Sweet Cream Pancakes

This sweet cream pancake recipe has become my go to breakfast dish that the whole family loves. It’s like the homemade version of iHop’s buttermilk pancakes – but better. 

The pancakes are super fluffy, they have a bit of sweetness, and the most buttery, rich flavor. It’s everything you need on a saturday morning on a plate! 

What I love most about these delicious pancakes is that it calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. In addition, it’s SO easy to make.

You don’t even need maple syrup with them, they’re THAT good. You’ll wonder why you haven’t been making pancakes like this your whole life!

(full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below) 

• We’re using a mix of Heavy Cream and regular milk. The heavy whipping cream adds extra fat and moisture (and better flavor!) to the pancakes while whole milk thins the batter just slightly so that the pancakes aren’t too dense.
• Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the pancakes to rise and become light and fluffy. It creates tiny bubbles in the batter that expand as the pancakes cook, giving you that perfect, pillowy texture.
• All-purpose flour gives our sweet cream pancakes structure and helps them hold their shape while cooking. 
• Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste of the pancakes by adding a warm cozy flavor. It complements the richness of the cream, don’t skip this one.
• Melted butter adds a rich flavor. It also gives the pancakes a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps them cook up with golden, crisp edges.
• Sugar adds a touch of sweetness – enhancing their flavor without making them overly sugary. It also helps with browning, giving the pancakes a beautiful golden color.
• Eggs help bind the ingredients together, giving them structure and stability.

Variations 

• Get creative with add-ins like chocolate chips, shredded carrots, coconut flakes, or blueberries (just to name a few)! You can also add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.
• For a citrusy spin, add a little lemon zest or lemon extract.
• Gluten free version – swap out all purpose flour for your fave 1-to-1 gluten free flour. The texture may be slightly different but they’ll be delicious!
• Vegan version – use vegan heavy cream and swap out eggs for applesauce or mashed banana (about a 1/2 cup). 

How to make Sweet Cream Pancakes

Step 1: In a large bowl, sift all purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Then add sugar and whisk together.

Step 2: Make a small well in the center of the bowl and pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until just combined, then pour in melted butter. Continue to mix until just combined – it’s ok it the bater is slightly lumpy. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let the batter sit for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat a pancake griddle or a large non-stick pan over medium heat (medium low heat if you notice that the pancakes are browning too quickly). Drizzle oil and butter onto the skillet. Dollop a 1/2 cup of pancake batter onto griddle/skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes, until the tops bubble, then flip over and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. 

Pro Tips 

• Use cold heavy cream – It keeps the batter thick and results in fluffiest pancakes ever.
• Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are totally okay; overmixing makes pancakes tough instead of fluffy. As soon as the wet ingredients are incorporated into the dry ingredients, stop mixing.
• Let the batter rest! This allows the cream to hydrate the flour, giving you lighter, more tender pancakes.
• Cook on medium-low heat to get your pancakes perfectly golden brown. Cooking on a lower heat also allows the pancakes to cook evenly without burning.
• Flip when you see the pancakes bubbling on top: Wait for bubbles to appear on top, then flip carefully to keep your pancakes airy and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet cream pancakes pair perfectly with classic toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Opt for a classic breakfast and pair them with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, fried potatoes and onions, and scrambled eggs! And if you’re feeling fancy, a mimosa or iced matcha latte makes it a full-on brunch moment!