Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle – A Fluffy, Sweet, and Spiced Breakfast Favorite

Love pancakes and carrot cake? These fluffy carrot cake pancakes combine grated carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a rich cream cheese drizzle for a sweet, spiced treat. Quick and easy, they’re perfect for weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast indulgence!

Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle | Fluffy Pancakes Recipe from Scratch for a Perfect Breakfast Treat

DifficultyEasy

Servings4 - Makes 8 Pancakes

Prep time10 minutes

Cook time15 minutes

Total time25 minutes

Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 3/4 cup finely grated carrots

For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp tablespoons milk (more if needed for consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

  • 1

    Prepare the Pancake Batter

    1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
    2. In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
    3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
    4. Fold in the grated carrots, then let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
  • 2

    Cook the Pancakes

    1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
    2. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the pan, spreading slightly.
    3. Cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
    4. Repeat with remaining batter.
  • 3

    Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle

    1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
    2. Add more milk if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
  • 4

    Serve and Enjoy!

    1. Stack the pancakes on a plate.
    2. Drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze.
    3. Top with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or extra cinnamon if desired.
    4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Variations

Recipe Notes for the Best Carrot Cake Pancakes

How to Get Fluffy Pancakes Every Time

  • Use Buttermilk for Extra Fluffiness: The acidity in buttermilk helps activate the baking soda, leading to lighter, fluffier pancakes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined—a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing creates dense, chewy pancakes instead of light and airy ones.
  • Let the Batter Rest for 5-10 Minutes: This allows the gluten to relax and the baking soda to activate, making the pancakes softer and fluffier.
  • Use a Low-Medium Heat: Cooking pancakes on medium-low heat ensures even cooking without burning the exterior.

How to Enhance the Carrot Cake Flavor

  • Use Freshly Grated Carrots: Pre-packaged shredded carrots can be too dry and thick—grating fresh carrots ensures a moist, tender texture in the pancakes.
  • Add a Hint of Orange Zest: A small amount of orange zest can enhance the warmth of the spices and natural sweetness of the carrots.
  • Include Chopped Nuts or Raisins: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter for a more authentic carrot cake texture.
  • Increase the Spice Blend: If you love deeper flavors, try adding ½ teaspoon ground ginger or a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.

Variations of Carrot Cake Pancakes

1. Cooking Method Variations

Baked Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Instead of cooking them on a griddle, pour the batter into a lightly greased sheet pan and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Then cut into squares for an oven-friendly pancake bake.

Carrot Cake Pancake Waffles:

  • Use the same batter and cook it in a waffle iron for a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.

Air Fryer Pancakes:

  • Pour ¼ cup batter into small greased ramekins, air-fry at 360°F for 8-10 minutes, and serve as fluffy mini pancake bites.

Meal-Prep Pancakes:

  • Make a big batch and freeze the pancakes for easy weekday breakfasts. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the toaster or microwave.

2. Flavor & Topping Variations

Nutty Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Stir in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness.

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Use 1-to-1 gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Alternatively, you can use oat flour for a healthier option.

Vegan Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Replace buttermilk with almond milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs.

Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Use coconut milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk, and swap butter for melted coconut oil. The cream cheese drizzle can be replaced with a cashew-based “cream cheese” sauce.

Protein-Packed Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder and reduce the flour by ¼ cup to increase protein content.

Healthier Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour or oat flour to add more fiber and nutrients.
  • Use applesauce or mashed banana instead of brown sugar for natural sweetness.

Extra Decadent Carrot Cake Pancakes:

  • Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or toasted coconut flakes for a bakery-style brunch experience.

3. Alternative Sweet Drizzles and Toppings

Honey Vanilla Yogurt Drizzle:

  • Mix½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a tangy, protein-rich alternative to cream cheese glaze.

Maple Cinnamon Drizzle:

  • Stir ¼ cup maple syrup with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for a classic fall-inspired syrup.

Brown Sugar Pecan Topping:

  • Toast chopped pecans in 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon brown sugar, then sprinkle over the pancakes for a caramelized crunch.

Mascarpone Drizzle:

  • Swap cream cheese for mascarpone cheese mixed with honey and vanilla for a silkier, richer topping.

4. Side Dish Pairings

Classic Breakfast Sides:

  • Crispy Bacon or Turkey Sausage – The saltiness balances the sweet, spiced flavors of the pancakes.
  • Scrambled or Poached Eggs – A protein-rich addition to complement the pancakes.
  • Fresh Fruit Salad – The brightness of berries and citrus enhances the natural sweetness of the pancakes.

Beverage Pairings:

  • Chai Latte – The spiced flavors of chai perfectly match the warm cinnamon and nutmeg in the pancakes.
  • Vanilla Iced Coffee – A lightly sweetened cold brew pairs beautifully with these rich, fluffy pancakes.
  • Spiced Hot Cocoa – A chocolatey pairing that enhances the carrot cake flavors.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Batter:

  • You can prepare the pancake batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before cooking.

How to Store Leftover Pancakes:

  • Store cooked pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze pancakes by layering parchment paper between each pancake and sealing in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.

Best Way to Reheat Pancakes:

  • Toaster: Place pancakes in the toaster for a crispier texture.
  • Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds on medium power for a soft texture.
  • Oven: Place pancakes on a baking sheet at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to warm them evenly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fluffy and Moist: The buttermilk, grated carrots, and warm spices create the perfect pancakes homemade texture.
Rich and Comforting: A cream cheese drizzle replaces traditional syrup, making this a dessert-like breakfast treat.
Customizable and Meal-Prep Friendly: You can adjust ingredients, make it healthier, or prep it ahead for a quick morning meal.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether you need a weekend brunch idea, a holiday breakfast, or just a fun weekday treat, these pancakes deliver big flavor in an easy recipe.

These Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle bring together the cozy flavors of carrot cake with the fluffiness of homemade pancakes, making them a perfect breakfast, brunch, or meal-prep option. Whether you enjoy them plain, with nuts, or with an extra drizzle of cream cheese glaze, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite!

Nutrition

Calories360
Carbohydrates52g
Cholesterol85mg
Fat14g
Fiber3g
Protein9g
Saturated Fat6g
Sodium480mg
Sugar18g
Unsaturated Fat5g

The Classic Love for Pancakes

Pancakes have been a breakfast staple for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where flat cakes made with wheat flour and eggs were cooked on hot stones. Over time, pancakes evolved into the fluffy, golden stacks we know today, becoming one of the most beloved breakfast foods worldwide.

Carrot cake, on the other hand, has roots in medieval Europe, where sweetened carrots were often used as a natural substitute for sugar. The warm spices, soft texture, and cream cheese frosting became a signature dessert that remains popular today.

Combining these two classics into one dish creates the ultimate fusion of breakfast and dessert, turning traditional pancakes into a comforting, indulgent, yet nutritious meal.

The Art of Making Perfect Carrot Cake Pancakes

What Makes These Pancakes from Scratch Recipe Stand Out?

A Perfectly Spiced Pancake Base: These pancakes are flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, giving them a warm, cozy flavor reminiscent of freshly baked carrot cake.
Fluffy and Moist Texture: The use of buttermilk and a touch of brown sugar ensures these pancakes fluffy recipe stay moist, soft, and airy.
A Sweet and Tangy Cream Cheese Drizzle: Instead of traditional syrup, these pancakes are topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts over the warm pancakes.
Healthy Twist with Grated Carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness, a boost of nutrients, and a soft bite to the pancakes without overpowering them.

Interesting Things About This Pancakes Recipe

  • A Unique Take on a Breakfast Classic: This is not your average pancake recipe—it’s a combination of a classic dessert and a breakfast favorite.
  • Nutritious and Indulgent: The grated carrots add fiber and vitamins, while the cream cheese drizzle makes every bite feel like a special treat.
  • No Need for Syrup: The cream cheese glaze acts as a built-in topping, making these pancakes rich and satisfying on their own.
  • Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients: Unlike some complicated pancakes mix recipes, this pancakes scratch recipe uses basic pantry staples.

An Overview of the Recipe Components

This pancakes homemade recipe consists of three key components:

  1. The Pancake Batter: A mix of flour, buttermilk, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and fresh grated carrots for a soft and flavorful pancake base.
  2. The Cream Cheese Drizzle: A combination of cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a smooth, pourable topping.
  3. Optional Add-ins: Walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut can be added for extra texture and flavor.

What Occasions Are These Pancakes Perfect For?

Weekend Brunch: A fun and indulgent way to treat yourself on a relaxed morning.
Holiday Breakfast: A great option for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas mornings.
Breakfast for Dinner: Because who doesn’t love breakfast food any time of the day?
Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a batch in advance and store for easy reheating throughout the week

Spatula Daddy

Hi! 👋 I’m Michael, here to bring bold flavors and real-world cooking know-how straight to your table!

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