Do you crave a breakfast that feels like dessert? Look no further! These Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze deliver the perfect balance of sweet and spice. Imagine fluffy pancakes loaded with grated carrots and warm spices, topped with creamy, dreamy glaze. It’s not just pancakes; it’s a treat for your taste buds! Get ready to whip up this fun and tasty dish that will brighten your morning.
Ingredients
Pancake Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup finely grated carrots
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients
– 4 oz cream cheese
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
I love using fresh, finely grated carrots. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes. The mix of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, gives a warm flavor that reminds me of my favorite carrot cake.
You can also add walnuts for a nice crunch. If you prefer a nut-free option, feel free to skip them. The cream cheese glaze is rich and smooth. It perfectly balances the fluffy pancakes.
These ingredients come together to make each bite a delight. You will enjoy the warm flavors and creamy glaze. It’s a fun twist on a classic breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pancake Batter
– Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. This mix gives your pancakes a great flavor and texture.
– In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of finely grated carrots, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
– Gently pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Use a whisk to combine, but don’t overmix. A few lumps are okay. If you want a nice crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts now.
Cooking the Pancakes
– Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
– For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. The edges should look firm.
– Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer them to a warm plate while you cook the rest.
Making the Cream Cheese Glaze
– In a bowl, mix 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth.
– If the glaze is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency. This glaze adds a sweet, creamy touch to your pancakes.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Pancakes
– Avoid overmixing for fluffier pancakes. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
– Adjust heat level for even cooking. Start with medium heat. Lower it if pancakes brown too fast.
– Use a measuring cup for uniform pancake sizes. This keeps your pancakes consistent, making them look great on the plate.
Cream Cheese Glaze Tips
– Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Cold cream cheese will clump up and be hard to blend.
– Add more powdered sugar for sweetness or thickness. If you want a sweeter glaze, just keep mixing in sugar until it’s just right.
Variations
Nut-Free Options
If you want to make these pancakes nut-free, simply omit the walnuts. They still taste great without them. The flavors of the carrots and spices shine through. You won’t miss the nuts at all.
Vegan Alternatives
You can easily turn these pancakes vegan. Replace the buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice. This helps mimic the tangy taste of buttermilk. For the egg, use a flax egg. To make this, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. It works great in the batter.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well in pancakes. Just make sure it has a good mix of flours. This will give you light and fluffy pancakes without gluten.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Pancakes
To store leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or toaster. Just warm them until they are hot and ready to eat.
Cream Cheese Glaze Storage
Keep the cream cheese glaze in the fridge too. It lasts for up to 5 days. If it thickens, simply re-whip it before serving. This helps restore its smooth texture. Enjoy your pancakes with the glaze fresh when you’re ready!
FAQs
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, pancakes can be pre-made and frozen. Just cook them, then let them cool. Place each pancake in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then, freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, stack them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, just reheat them in the microwave or toaster. This makes breakfast easy and quick!
How do I know when pancakes are done cooking?
Look for a golden color and firm edges. The bubbles on the surface will also help. When you see bubbles, it’s time to flip. After flipping, cook until the bottom is golden brown. If you want to be sure, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, your pancakes are done!
What can I serve with carrot cake pancakes?
Serve with maple syrup for extra sweetness. You can also drizzle on more cream cheese glaze for richness. Fresh fruits like sliced bananas or berries add a nice touch too. Each of these options will make your meal even better. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings!
You can enjoy making these delicious carrot cake pancakes at home. We covered all the key ingredients, how to cook them perfectly, and even made a tasty cream cheese glaze. Don’t forget the tips for making them fluffier and adapting the recipe for your needs. These pancakes are great for any meal and can be stored easily. Try different toppings for a fun twist. I hope you feel inspired to whip up this easy, tasty treat!
