From Classic to Creative: 5 Sweet & Savory Recipes of Pancakes
An all-time favorite American classic, pancakes are a must have on the weekend breakfast menu. Made easily using staples such as flour, butter and eggs and tossed in the pan until golden-brown and crisp, its okay to top them off with chocolate chips, maple syrup, fresh blueberries or sometimes strawberries. While being everyone’s favorite and highly customizable, you can have a stack of fresh and crisp pancakes on your breakfast table within a flash of time. Ranging from sweet to savory, with countless flavors, makes them universally appealing. Their comforting texture and ability to be a breakfast or dessert make them a favorite in homes across the globe. Whether it be the traditional American pancakes, French crêpes or Asian savory versions, all are unique in their own way, bringing along an irresistible aroma and flavor.
For a more savory twist, ingredients like cheese, spinach, or herbs such as dried oregano and fenugreek leaves can be added. Toppings such as sweetened whipped cream, roasted and crushed nuts, or whipped fruit yogurt also add flavor and texture to your pancakes. By adjusting the base recipe or adding different spices like cinnamon or vanilla, pancakes can cater to every taste preference—from classic to gourmet!
Recipe 1: Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Ingredients for 6 to 8 medium-sized pancakes:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-step instructions:
- Blend the banana, milk, vanilla, salt and cinnamon powder until smooth.
- Beat the egg and add in the blended mixture. Mix well.
- Add in the rolled oats and baking powder. Give a little whip.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and grease lightly.
- Pour small portions of the batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear, then flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh fruit chunks, honey, whipped cream or a drizzle of peanut butter.
Recipe 2: Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Ingredients for 6 to 8 medium-sized pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cream-cheese glaze:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-step instructions:
- In a medium sized bowl, sift and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whip together the milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones, mixing well.
- In a small separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour this mixture into a zip-lock bag and snip a small corner for piping.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and grease it lightly.
- Pour a small amount of pancake batter onto the pan.
- Immediately pipe a swirl of the cinnamon mixture onto the batter, making a spiral.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Your cinnamon swirl pancakes are just ready!
- For the glaze, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the pancakes, add in some fresh strawberries and enjoy a delightful, cinnamon flavored breakfast!
Recipe 3: Spin-eta Pancakes
Ingredients for 6 to 8 medium-sized pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Step-by-step instructions:
- In a medium sized bowl, sift and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and black pepper. Add in the dried oregano.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg and olive oil until well combined.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped spinach and feta cheese.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another minute until golden.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side salad.
Recipe 4: Zucchini & Parmesan Pancakes
Ingredients for 6 to 8 medium-sized pancakes:
- 2 medium zucchinis (grated)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil
Step-by-step instructions:
- Grate the zucchinis and squeeze out their moisture using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
- Then mix the grated zucchini, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, black pepper and salt.
- In a separate small sized bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Then pour into the zucchini mixture. Mix but do not over mix.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Drop about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the pan, pressing it gently to flatten.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a tangy sauce like tzatziki.
Recipe 5: Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Pancakes
Ingredients for 6 to 8 medium-sized pancakes:
- 1 medium sweet potato (steamed/boiled and mashed)
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or any gluten-free flour)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives)
Step-by-step instructions:
- Steam or boil the sweet potato and mash until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, almond flour, eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and chili flakes. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the pan and flatten it slightly.
- Cook for a few minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or a fresh salad.
Pancakes, whether sweet or savory, are a versatile dish loved by age groups all over the world. From classic flavors to creative twists, there’s a pancake recipe for every individual’s taste buds. To make them extra fluffy, use buttermilk or add a little more baking powder for an added sponge. Avoid overmixing the batter—a few lumps are fine, as they help create a lighter texture. Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking to ensure optimal fluffiness. Finally, cook pancakes on medium heat for even browning and perfect results every time! Don’t forget to try our other homemade recipes here!
Explore the secrets to extra fluffy pancakes here.
