Introduction
French toast pancakes combine the best of two beloved breakfast dishes into one incredible treat. Imagine the fluffiness of pancakes paired with the rich, custardy flavor of French toast—it’s a match made in breakfast heaven! Whether you’re hosting brunch, whipping up a weekend treat, or just craving something unique, French toast pancakes are an easy and satisfying option. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through creating this fusion breakfast, complete with helpful tips and customization ideas.
Prep Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients for French Toast Pancakes
For the Pancakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the French Toast Batter
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions for French Toast Pancakes
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
2. Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
3. Make the French Toast Batter
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar until fully blended.
4. Turn the Pancakes into French Toast
- Dip each pancake into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter.
- Cook the dipped pancakes for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden and slightly crisp on the outside.
Pro Tips for Perfect French Toast Pancakes
Mastering French toast pancakes is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these pro tips to ensure your breakfast turns out flawless every time:
1. Use Slightly Stale Pancakes
Day-old pancakes work best for this recipe. They are drier and absorb the French toast batter more effectively without becoming soggy. If your pancakes are fresh, leave them out for a couple of hours to firm up before dipping.
2. Balance the Batter
The key to the perfect French toast coating is the right batter consistency. Whisk the eggs thoroughly with milk (or cream) to create a smooth mixture. Add a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and even a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor depth. Avoid overloading the batter with too much liquid, as it may lead to soggy pancakes.
3. Don’t Over-Soak the Pancakes
Dip the pancakes in the batter just long enough to coat them evenly. Over-soaking can make the pancakes overly soft and difficult to cook evenly. A quick dip on each side is sufficient.
4. Use the Right Pan
A non-stick skillet or griddle is ideal for cooking French toast pancakes. It ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works just as well.
5. Heat Matters
Cook over medium heat to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without burning the pancakes. High heat will cook the outside too quickly, leaving the center undercooked. A slow and steady approach ensures perfect results.
6. Butter for Flavor
For the best flavor, use butter to grease your skillet or griddle. However, to prevent the butter from burning, mix in a small amount of neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. This creates a flavorful and even cooking surface.
7. Keep Warm Before Serving
If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and avoid stacking to preserve their crispy edges.
8. Customize Your Batter
Experiment with flavors by adding ingredients like a splash of orange juice, almond extract, or even a hint of maple syrup to the batter. These subtle additions can elevate the overall taste of the dish.
9. Make it Ahead
Prepare the French toast batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to cook, simply re-whisk and proceed with the recipe. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings.
10. Garnish Like a Pro
Presentation matters! Garnish your French toast pancakes with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of syrup to make them look as good as they taste. A sprig of mint can also add a touch of elegance.
11. Experiment with Pancake Flavors
Try using flavored pancakes, like chocolate chip or banana, for a unique twist. Pairing flavored pancakes with the French toast coating can result in creative and delicious combinations.
These tips will help you achieve the perfect French toast pancakes every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these small adjustments can make a big difference in taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions for French Toast Pancakes
French toast pancakes are a versatile and indulgent dish that can be customized to suit your taste and occasion. Here are several ways to elevate your serving experience:
1. Classic Maple Syrup and Butter
Nothing beats the simplicity of warm maple syrup drizzled generously over a stack of French toast pancakes. Add a pat of butter on top for a rich, creamy finish. This classic pairing enhances the cinnamon and vanilla flavors in the dish.
2. Fresh Fruit Toppings
Add a burst of freshness by topping your French toast pancakes with sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or raspberries. The natural sweetness and tanginess of the fruit perfectly balance the richness of the pancakes.
3. Whipped Cream Delight
Transform your breakfast into a decadent treat by adding a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a visually appealing and aromatic touch.
4. Nutty Crunch
For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts over your pancakes. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or caramel for an extra layer of sweetness.
5. Chocolate Indulgence
Satisfy your sweet tooth by adding chocolate chips to the pancake batter or sprinkling them over the finished dish. A drizzle of chocolate or Nutella makes it even more irresistible, especially for kids.
6. Savory Twist
Serve your French toast pancakes with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links for a sweet-and-savory combination. The salty, smoky flavors of the meat complement the rich, custardy pancakes beautifully.
7. Festive Variations
For special occasions, give your French toast pancakes a festive touch. Add powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or decorate them with colorful sprinkles for birthday mornings.
8. Yogurt and Granola
For a healthier twist, top your pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. This option adds protein and crunch while keeping the dish light and refreshing.
9. Specialty Syrups
Experiment with flavored syrups like caramel, vanilla bean, or berry compote. You can even try a spiced syrup made with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest for a warm, seasonal flavor.
10. Breakfast Board Idea
Turn your French toast pancakes into the star of a breakfast board. Arrange them with other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, and small bowls of various toppings such as syrups, whipped cream, and nuts. This presentation is perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.
With these serving suggestions, you can make French toast pancakes suitable for everything from a cozy morning at home to an elaborate weekend brunch. Personalize the toppings and sides to make this dish your own!
Nutrition Information for French Toast Pancakes
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Pancake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 7g |
Note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs:
1. Are pancakes and French toast the same?
No, pancakes and French toast are different dishes. Pancakes are made from a batter cooked on a griddle, while French toast is made by dipping slices of bread in an egg-based custard and frying them. French toast pancakes combine the best of both, using pancakes as the base and coating them in French toast batter for extra flavor.
2. What is the trick to French toast?
The key to perfect French toast is using a custard-like batter with a good balance of eggs and milk or cream. Additionally, cooking over medium heat ensures the outside gets golden and crispy without burning while the inside stays tender.
3. What is Queen Elizabeth’s pancake recipe?
Queen Elizabeth II reportedly enjoyed a recipe for “drop scones,” which are thicker, smaller pancakes. They were made with flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and cream, similar to traditional pancakes but with a royal touch!
4. What is Belgian French toast?
Belgian French toast refers to French toast made with thick slices of bread, like brioche or challah. It is typically richer and fluffier than regular French toast and may include additional flavors like vanilla and cinnamon.
5. Can I make French toast pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, French toast pancakes can be made ahead of time. Cook them as directed, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving to restore their freshness.
6. Can I freeze French toast pancakes?
Absolutely! Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or skillet for the best texture.
Conclusion
French toast pancakes are the ultimate breakfast fusion, combining the fluffy texture of pancakes with the rich, custardy flavor of French toast. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extra special. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation process, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Try serving these French toast pancakes with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream, for a personal touch. Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends—it’s bound to become a new favorite!
Recommended Recipes
If you loved this French Toast Pancakes recipe, here are some other delicious breakfast and brunch ideas to try:
- Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancakes
- Light, fluffy, and perfect for a gluten-free breakfast!
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake
- A sweet and spiced breakfast treat that’s perfect for fall mornings.
- Lemon Butter Biscuits
- These tangy, flaky biscuits make a great side to any breakfast.
- Biscuit French Toast Bake
- A unique twist on French toast with the richness of biscuits.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles
- Indulge in the perfect mix of waffles and cheesecake for your morning treat.
