Sweet cream pancakes aren’t your standard pancakes! This delicious recipe will result in fluffy pancakes that the whole family will love.
The following recipe will take your typical buttermilk pancakes to the next level by making them sweet cream pancakes. Then check out my optional toppings to make them even more delicious!
Fresh fruit, peanut butter, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, and whipping cream are just a few of the ingredients that can turn these into your favorite breakfast!
Where Did Sweet Cream Pancakes Originate?
While we don’t know who made the very first sweet cream pancakes, many people have come to know and love them due in part to Black Bear Diner, a national restaurant chain.
There are many copycat sweet cream pancakes recipes out there that claim to replicate their popular dish. But we think ours is even better and will soon be one of your favorite recipes!
What is in Sweet Cream Pancakes?
Generally speaking, sweet cream pancakes use heavy cream in place of milk to make a richer tasting and thicker pancake. Our recipe still calls for a little milk because it is a great way to create an amazing melt-in-your-mouth texture.
We think our recipe is the best pancake recipe you can find and creates an excellent base for other creative toppings that you might want to add to take your breakfast to the next level!
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Sugar
- Salt
Tip: Combining baking soda and baking powder gives your batter a nice rise, resulting in fluffy and light pancakes.
Wet Ingredients
- Eggs
- Heavy Cream
- Regular Milk
- Pure Vanilla Extract
Tip: You can use all cream with no milk. But the combination of milk with 2% or higher and heavy cream is delicious. It makes the batter creamy and thick but retains its fluffiness. It won’t be too heavy because the thinner nature of milk keeps it lighter.
How Does Using Heavy Cream Affect Pancakes?
There are a number of benefits of using heavy cream in place of water or milk in your pancakes. For one, your pancakes turn out more rich and flavorful. They also have a thicker texture, but they will still be fluffy tender pancakes. The better batter leads to soaking up delicious toppings.
If you use a griddle or stovetop to cook your pancakes, be sure to use medium or medium-high heat, depending on your heat source. That way you can cook the pancakes slowly and evenly without burning them.
You will also want to have a nice coat of melted butter or your favorite nonstick cooking spray so your pancakes do not stick to the pan. We all know that those first few pancakes do not always turn out great!
What is the Best Way to Cook Pancakes?
There are a few different pan options. A pancake griddle or large nonstick skillet are great options, but some people like to use cast iron. If you use a heavy-bottomed cast iron pan, be sure to coat it well so the pancakes do not stick.
Place the griddle, skillet, or pan over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up before you pour any batter on it. You can carefully hover your hand 4-6″ over the pan to see if it’s emanating heat. Of course, be careful not to get too close or leave your hand there too long!
Once the pan is heated, lower the burner to medium. Then, pour the batter into one spot and let it spread out into a circle. Don’t swirl the batter as you pour it; it will naturally make a circle. (Unless, of course, you’re making a fun shape for yourself or kiddos.)
Cook slowly over medium heat.
Let the pancakes cook slowly. Once you see a few air bubbles pop up, you’re almost ready to flip. Allow them to bubble a bit more in the center and around the edges before flipping them over.
You can use your spatula to ease under the side of the pancake to see the color of the underside before flipping them. Turning them too soon is what causes them to break apart.
Cook the pancakes until both sides are a nice golden brown, and the batter in the center is no longer wet. You can use a toothpick to check. Cooking slowly over even medium heat is your best bet!
Keep in mind these sweet pancakes are a little thicker than your typical pancakes. So, they may take a little bit longer to cook through. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and gather your patience. This delicious pancake recipe will be worth it!
Sweet Cream Pancakes Recipe
Here it is! Your guide to making the perfect sweet cream pancakes!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups – All-purpose Flour (unbleached, preferably)
- 1/2 cup – Sugar
- 3 tsp – Baking Powder
- 1 tsp – Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 2 – Large Eggs
- 2 cups – Heavy Cream
- 1 cup – Milk (2% or whole)
- 1 tbsp – Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a fork or whisk to break up any chunks and mix the dry ingredients. Set it aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: eggs, cream, milk, and vanilla until they are well combined.
Be sure to use a large bowl as you will add your dry ingredients to this mixture.
Tip: Let your wet ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
3. Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined, but be careful not to overmix.
4. Heat skillet over medium heat. If using butter, vegetable oil, or nonstick cooking spray, add it now.
5. Add 1/4 cup batter to the pan.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles appear in the middle and along the edge of the batter. Only flip once the bubbles appear and stay at the edge of the batter.
Tip: If bubbles appear, but then disappear, the pancake is not yet ready to flip.
7. Flip the pancake over and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked in the center.
That’s it! This simple recipe will give you a delicious and sweet pancake. To take your delicious breakfast to the next level, consider adding some additional toppings!
Additional Toppings for Your Pancakes
Pancakes make a great base for an over-the-top breakfast! They are basically a blank canvas, just begging for something additional.
You can always add simple things like whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, and chocolate syrup. But the following quick and easy recipes offer great ideas for fancier toppings.
Everyone will know who makes the best pancakes!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
This mouthwatering peanut butter batter makes a delectable topping!
- 1/4 cup – Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup – Pure Maple Syrup
- Chocolate Chips
To make this, simply heat the syrup in a pan over medium heat. Then add in the peanut butter and mix until combined. It will become “liquidy,” and able to be drizzled over a stack of pancakes.
Drizzle, and then add chocolate chips. Voilà – you have got fancy pancakes to impress your friends and family the next time you make breakfast!
Mom tip: if you don’t have time to heat on the stove, you can pop the PB and syrup in the microwave. Start off with 30 seconds, and then add time as needed.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Another easy topping to add to your breakfast menu. People will be asking about your delicious, secret recipe!
Cheesecake Topping
- 4 oz – Cream Cheese, Softened
- 1 cup – Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp – Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup – Powdered sugar
Pancake Topping
- Chopped Strawberries
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
For the cheesecake topping, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed. Add in the vanilla. Then add the powdered sugar one spoonful at a time.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until peaks form. Then fold the freshly whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
When putting your pancake dish together, layer one pancake with the cheesecake topping, strawberries, and graham crackers, and repeat for the entire stack of pancakes. Then add a dollop of whipped cream, strawberries, and graham crackers to the top and serve!
Best Substitute for Maple Syrup
If you don’t have or don’t want to use maple syrup, no worries! These sweet cream pancakes are just about sweet enough on their own. Some people just add butter, peanut butter, or fruit toppings. If you still want a syrup alternative, check out 7 Best Substitutes for Maple Syrup.
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As a mom of three little eaters, I am excited to share my love of cooking, smoking, and baking with you. My love of food started when I went to college in Berkeley, and has followed me ever since! When I am not “momming,” writing, or cooking, you can find me reading, traveling, or hiking.