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These Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes bring a burst of festive fun to your breakfast table. The vibrant green pancakes paired with a creamy tangy cream cheese glaze and playful candy hearts make mornings feel special and joyful. Whether celebrating the holidays or simply wanting to brighten up your morning, this recipe is a delightful choice.
Ingredients
- Flour: the base for light pancakes using all-purpose flour works best for fluffy results
- Baking powder and baking soda: help the pancakes rise and become airy
- Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
- Egg: adds structure and richness to the batter
- Buttermilk: tenderizes the pancakes and adds a subtle tang, fresh buttermilk is ideal
- Sugar: provides a touch of sweetness to the batter
- Melted butter: enriches the batter and improves texture
- Vanilla extract: adds warm aromatic notes
- Green food coloring: creates the signature Grinch hue, gel coloring gives a vibrant and even color
- Cream cheese: the star in the icing glaze for tangy creaminess
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the glaze and whipped cream
- Milk: adjusts glaze consistency for smooth pouring
- Heavy cream: whips into a fluffy, festive green topping
- Candy hearts: decorative and add a sweet pop of color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing Glaze:
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir gently until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside at room temperature for easy drizzling later.
- Make the Green Whipped Cream:
- Whip heavy cream in a chilled bowl, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Once soft peaks form, add green food coloring drop by drop until your preferred shade is achieved. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
- Prepare the Green Pancakes:
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl whisk the egg, buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and green food coloring until well combined. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently just until mixed, some small lumps are fine to keep pancakes tender.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease if needed. Pour batter to form pancakes of your desired size. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to set about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Assemble the Pancakes:
- Stack the pancakes on a plate, then drizzle generously with cream cheese icing glaze. Dollop green whipped cream on top and sprinkle with colorful candy hearts for a festive finish. Serve immediately.
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My favorite part is the cream cheese icing glaze because it cuts through the sweetness with its creamy tang, making each bite balanced and addictive. One memorable holiday morning, these pancakes brought everyone to the table with huge smiles, setting a joyful tone for the day.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness. Keep the cream cheese glaze and whipped cream separate and assemble just before serving to preserve texture. To reheat, warm pancakes gently in the microwave or toaster oven until heated through without drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
Whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends can replace all-purpose flour if you want a healthier or allergy-friendly option, but expect a slightly denser texture. You can swap buttermilk for regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity. If you don’t have cream cheese for the glaze, Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar can be an alternative, though flavor will differ slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pancakes with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity contrast. Crispy bacon or sausage links add a savory balance that complements the sweet and creamy elements. A warm cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice rounds out the meal perfectly for a festive brunch.
Cultural Context
This recipe takes inspiration from IHOP’s famous holiday-themed Grinch pancakes, a playful nod to Dr. Seuss’s beloved story during Christmas season. It’s a fun way to celebrate the holidays with family, adding a bit of whimsy and nostalgia to the breakfast table.
Pro Tips
- Never overmix the batter, a few lumps create tender pancakes rather than tough ones
- Toast the pancakes lightly before stacking for added texture and warmth
- Adjust the cream cheese glaze sweetness gradually, it’s easier to add more powdered sugar than to fix an overly sweet glaze
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes, a store-bought pancake mix works well and you can add green food coloring to maintain the festive hue.
- → How should leftover pancakes be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days for best freshness.
- → What's the best way to reheat these pancakes?
Reheat in a microwave or toaster oven until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to skip the cream cheese glaze?
Yes, you can omit the cream cheese glaze and simply top with green whipped cream and candy hearts for a lighter finish.
- → How can I achieve an even green color in the pancakes?
Mix gel or liquid green food coloring thoroughly into the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
- → Any tips to avoid tough pancakes?
Be careful not to overmix the batter; combine ingredients until just blended to keep pancakes light and tender.