Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes
If you’re craving something truly special for breakfast or brunch, look no further than these Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes. Imagine fluffy, tender pancakes infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, lightly crisped on the edges and dusted with a sweet cinnamon sugar blend reminiscent of classic Spanish churros. This is a delightful fusion that brings the Spanish street food magic right to your table in a cozy, comforting stack. Whether for a weekend treat or a special occasion, these pancakes deliver a sweet, spiced flavor that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Combining cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla creates a nostalgic churro-inspired taste that brightens every bite.
- Perfect Texture: Fluffy inside with slightly crisp edges gives you the ideal pancake experience with a churro twist.
- Quick to Make: Using common pantry ingredients means these pancakes come together fast without fuss.
- Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for a crowd-pleasing breakfast.
- Versatile: Easily customized with toppings or mix-ins to suit your personal taste and occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient is straightforward but plays a crucial role in creating the sweet, aromatic, and fluffy texture of Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes. From the base flour to the cinnamon sugar sprinkle, every element contributes to the distinctive flavor and pleasant mouthfeel.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness for delicate, fluffy pancakes.
- Baking powder: Helps the batter rise and become airy without heaviness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the cinnamon spice.
- Ground cinnamon: The star warm spice that brings that characteristic churro flavor.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- Milk (preferably whole): Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses richness and helps create crispy edges.
- Vanilla extract: Complements cinnamon with a sweet aromatic note.
- Additional cinnamon sugar: For dusting the finished pancakes, creating a delightful sugary crust.
Variations for Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tailor your Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes to your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to up the indulgence or keep it light, these variations let you get creative in the kitchen with minimal effort.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a safe, tasty alternative.
- Dairy-free version: Use almond or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Chocolate chip add-in: Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra gooey bites between the cinnamon layers.
- Apple cinnamon: Fold in finely diced apples with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a fresh fruity twist.
- Orange zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
How to Make Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agent and spices.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. The fat from the butter adds richness, and the vanilla complements the cinnamon flavor.
Step 3: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay to keep the pancakes tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix granulated sugar with a generous amount of cinnamon in a shallow plate. This mixture will coat the pancakes to mimic traditional churro sweetness.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour batter in small, evenly sized rounds. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Immediately after cooking, brush the pancakes lightly with melted butter and dredge them carefully in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides generously for that signature churro crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes
- Use room temperature ingredients: It helps everything mix smoothly and rise better.
- Don’t over-mix the batter: Overworking the flour can make pancakes tough instead of tender.
- Cook on medium heat: Avoid too high temperatures to prevent burning before the pancakes cook through.
- Fresh cinnamon sugar: For the best flavor, mix your cinnamon sugar just before coating pancakes.
- Serve immediately: These pancakes taste best fresh when the cinnamon sugar coating is crisp and warm.
How to Serve Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes
Garnishes
Finish your pancakes with a drizzle of warm honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate them to a decadent dessert-style treat.
Side Dishes
Pair with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, bananas, or a fruit compote to add brightness and cut through the sweetness. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage provides a savory counterbalance that a lot of people love.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the pancakes high and use a cinnamon sugar rimmed plate for a festive touch. Serve with a small bowl of chocolate dipping sauce to mimic a churro experience while adding a fun interactive element to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover pancakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To retain the best texture, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping and keeps them fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain texture and bring back the cinnamon sugar crispness. Microwaving can make them soft and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use a non-stick pan or griddle?
Absolutely! A non-stick surface is ideal for making these pancakes because it helps them cook evenly without sticking and makes flipping easier.
Can I substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar?
You can, but brown sugar will make the pancakes moister and add a slight molasses flavor, which can be delicious but slightly different from the traditional churro taste.
Are these pancakes gluten-free?
Not in their basic form, but you can easily swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make them safe for gluten-free diets.
How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from melting too quickly?
Brush the pancakes with melted butter and immediately toss them in cinnamon sugar while still warm but not hot enough to dissolve the sugar, so it forms a nice crust.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil to make them vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
These Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes are a delightful combination of familiar comfort and exciting new flavor twists. Their sweet, cinnamon-spiced crunch and fluffy texture make them a perfect way to brighten any morning or treat yourself on the weekend. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite pancake recipe that brings a little Spanish flair to your table!
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PrintIrresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes
Irresistible Spanish Churro Pancakes are a delightful fusion of fluffy, tender pancakes infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla, lightly crisped on the edges and dusted with cinnamon sugar. This cozy breakfast or brunch treat offers a sweet, spiced flavor reminiscent of classic Spanish churros, perfect for weekend indulgence or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 8 pancakes (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour swap)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole, or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1 large egg (or flaxseed/chia egg for vegan)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil/vegan butter for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to distribute the rising agent and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy, adding richness and complementing the cinnamon flavor.
- Create the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined; a few lumps are fine to keep the pancakes tender.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon on a shallow plate; this will coat the pancakes for traditional churro sweetness.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour batter into small, evenly sized rounds. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges set, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after cooking, brush pancakes lightly with melted butter and dredge in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides generously for a signature churro crunch.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help mix smoothly and rise better.
- Don’t over-mix the batter to avoid tough pancakes.
- Cook on medium heat to prevent burning before cooking through.
- Mix cinnamon sugar just before coating pancakes for freshest flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and crisp cinnamon sugar coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Spanish churro pancakes, cinnamon pancakes, breakfast recipe, brunch, churro inspired, cinnamon sugar pancakes
