Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Recipe | Easy and Fluffy Homemade Pancakes

Introduction

Warm, fluffy, and dripping with gooey cinnamon sweetness, cinnamon swirl pancakes bring a delightful twist to your traditional morning stack. They are the kind of breakfast treat that feels like a cozy morning hug on a plate. Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven but with the lightness and fluff of a pancake. That’s what makes these pancakes truly irresistible.

People often think of cinnamon swirl pancakes as a weekend indulgence, but they are surprisingly simple to whip up any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, your partner, or just treating yourself, this recipe turns an ordinary breakfast into something truly special. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry.

Homemade pancakes allow for creativity. You can adjust the spice level, tweak the batter, or even make them dairy-free without losing flavor. Plus, they offer a fun way to enjoy the taste of cinnamon rolls without waiting for dough to rise. Perfect for those who crave instant comfort food.

Let’s dive into how to make the best cinnamon swirl pancakes from scratch and elevate your breakfast game.

Cinnamon Swirl Pancake

Ingredients Needed

Below is a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need along with an approximate calorie count per serving size. This helps if you’re watching your intake or simply want to know what goes into your morning meal.

IngredientQuantityCalories (Approx.)
All-purpose flour1½ cups600
Baking powder2 teaspoons5
Baking soda½ teaspoon0
Salt¼ teaspoon0
Sugar1 tablespoon48
Buttermilk (or whole milk)1¼ cups150
Egg1 large70
Unsalted butter (melted)2 tablespoons200
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon12
Brown sugar (for swirl)⅓ cup152
Ground cinnamon1 tablespoon18
Butter (for swirl)4 tablespoons400
Cream cheese (optional)2 tablespoons100
Maple syrup (optional)2 tablespoons104

Total per serving (2 pancakes): Approx. 420–480 calories depending on toppings


Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making cinnamon swirl pancakes is easier than it looks. The swirl may seem tricky at first, but with a steady hand and a squeeze bottle or zip-top bag, you’ll have bakery-style pancakes in no time.

1. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a smooth paste. Transfer this mixture to a squeeze bottle or a zip-top bag with a small snip in the corner. Set aside. This will be your swirl mixture.

2. Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently. Do not overmix. The batter should be thick but pourable, with small lumps.

3. Preheat Your Griddle or Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. Once it’s hot, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning the swirl.

4. Cook the Pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet. Once bubbles begin to form on the surface (after about 1–2 minutes), use your squeeze bottle or bag to draw a spiral of the cinnamon mixture on top of the pancake. Cook for another minute or until the edges look set.

5. Flip Carefully
Gently flip the pancake and cook for another 1–2 minutes. The cinnamon sugar will caramelize, so some sticking may occur. A thin, flexible spatula works best.

6. Clean the Pan Between Batches
Wipe the skillet gently between batches to avoid burnt sugar residue. Continue until all the batter and swirl mix are used.

7. Optional Cream Cheese Glaze
For a finishing touch, mix softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over the pancakes for that cinnamon roll vibe.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Cinnamon swirl pancakes are incredibly flexible. You can tailor them based on dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Make it dairy-free: Swap buttermilk for almond milk with a splash of lemon juice. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.

Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Add-ins for texture: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. Sliced bananas also pair beautifully with the cinnamon swirl.

Go lighter: Reduce the amount of cinnamon swirl per pancake or swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.

Flavor twist: Add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the swirl mixture. A pinch adds warmth without overpowering the cinnamon.


Nutritional Information

Each serving (approximately two medium pancakes) provides a satisfying balance of carbs, fats, and protein. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Calories: 420–480
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fiber: 1–2g
  • Sodium: 300–350mg

These numbers vary based on toppings and portion sizes. Adding cream cheese glaze or syrup will increase the sugar and calorie count.

Nutritional Information

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon swirl pancakes shine on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and toppings takes them over the top.

  • Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries balance the richness
  • Whipped cream: A light dollop enhances the dessert-like quality
  • Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds for crunch
  • Beverage pairings: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk

If you’re making brunch for guests, add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on the side for a savory contrast.

Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Recipe | Easy and Fluffy Homemade Pancakes

Recipe by Shawn MichaleCourse: Blog
Servings

4 pancakes

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

~596 kcal

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat the egg with milk and melted butter until well combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly thick but smooth.
  • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Add a tablespoon of melted butter if you want a richer swirl texture.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease it.
  • Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Quickly spoon or pipe a swirl of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the pancake.
  • Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently swirl the mixture into the top of the pancake.
  • Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges begin to set.
  • Flip carefully and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
  • Remove from skillet and serve warm with your favorite toppings like butter, syrup, or fruit.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • For a stronger cinnamon flavor, double the swirl mixture.
    If the swirl spreads too much, your pan may be too hot—reduce heat slightly.
    Pancake batter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
    Cinnamon swirl mixture can be piped using a small ziplock bag with the corner cut off for cleaner designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter and keep it in the fridge overnight. Stir gently before using. For best results, add baking powder right before cooking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Let pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster for best texture.

Can I freeze cinnamon swirl pancakes?
Absolutely. Place a sheet of parchment between each pancake and freeze in a zip-top bag. They reheat well in a toaster oven or microwave.

Why does my swirl burn?
If your pan is too hot, the sugar in the swirl mixture will burn. Reduce heat slightly and clean the pan between batches to prevent scorching.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar in the swirl?
Coconut sugar or maple sugar are great alternatives. You can also mix white sugar with a touch of molasses.


Conclusion

Cinnamon swirl pancakes bring together the best of two breakfast favorites. They offer the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon rolls wrapped inside fluffy, golden pancakes. Whether you keep it simple or dress them up with cream cheese glaze and toppings, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

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