Before we dive into the world of IHOP’s cinnamon roll pancakes, let’s talk about what you can serve with these delightful treats. Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air, and your family gathered around the breakfast table.
Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon and sunny-side-up eggs for a savory twist. Fresh fruit—like strawberries and blueberries—adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness. Don’t forget a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy latte to round out the meal. Now, that sounds like a perfect start to the day!
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
I’ll be honest with you; I’m a pancake aficionado. I once turned an ordinary Sunday breakfast into an all-out pancake fest, complete with three different flavors. While I loved the fruity and chocolatey options, nothing quite hit the spot like the gooey, cinnamon-filled pancakes from IHOP. After a few tries, I realized I could recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. This recipe is a breeze to whip up and it’s a fantastic way to impress family and friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, the flavors are spot-on. The fluffy pancakes marry perfectly with the warm cinnamon swirl, and the cream cheese drizzle takes it over the top. Also, who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon in the morning?
A Deep Dive into the Ingredients
Now, let’s not just skim the surface—we need to dive into the ingredients that make these pancakes so delicious.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the batter. I usually go for quality flour to make sure the texture is just right—light and fluffy.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.
Baking Powder: The secret behind light, fluffy pancakes. No one wants flat pancakes—let’s keep them airy!
Granulated Sugar: This adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance everything. I use a heaping tablespoon to keep things cheerful.
Eggs: I use one lightly whisked egg to bind everything together. It adds richness without being overpowering.
Unsalted Butter: Melting butter adds a delightful richness. I prefer unsalted to control the sodium levels.
Whole Milk: This keeps the batter moist and contributes to that soft texture we all love.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint complements all the other flavors. You can never go wrong with vanilla!
Cinnamon Swirl Topping
If the pancakes are the stars, the cinnamon swirl topping is the supporting actor who steals the show. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Cinnamon: It wouldn’t be a cinnamon roll pancake without this! I like to toss in an extra heaping tablespoon for good measure.
Brown Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for that deep molasses flavor. It complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Again, I use unsalted. It’s best to know how much salt you’re adding.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a tablespoon helps create that perfect swirl.
Half-and-Half and Maple Syrup: They provide the right consistency, turning this mixture into a dreamy, flowy cinnamon swirl.
Cream Cheese Drizzle
Finally, we can’t forget the cream cheese drizzle! It takes these pancakes to a whole new level of indulgence.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Milk: Just a splash creates the perfect drizzle consistency.
Confectioners’ Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Ingredients List
Here’s your handy list to get started:
Pancake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 heaping tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 egg, lightly whisked
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Topping
- 1 heaping tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
Cream Cheese Drizzle
- 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
- A splash of milk
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
How to Make IHOP Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your own pancake heaven:
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 heaping tablespoon of granulated sugar. Use a whisk to mix well. This helps to avoid any lumps and gets everything evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, take that lightly whisked egg and add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture in. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally okay when it comes to pancakes.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small mixing bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Then add 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 heaping tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of half-and-half, and 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup. Mix well until smooth. Transfer this mixture to a zip-top bag and snip a small corner off, creating a piping bag.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a little bit of butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Before it bubbles, pipe some cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
Step 6: Flip and Cook
Once bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake (usually about 2-3 minutes), flip it. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat this process until you have a stack of heavenly pancakes.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Drizzle
In a small bowl, combine 1 ounce of softened cream cheese, a splash of milk, and 1 tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar. Mix well until it’s smooth and drizzle-worthy.
Step 8: Serve
Stack your pancakes high on a plate, generously drizzle with the cream cheese mixture, and add extra cinnamon if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Recipe Notes
Here’s a little additional insight on the ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour works for both baking and cooking. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour, though the texture might be slightly different.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise. Check expiration dates occasionally!
Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon is the ultimate way to elevate the flavor. Try to get the best quality you can find.
Eggs: Using room temperature eggs can result in a fluffier pancake, as they whip better into the batter.
Unsalted Butter: It’s essential in controlling the saltiness of your dish.
Cream Cheese: Try flavored cream cheese (like vanilla or cinnamon) for an interesting spin on your drizzle.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to switch things up:
- Add Fruit: Blueberries or bananas work great in the batter. Just fold them in gently before cooking.
- Nutty Toppings: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch in your pancakes.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an even sweeter breakfast.
- Different Flours: Experiment with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.
Ihop Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 heaping tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 egg lightly whisked
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 heaping tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 1 ounce cream cheese softened
- Milk
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 heaping tablespoon of granulated sugar. Use a whisk to mix well. This helps to avoid any lumps and gets everything evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, take that lightly whisked egg and add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until combined and smooth.
- Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture in. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally okay when it comes to pancakes.
- In a small mixing bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Then add 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 heaping tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of half-and-half, and 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup. Mix well until smooth. Transfer this mixture to a zip-top bag and snip a small corner off, creating a piping bag.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a little bit of butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Before it bubbles, pipe some cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
- Once bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake (usually about 2-3 minutes), flip it. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat this process until you have a stack of heavenly pancakes.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 ounce of softened cream cheese, a splash of milk, and 1 tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar. Mix well until it’s smooth and drizzle-worthy.
- Stack your pancakes high on a plate, generously drizzle with the cream cheese mixture, and add extra cinnamon if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes
- All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour works for both baking and cooking. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour, though the texture might be slightly different.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise. Check expiration dates occasionally!
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon is the ultimate way to elevate the flavor. Try to get the best quality you can find.
- Eggs: Using room temperature eggs can result in a fluffier pancake, as they whip better into the batter.
- Unsalted Butter: It’s essential in controlling the saltiness of your dish.
- Cream Cheese: Try flavored cream cheese (like vanilla or cinnamon) for an interesting spin on your drizzle.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
IHOP’s cinnamon roll pancakes aren’t just a menu item; they’re an experience. Whipping them up in your kitchen means you get to savor the delightful blend of fluffy pancakes and gooey cinnamon rolled into every bite.
Every ingredient plays a significant role, and with a few simple steps, you’ve got a breakfast masterpiece that’s not only delicious but also customizable to your heart’s content. So, gather the ingredients, get the family around, and make it a pancake party! You’ll be glad you did, and your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy!
