Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! Dessert for Breakfast
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! Dessert for Breakfast is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Moribyan on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $3.33 total, $0.83 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted; 3 tbsp for batter, 2 tbsp for cinnamon mixture)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon White Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (pure grade A; can substitute powdered sugar)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
Time: PT3M
Add Wet Ingredients and Form Batter
Create a well in the dry mixture and add vanilla extract, buttermilk, the egg, and 3 Tbsp melted unsalted butter. Whisk just until the batter is smooth; do not over‑beat.
Time: PT4M
Make Cinnamon‑Sugar Paste
In a small bowl combine the remaining 2 Tbsp melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until it forms a thick, paste‑like consistency.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Cream Cheese Icing
In another bowl beat the softened cream cheese with 2 Tbsp softened butter until fluffy, then drizzle in the maple syrup and beat until smooth.
Time: PT4M
Preheat Skillet
Place the non‑stick skillet over medium heat and let it warm for about 1 minute. A properly heated pan is key for fluffy pancakes.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook Pancake Base
Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set (about 1 minute).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Swirl Cinnamon Paste
Using the piping bag, drizzle a generous line of the cinnamon‑sugar paste across the top of the bubbling pancake, then gently swirl with a spatula.
Time: PT1M
Flip and Finish
Flip the pancake and cook another 1‑2 minutes until the cinnamon sugar caramelizes and the pancake is golden brown.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Wipe Pan Between Batches
Transfer the cooked pancake to a plate, then quickly wipe the skillet with a paper towel to remove any residual sugar before starting the next pancake.
Time: PT1M
Plate and Ice
Stack the finished pancakes on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese‑maple icing.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour, Gluten‑Free Flour Blend
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda
- Instead of Baking Soda: Baking Powder (increase amount)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut Sugar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla Bean Paste
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, Yogurt thinned with water
- Instead of Large Egg: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Coconut Oil (solid)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Dark Muscovado Sugar
- Instead of White Sugar: Granulated Sugar
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon Sticks ground in a spice grinder
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel Cheese
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Powdered Sugar (12 tbsp) mixed with a splash of milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Bowl
- Piping Bag or Ziploc Bag
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Spatula
- Plate for Stacking
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not over‑beat the pancake batter.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding batter.
- Swirl the cinnamon‑sugar paste only after bubbles appear on the pancake surface.
- Wipe the pan between each pancake to avoid burnt sugar.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a zip‑lock bag with a corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag for the cinnamon paste.
- Keep a small bowl of extra butter on hand to quickly re‑oil the skillet between batches.
- For extra fluff, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Troubleshooting
First pancake is flat and dense.
The pan was not hot enough; increase heat slightly and allow the skillet to preheat longer before adding batter.
Cinnamon sugar burns and turns bitter.
Wipe the pan clean between pancakes and ensure the heat is medium, not high.
Batter is too thick to spread.
Add a splash of milk or additional buttermilk (1‑2 Tbsp) to loosen it.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze stacked pancakes with parchment between layers for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed within 2 hours of cooking; otherwise keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The pancake batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; give it a gentle stir before using.
- Cream cheese icing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes in American breakfast cuisine?
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes blend two classic American comfort foods—cinnamon rolls and fluffy pancakes—into a single indulgent breakfast. They reflect the trend of hybrid desserts that became popular in the 2010s, especially on social media platforms where visual appeal drives popularity.
What regional variations of cinnamon‑flavored pancakes exist in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., pancakes are often flavored with brown sugar and nutmeg, while in the Pacific Northwest maple syrup is a common addition. Some bakeries add chopped pecans or raisins to the cinnamon swirl for extra texture.
How is Cinnamon Roll Pancakes traditionally served in American brunch settings?
They are typically stacked, drizzled with a sweet cream cheese or maple glaze, and served alongside fresh fruit, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. The dish is meant to be a treat rather than an everyday breakfast.
What occasions or celebrations are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes associated with in American culture?
Because they are both festive and indulgent, they are popular for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts (like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning), and special occasions such as birthdays or baby showers.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, buttermilk, real butter, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, yogurt mixed with lemon juice for buttermilk, and powdered sugar mixed with milk instead of maple syrup.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
They pair nicely with crispy bacon, sausage links, fresh berries, or a side of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of orange juice complements the flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using a pan that isn’t hot enough, and adding the cinnamon‑sugar paste too early, which can cause it to melt into the batter. Also, failing to wipe the skillet between pancakes leads to burnt sugar and uneven color.
Why does this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe use a thick cinnamon‑sugar paste instead of sprinkling dry cinnamon sugar?
A thick paste stays on top of the pancake when the batter is still liquid, creating a distinct swirl that caramelizes without sinking. Dry cinnamon sugar would dissolve into the batter and lose its distinct ribbon effect.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Cooked pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated in a skillet or microwave. The cream cheese icing can also be made ahead and kept chilled; stir before using.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cinnamon‑sugar swirl is done?
The swirl should be glossy and slightly caramelized, with a deep amber color. The pancake edges should be golden‑brown, and the interior should be fluffy and light when cut open.
What does the YouTube channel Moribyan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Moribyan focuses on easy‑to‑follow, home‑cooked recipes that blend comfort food with creative twists, often featuring step‑by‑step visuals and practical kitchen tips for beginner to intermediate cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Moribyan's approach to American breakfast recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Moribyan emphasizes clear, concise instructions, minimal equipment, and realistic ingredient lists that most home cooks can find at a regular grocery store, whereas many other channels rely on specialty items or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
