Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe

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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine the best of both worlds – the soft, fluffy texture of pancakes and the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls. This delightful breakfast treat is perfect for special occasions, weekend brunches, or whenever you need a comforting and indulgent meal to start your day. Follow this detailed recipe to create a stack of delicious cinnamon roll pancakes topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting.

Overview of the Recipe

This recipe guides you through making cinnamon roll pancakes with a rich cream cheese frosting, fluffy pancake batter, and a sweet cinnamon swirl. The process involves preparing the frosting, making the pancake batter, creating the cinnamon swirl mixture, cooking the pancakes, and finally assembling everything together.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pancakes

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Melt Butter: Using a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in the cream cheese. Whisk until almost smooth.
  3. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Mix in the powdered sugar, then add the vanilla extract. Stir and set aside.

Prepare the Pancake Batter

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
  3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined (lumps are okay). Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

  1. Mix Ingredients: While the batter is resting, make the swirl mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Create Piping Bag: Transfer the mixture to a quart-size zip-lock bag and cut off one corner to create a piping bag.

Cook the Pancakes

  1. Heat Griddle: Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Scoop Batter: Scoop the batter onto the griddle to make 4-inch pancakes.
  3. Add Cinnamon Swirl: When the batter starts to form bubbles, use the cinnamon mixture to pipe a swirl on top of the pancake, starting from the center and spiraling outward.
  4. Cook Pancakes: Cook until the bubbles begin to pop, about 2-3 more minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the underside is golden brown.
  5. Repeat: Wipe the pan if needed and repeat for each pancake.

Top the Pancakes

  1. Add Frosting: Once the pancakes are cooked, top them with the cream cheese glaze.
  2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes!

Serving

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings (3 pancakes per serving)

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are delicious on their own but can be paired with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For a complete breakfast, serve with scrambled eggs, crispy turkey bacon, or sausage. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of orange juice will complement these sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Variations of the Recipe

  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
  • Chocolate Swirl: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a chocolatey twist.

Health Benefits

While this recipe is an indulgent treat, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Using buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and provides calcium and protein. Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Notes

  • Resting Batter: Allowing the batter to rest helps the pancakes become fluffier.
  • Cinnamon Swirl: Be careful not to cut too large of a hole in the piping bag to ensure a neat swirl.
  • Cleaning the Pan: Wipe the pan between batches to prevent the cinnamon sugar from burning.

FAQs

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can make the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.

2. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet.

3. Can I freeze these pancakes? Yes, you can freeze the pancakes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or microwave.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful way to enjoy a special breakfast or brunch. The combination of fluffy pancakes, sweet cinnamon swirl, and creamy frosting creates a treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy making and eating these delicious pancakes, and savor the comforting flavors they bring to your table.

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