The sweet aroma filled the kitchen, inviting my family to gather around the table. In about 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Swirls: The cinnamon swirl creates beautiful patterns in each pancake, making them visually stunning.
- Soft and Fluffy: Thanks to buttermilk, the pancakes are tender and airy—every bite feels like a hug.
- Easily Customizable: You can add your favorite ingredients, such as nuts or fruits, for a personalized touch.
- Quick and Simple: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can impress their families in no time!
Delightful Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently mix using a whisk until just combined; a few lumps are fine—don’t overmix!
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag or a ziplock bag (cut a corner for easy piping).
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined. Transfer this mixture to a squeeze bottle or a ziplock bag.
- Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil or spray.
- Pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the skillet for each pancake. Watch for bubbles to form as they cook.
- Once you see bubbles on top, squeeze the cinnamon mixture in a swirl pattern starting from the center.
- Cook for about a minute more, then flip the pancake to cook the other side until golden brown. Continue this with the remaining batter, shaking the filling as needed.
- Drizzle with cream cheese icing or maple syrup.
Notes
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes while the pan heats. This relaxes the gluten and guarantees a fluffier pancake.
- Avoid Burnt Sugar: The cinnamon filling can caramelize quickly. Wipe the skillet with a paper towel between batches to prevent burning.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature egg and buttermilk so the melted butter mixes in smoothly without clumping.
Detailed Ingredient List for Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Let’s dive into the ingredients to create these fluffy delights! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Pancake Batter
- 1 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together.
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted, melted & cooled slightly): Makes the pancakes rich and tasty.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the mix.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides lift.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps pancakes rise fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The star of the show! This gives the pancakes that warm flavor.
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted): Used to create the swirl; ensures richness.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened): Provides a creamy, tangy topping.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Helps smooth out the icing.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Are you ready to create these delicious pancakes? Let’s get cooking!
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter until well mixed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently mix using a whisk until just combined; a few lumps are fine—don’t overmix! The leavening agents, baking soda and baking powder, are crucial for achieving a fluffy texture. For best results, ensure they are fresh and properly measured.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag or a ziplock bag (cut a corner for easy piping).
- Make Cinnamon Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined. Transfer this mixture to a squeeze bottle or a ziplock bag.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil or spray. Maintaining a consistent heat is key to evenly cooked pancakes.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the skillet for each pancake. Watch for bubbles to form as they cook.
- Add the Swirl: Once you see bubbles on top, squeeze the cinnamon mixture in a swirl pattern starting from the center.
- Flip and Finish: Cook for about a minute more, then flip the pancake to cook the other side until golden brown. Continue this with the remaining batter, shaking the filling as needed.
- Serve Warm: Drizzle with cream cheese icing or maple syrup.
Tips for Success and Technique
- Swirling Technique: Start slow when adding the cinnamon mix for controlled spirals. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
- Consistent Heat: Ensure your skillet is hot enough; if pancakes take too long to bubble, they might not rise nicely.
- Prevent Burnt Swirls: If the swirl burns, try lowering the heat slightly.
Variations and Creative Twists
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Add nuts (pecans, walnuts) | Provides a crunchy texture and enhanced flavor. |
| Use different spices (nutmeg) | Adds a warm, aromatic twist. |
| Alternative glazes (maple) | Offers a different sweetness profile for versatility. |
| Incorporating fruit | Add blueberries or bananas to the batter for freshness. |
Nutritional Information and Healthier Options
Here’s a quick glance at the nutrition you can expect from your delightful pancakes. If you want to be healthier, consider these swaps:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Healthier Swaps:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Choosing whole grains can increase fiber intake and nutrient density.
- Substitute some sugar with applesauce for a lower sugar option.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Serve your Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes with crispy bacon for a savory contrast or fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to brighten the plate. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes for a beautiful finish. You can also place a dollop of whipped cream for that indulgent touch! If you’re looking for more sweet treat inspiration, explore our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for another delightful option.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Burnt Swirls: Lower the heat and squeeze the cinnamon mixture more cautiously next time!
- Flat Pancakes: Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. They are key to fluffy pancakes.
Storage Instructions
To preserve these pancakes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze pancakes—just layer them with parchment paper and keep in a freezer-safe bag.
“According to FoodSafety.gov, you should always refrigerate perishable leftovers within two hours to ensure they remain safe to eat.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze leftover pancakes? Absolutely! Stack them with parchment paper between and store them in a freezer bag.
How can I make these pancakes in advance? You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before cooking.
Can I substitute buttermilk? Yes! You can mix milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup of milk to 1 tablespoon of vinegar) as a buttermilk substitute. This homemade version works similarly to commercial buttermilk in recipes.
Conclusion and Call to Action
I hope you enjoy making these Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes as much as I do! They’re perfect for cozy weekend mornings or whenever you want to treat yourself. Don’t forget to leave a comment describing how yours turned out or share any tweaks you made. Happy cooking!
