| Prep Time ⇒ | 15 mins |
| Cook Time ⇒ | 12 mins |
| Protein ⇒ | 5g |
| Fat ⇒ | 9g |
| Carbs ⇒ | 44g |
Decadent Cheesecake Pancakes: A Special Treat for Breakfast or Brunch
Elevate your morning with these indulgent cheesecake pancakes, a delightful fusion of rich cheesecake flavor and fluffy pancakes. Olivia, our esteemed recipe developer and test kitchen expert, assures that these pancakes are perfect for a special breakfast or an elegant brunch.
Ingredients
To prepare these decadent cheesecake pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 3/4 cup strawberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 5 tablespoons white sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooking spray
- Graham cracker crumbs or powdered sugar for topping
Directions :
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious batch of cheesecake pancakes:
Step 1: Prepare the strawberry topping by combining 8 ounces of chopped fresh strawberries with 3/4 cup of strawberry jam in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Make the cream cheese swirl by mixing 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 3 tablespoons of white sugar, 2 teaspoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
Step 3: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off, ready for piping.
Step 4: Prepare the pancake batter by combining 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, mix 1 large lightly beaten egg, 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil.
Step 6: Add the egg mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Stir gently until just moistened; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.
Step 7: Heat an extra-large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/3 cup portions of batter onto the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 8: Cook the pancakes until the bottoms are golden brown, the edges look slightly dry, and bubbles form around the edges, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 9: Pipe a swirl of the cream cheese mixture onto each pancake, starting from the center.
Step 10: Lightly spray the uncooked side of the pancakes with cooking spray before flipping.
Step 11: Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture.
Step 12: Serve the pancakes topped with the strawberry mixture and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or a dusting of powdered sugar, according to your preference.
Test Kitchen Tips
- For best results, preheat your griddle to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) before adding the batter. Lower the temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) once the batter is added.
- Ensure you spray the uncooked side of the pancakes with cooking spray before flipping to prevent sticking and achieve a golden-brown finish.
Editorial contributions by Olivia. Enjoy these rich and flavorful cheesecake pancakes as a standout treat for your breakfast or brunch gatherings.
The Health Benefits of Ingredients :
Cheesecake Pancakes are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, and they can also pack a nutritious punch when you consider the health benefits of their ingredients. At the heart of this indulgent recipe is whole wheat flour. Unlike refined flour, whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ of the grain, providing more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and keep you feeling full longer. Additionally, consuming whole grains has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. To delve deeper into the benefits of whole grains, check out whole grains.
The next star ingredient is cream cheese. While it adds a rich, creamy texture to the pancakes, cream cheese is also a source of calcium and protein. Calcium is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, which can provide similar taste with fewer calories. For more information on the nutritional aspects of cream cheese, you can explore cream cheese.
In addition to these, Greek yogurt often finds its way into cheesecake pancake recipes, adding moisture and a tangy flavor. Greek yogurt is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, as it is high in protein and probiotics. The probiotics help support a healthy gut microbiome, which can enhance digestion and overall health. Plus, the protein content makes these pancakes more filling, perfect for starting your day with energy. To learn more about the benefits of Greek yogurt, visit Greek yogurt.
Another common ingredient is eggs. Eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, choline, and selenium. The protein in eggs is important for muscle maintenance and growth, while choline supports brain health and development. The inclusion of eggs not only enhances the nutritional profile of the pancakes but also contributes to their fluffy texture. For further details on the health benefits of eggs, check out egg.
To sweeten the pancakes, many recipes call for honey or maple syrup. Both of these natural sweeteners offer a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Honey is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, while maple syrup contains minerals like manganese and zinc. However, moderation is key, as these sweeteners can still contribute to overall sugar intake. For more insights on the benefits of honey, visit honey.
Lastly, the addition of vanilla extract not only enhances the flavor of the pancakes but also brings its own set of benefits. Vanilla has antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation. Using pure vanilla extract, rather than synthetic vanilla flavoring, ensures you’re getting the most benefits from this aromatic ingredient. To learn more about vanilla’s health properties, check out vanilla.
In conclusion, Cheesecake Pancakes can be both a decadent treat and a nutritious breakfast option when made with wholesome ingredients. Whole wheat flour provides fiber, cream cheese and Greek yogurt add protein and calcium, eggs contribute essential nutrients, while natural sweeteners offer a healthier alternative to refined sugars. If you’re inspired to whip up these delicious pancakes, or if you want to explore more hearty and healthy recipes, visit hearty-recipes.com. Enjoy treating yourself to a delightful breakfast that nourishes both body and soul!