If you have a love for both coffee and breakfast classics, this Coffee Pancakes Recipe will quickly become your new favorite way to start the day. These pancakes bring together the rich, aromatic flavor of brewed coffee with the light, fluffy texture of a perfect pancake. Every bite offers a subtle coffee undertone that pairs beautifully with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your weekend brunch, this Coffee Pancakes Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved morning staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delicious coffee pancakes starts with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, fluffiness, and tenderness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the pancakes, giving them a soft, tender crumb.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to make the pancakes rise and stay fluffy.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the coffee flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup milk (or milk alternative): Keeps the batter moist and tender, adjusting the consistency perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the pancake’s light texture.
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee (strong): The star ingredient that infuses the pancakes with a warm, rich coffee flavor.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden-brown crust on the pancakes.
How to Make Coffee Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that your leavening agent and seasoning distribute evenly, which is key to fluffy, flavorful pancakes with a perfect rise every time.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the milk, egg, strong brewed coffee, and melted butter until fully combined. The coffee adds a beautiful depth to the batter’s flavor, making these pancakes unique and irresistible.
Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix—the batter should be lumpy. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes instead of light, airy ones.
Step 4: Prepare Your Griddle
Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. A properly preheated surface ensures even cooking and that signature golden color on your pancakes.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Ladle your batter onto the hot griddle in your desired pancake sizes. Watch for bubbles forming on the surface—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and signals it’s time to flip.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the underside turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a warm plate and get ready for an amazing breakfast experience.
How to Serve Coffee Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
While these coffee pancakes are fantastic on their own, adding garnishes can enhance both their taste and presentation. Fresh berries bring a pop of color and natural sweetness, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup elevates the indulgence factor. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of creaminess and complements the coffee flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your coffee pancakes with crispy bacon or savory sausages to balance the sweet coffee undertones with something salty and hearty. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt can bring a refreshing element to your breakfast plate, making the meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack your coffee pancakes with alternating layers of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese frosting for a dessert-like brunch treat. You can also sandwich sliced bananas and drizzle caramel sauce between pancakes for a decadent experience that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—which might be rare—they keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their texture, it’s best to separate pancakes with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
These coffee pancakes freeze wonderfully for up to a month. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer bag. This method keeps pancakes from clumping and lets you enjoy a quick coffee-infused breakfast anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop pancakes in the toaster for a minute or two or warm them in a microwave with a damp paper towel covering to keep moisture. They’ll taste almost as fresh as when first made, with that delightful coffee aroma coming right back.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Absolutely! Dissolve a tablespoon of instant coffee granules in 1/2 cup of hot water and cool it before adding to your batter. This will maintain that rich coffee flavor without brewing a fresh pot.
Will coffee pancakes be bitter?
Not at all. The sweetness from sugar and richness from butter balance out the coffee. Using brewed strong coffee adds warmth without overpowering bitterness, making the flavor noticeable but pleasant.
Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The pancakes will still be fluffy and flavorful, capturing the coffee essence perfectly.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be pourable but slightly thick—like a typical pancake batter with some lumps. If it’s too runny, add a tablespoon of flour; if too thick, splash a bit more milk to reach the right consistency.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before cooking enhances the texture and introduces delicious contrasting flavors. Just fold them gently in the last step before cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about combining coffee with classic pancakes, and this Coffee Pancakes Recipe captures that magic perfectly. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these pancakes as much as I do—they are a simple yet elegant way to brighten your mornings. So go ahead, brew that coffee, and treat yourself to a breakfast that feels like a warm hug with every bite!
Print
Coffee Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and aromatic Coffee Pancakes made with brewed coffee in the batter for a subtle coffee flavor. These fluffy pancakes are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, combining the rich taste of coffee with the classic comfort of homemade pancakes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee (strong)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well mixed to ensure even leavening in your pancakes.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, brewed coffee, and melted butter, whisking until smooth and fully combined to create the batter base.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Some lumps are okay as overmixing can make pancakes tough.
- Preheat the griddle: Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook pancakes: Pour the batter onto the hot griddle in your desired pancake sizes. Cook until bubbles begin to form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, indicating the bottom side is set and ready to flip.
- Flip and finish: Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the pancakes are cooked through.
Notes
- Use strong brewed coffee for a more pronounced coffee flavor without making the batter too liquidy.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute milk with almond milk or other milk alternatives for a dairy-free option.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for enhanced flavor.
