Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are fluffy and warm, with a sweet swirl of cinnamon filling that makes breakfast feel special. They’re like a cozy hug on a plate!
Who can resist that delicious, gooey cinnamon swirl? It’s the perfect treat to brighten up your morning! I love adding a drizzle of syrup on top for extra sweetness. Yum! 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your pancakes. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found it works well without compromising the fluffiness.
Buttermilk: It gives moisture and tang to the pancakes. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. It’s a great substitute!
Brown Sugar: This adds caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar, but dark brown sugar is my favorite for a richer flavor.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Always opt for ground cinnamon as it’s easy to use. For a twist, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or even pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Pancake Texture?
Getting fluffy pancakes can be a challenge, but here’s how to nail it:
- Don’t overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are tiny lumps. This keeps air in the batter for fluffiness.
- Let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This helps the flour relax and results in lighter pancakes.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat!
And remember, the cinnamon swirl is best added directly to the batter before flipping, so it caramelizes nicely as the pancake cooks. Happy flipping!
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pancakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for cooking
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Icing Drizzle (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30-35 minutes. You’ll be enjoying these delicious pancakes in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until it’s well mixed. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir just until combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; this will help keep your pancakes fluffy!
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it’s smooth and completely combined. This is your delicious cinnamon swirl!
3. Heat the Pan:
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly grease the surface with a touch of butter. This will help the pancakes cook evenly and prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Pancakes with the Cinnamon Swirl:
Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Quickly spoon a small amount (about 1/2 tablespoon) of the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the pancake in a spiral pattern. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook until they are golden brown on the other side, usually around 2 minutes more. Once cooked, remove and keep warm. Repeat this step with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
5. Make the Icing Drizzle (Optional):
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk or cream to make a smooth, pourable glaze. This drizzle adds a tasty touch!
6. Serve:
Stack your fluffy pancakes on a plate, drizzle with the icing glaze and warm maple syrup. Enjoy your cozy and flavorful cinnamon swirl pancakes! They’re perfect for any breakfast or brunch, and your family will love the sweet surprise inside!
These pancakes have a lovely soft, fluffy texture with a sweet and fragrant cinnamon swirl inside, complemented by the drizzle of icing and syrup that makes each bite a treat!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in denser pancakes. For best results, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to maintain a fluffy texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Pancakes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. For longer storage, freeze them separated by parchment paper in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Can I Make These Pancakes Vegan?
Absolutely! You can make this recipe vegan by using almond milk or soy milk with a splash of vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use coconut oil instead of butter for cooking.
