If you are craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, then this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These pancakes combine the fluffy, tender texture of classic cinnamon-infused batter with a delightful crunchy streusel topping made of brown sugar and butter, creating every perfect bite you could dream of. Whether you enjoy them drizzled with a sweet glaze or with your favorite maple syrup, this recipe brings comfort, sweet spice, and a little bit of magic right onto your breakfast plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the delicious foundation and irresistible topping for this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe. From the warm spices to the rich butter, they work together to give these pancakes their signature flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base of the pancake batter, creating a light and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the cinnamon.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): The leavening agent that ensures fluffy pancakes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with warm, spicy notes.
- Milk (1 ¼ cups): Keeps the pancake batter smooth and moist.
- Large egg (1): Binds the mixture and provides structure.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and flavor to the batter.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a sweet fragrance.
- Brown sugar, packed (â…“ cup): The star of the streusel topping, giving a deep caramel sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): In the streusel, it helps create that crumbly texture.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Makes the streusel wonderfully spiced and aromatic.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed (3 tablespoons): The secret to that perfect crumbly and buttery streusel topping.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Used in the optional glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds depth to the glaze’s sweetness.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. This trio of ingredients creates the base of your streusel topping, delivering that signature sweet-spicy crunch. Then, cut the cold cubed butter into the mixture using a fork or your fingers until you achieve coarse crumbs. Setting this aside now lets the flavors meld beautifully while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter
Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Separately, in another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix because a few lumps will help keep the pancakes tender and fluffy.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes with Streusel
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake directly onto the hot surface. Immediately sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the prepared streusel topping evenly over each pancake. This technique ensures the streusel adheres beautifully and toasts perfectly as the pancakes cook. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes until you see bubbles forming on the surface, then carefully flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Optional Glaze
If you want to take these pancakes to the next level, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and a silky texture to drizzle over the warm pancakes before serving.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these pancakes are delicious on their own, adding a few garnishes can make your breakfast feel truly special. Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream complement the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors perfectly. Even a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds a satisfying crunch that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice will add brightness and round out your morning meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your pancakes high with layers of streusel between each one for a dramatic presentation that will wow guests. Alternatively, serve individual pancakes topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. These ideas make the dish feel festive and indulgent, perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the streusel topping from losing its crunch, it is best to refrigerate the pancakes without any glaze or syrup, adding those right before reheating.
Freezing
Freeze leftover pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together and you can pull out just what you need. Properly stored, they can last up to 1 month in the freezer without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place pancakes in the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the edges are crisp once again. This method helps revive the fluffy texture and streusel topping’s crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pancakes soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?
Yes! The streusel can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Bring it back to room temperature before sprinkling on the pancakes for best results.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe because it gives the right texture, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind the pancakes might be a bit denser.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The pancakes will still be moist and delicious.
Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts make a fantastic addition to the streusel, adding an extra layer of crunch and flavor that goes beautifully with the cinnamon and brown sugar.
What can I use instead of the optional glaze?
If you prefer, maple syrup or whipped cream are excellent alternatives that pair wonderfully with the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe. Both options enhance the cozy, sweet qualities of the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe enough for anyone who loves a breakfast that’s both comforting and a little special. With the perfect balance of soft pancakes and a crunchy, sweet topping, these are the kind of mornings you daydream about. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a stack of pure deliciousness—you deserve it.
Print
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes are a cozy and sweet breakfast treat featuring fluffy cinnamon-infused pancakes topped with a buttery brown sugar streusel. Finished with an optional vanilla glaze, they are perfect for fall mornings or any time you crave a comforting stack of pancakes.
Ingredients
For the pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel:
- â…“ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the streusel: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set this aside while you make the batter.
- Make the pancake batter: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep pancakes tender.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Immediately sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the streusel mixture on top of the batter. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles start to form on the surface and edges look set. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pancake is golden and cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining batter and streusel.
- Make the optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over warm pancakes before serving.
Notes
- The streusel amount can be doubled if you prefer extra topping on your pancakes.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel mix for added crunch and flavor.
- These pancakes are delicious served with classic maple syrup or whipped cream instead of the glaze for variety.
