Cinnamon buns meet pancakes — a breakfast dream. These Cinnamon Bun Pancakes combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of molasses for tender, fluffy pancakes with that unmistakable cinnamon-roll flavor. No special tools or complicated steps are needed: the cinnamon, brown sugar, and molasses are folded right into the batter. Finish with the required cream cheese frosting to bring everything together.
Making the Cinnamon Bun Pancakes
I wanted a no-fuss cinnamon-bun pancake that delivers the classic flavor without extra steps like piping a filling into each pancake. This recipe keeps everything simple: the cinnamon, brown sugar, and molasses are mixed into the batter so you get those cinnamon-bun notes in every bite. The method mirrors a standard pancake routine and is quick and forgiving.
1. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly blended.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl beat the egg, milk, vanilla, molasses, and vegetable oil together until smooth and homogeneous.
3. Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet mixture, and stir until just combined. A few small lumps are fine — overmixing develops gluten and yields dense pancakes.
4. Optional rest: Letting the batter rest 15–30 minutes can produce slightly lighter, more tender pancakes as any developed gluten relaxes.
5. Heat the pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium (or medium-low) heat and lightly grease it. Pancakes cook best at a moderate temperature so they brown without burning before the center cooks through.
6. Cook the pancakes: Use roughly 1/4 cup batter per pancake (or adjust to your preferred size). Cook until bubbles form and begin to pop on the surface, then flip and cook until both sides are golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
7. Serve warm: Top with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting for the full cinnamon-bun experience.
The CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
The cream cheese frosting is essential — it adds a sweet-tart counterpoint that completes the cinnamon-bun flavor. To make it, beat room-temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter together on medium-high until slightly fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar in batches, beating on low between additions until smooth. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt, then beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy. If you prefer a pourable topping, add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Get the Recipe:
Cinnamon ‘Bun’ Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Ingredients
Cinnamon ‘Bun’ Pancakes
- 1 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour, measured correctly †
- 3 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 ¼ cup Whole Milk
- 1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 tbsp Molasses
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups Confectioners Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- (Optional) Heavy Cream, to desired consistency
Instructions
Cinnamon Bun Pancakes
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, beat milk, egg, vanilla, molasses, and oil until smooth.
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Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until just combined; a few lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing.
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(Optional) Cover and rest 15–30 minutes.
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Heat a large greased pan over medium. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the pan. Flip when bubbles rise and pop.
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Cook until golden on both sides and serve hot topped with cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat butter and cream cheese at medium-high for about 2 minutes until slightly fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating on low between additions. Add vanilla and salt, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
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(Optional) Add heavy cream to thin to a pourable consistency, if desired.
Notes
Related Recipes
Looking for more breakfast ideas? Try these:
BAGEL BREAKFAST SANDWICH WITH BOURBON BACON JAM. A savory bagel stacked with egg, bacon, tomato, arugula, fig compote, and a sweet-savory bacon jam.
TIRAMISU FRENCH TOAST. A dessert-inspired take on French toast with coffee-infused flavors and a creamy finish.
TROPICAL YOGURT PARFAITS WITH COCONUT GRANOLA. Layers of yogurt, passion fruit and mango purée, and homemade coconut granola for a fresh, healthier option.
