Easy breakfast the kids will love
Easy breakfast the kids will love is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Justin Holmes on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 26 min | Total: 56 min
Cost: $8.57 total, $1.07 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix (full 4‑cup bag, use as‑is)
- 1.5 cups Water (room temperature)
- 2 sticks Unsalted Butter (melted in microwave, about 1 cup (226 g))
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (optional icing) (for simple glaze, mix with a splash of milk or water)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Melt Butter
Place the two sticks of butter in a microwave‑safe bowl and melt in 30‑second intervals, stirring until fully liquid.
Time: PT2M
Make Pancake Batter
In a large mixing bowl combine the 4‑cup Hungry Jack pancake mix with 1½ cups water. Stir with a spatula until just combined; the batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
Time: PT4M
Prepare Cinnamon‑Sugar Swirl
In a separate bowl mix 1 cup packed brown sugar with 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, thick paste.
Time: PT4M
Assemble on Sheet Pan
Line the full‑size sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the pancake batter onto the pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon‑sugar paste over the batter and use the spatula to draw gentle swirls, creating a marbled effect.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15‑16 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: 400°F
Cool Slightly & Add Icing (Optional)
Remove the pan from the oven and let the pancake sheet cool for 3‑4 minutes. If using icing, whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water until smooth and drizzle over the warm pancakes.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Cut into squares or wedges and serve warm with maple syrup, extra butter, or your favorite topping.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Hungry Jack Pancake Mix: Any all‑purpose pancake mix, Homemade pancake mix (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt)
- Instead of Water: Milk for richer flavor, Almond milk (dairy‑free)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Coconut oil (will add coconut flavor)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: White sugar + molasses (1 cup + 1 tsp), Coconut sugar
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon sugar blend, Pumpkin pie spice (will change flavor)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar (optional icing): Maple syrup drizzle, Honey
Equipment Needed
- Microwave‑Safe Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Full‑Size Sheet Pan (13×18 in)
- Parchment Paper or Light Grease
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Melt butter without scorching
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon into a smooth paste with butter
- Create even swirl pattern on the batter before baking
- Bake until golden brown without over‑drying
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment paper for an easy release and minimal cleanup.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the cinnamon‑sugar paste.
- Cut the finished pancake sheet into bite‑size squares for younger kids.
Troubleshooting
Batter is too thick and won’t spread.
Add an extra ¼‑½ cup of water, mixing gently until the desired consistency is reached.
Cinnamon‑sugar paste is too runny and pools.
Make sure the butter is fully melted but not hot; let it cool slightly before mixing with sugar and cinnamon.
Top is dry or over‑browned.
Cover the pan loosely with foil halfway through baking or reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pancake batter and cinnamon‑sugar paste up to step 4 and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before assembling.
- The sheet can be assembled and refrigerated overnight; bake fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cinnamon roll pancakes in American breakfast cuisine?
Cinnamon roll pancakes blend two beloved American breakfast treats: the fluffy pancake and the sweet, spiced cinnamon roll. While not a traditional dish, it reflects the modern trend of hybrid comfort foods that appeal to families and kids, especially in the United States where both pancakes and cinnamon rolls are staple brunch items.
What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon roll pancakes in the United States?
In the Midwest, you’ll often find baked pancake casseroles with fruit or streusel toppings, while in the South, sweet breakfast breads like cinnamon rolls are common. This sheet‑pan version combines the Midwest’s love of baked pancakes with the Southern cinnamon‑sugar flavor, creating a cross‑regional favorite.
How is a cinnamon roll pancake traditionally served in American family breakfasts?
Typically it is cut into squares or wedges and served warm with maple syrup, a drizzle of powdered‑sugar glaze, or a pat of butter. It’s often paired with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a glass of milk for a balanced kid‑friendly meal.
What occasions or celebrations is the cinnamon roll pancake sheet pan traditionally associated with in American culture?
Because it’s quick, crowd‑pleasing, and looks festive, families often make it for weekend brunches, birthday breakfasts, or holiday mornings like Thanksgiving when extra sweet breakfast options are welcome.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with cinnamon roll pancakes?
Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, fresh berries, and a glass of orange juice or milk for a classic, balanced American breakfast plate.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cinnamon roll pancakes versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic base uses a standard pancake mix, butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Substitutes include using a homemade pancake batter, swapping butter for coconut oil (adds a tropical note), or using maple‑brown sugar instead of plain brown sugar for deeper flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cinnamon roll pancakes on a sheet pan?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter (which makes it tough), using butter that’s too hot (causing the cinnamon paste to separate), and baking too long, which dries out the pancake. Follow the timing and swirl technique carefully for the best texture.
Why does this recipe use a full‑size sheet pan instead of individual pancake molds?
Baking in a sheet pan creates a uniform, cake‑like texture that holds the cinnamon‑sugar swirl together, while also allowing you to serve many people quickly. Individual molds would lose the marbled effect and require more oven space.
Can I make the cinnamon roll pancake sheet pan ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the batter and cinnamon swirl up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. After baking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cinnamon roll pancake is done cooking?
The top should be a deep golden‑brown with a slightly crisp edge, while the interior remains fluffy and moist. The cinnamon‑sugar swirl should be visible as a darker, caramelized ribbon throughout the pancake sheet.
What does the YouTube channel Justin Holmes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Justin Holmes focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that simplify classic comfort foods, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment to help busy parents feed kids with minimal fuss.
How does the YouTube channel Justin Holmes' approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Justin Holmes emphasizes speed, accessibility, and kid‑approved flavors, often using ready‑made mixes and sheet‑pan methods to reduce cleanup. Unlike gourmet‑focused channels, his videos prioritize practicality for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
