Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. These pancakes are fluffy, moist, and bursting with warm spices. The sweet cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy layer that perfectly complements the carrot flavor. Ideal for brunches, special occasions, or even a cozy breakfast at home, these pancakes bring joy to any table. Plus, they’re a fun way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake without the fuss of baking a whole cake!
What You’ll Need for Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:
Complete Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
- Butter or oil for cooking
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Replace sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
- Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add walnuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Making Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting is simple and fun! Follow these steps to create a delicious breakfast treat.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Gently fold in the grated carrots.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil as needed.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
How to Serve Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serve the pancakes warm, stacked high on a plate. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
These pancakes pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries. A side of maple syrup or honey can add a delightful sweetness. For drinks, consider serving with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice.
Storing & Preserving Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Best Storage Methods
Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
To reheat, simply warm the pancakes in the microwave for about 30 seconds. For freezing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the batter; it should be slightly lumpy.
- Ensure your griddle is hot enough before cooking.
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture.
Helpful Tricks for Success
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking.
- Use a cookie scoop for even pancake sizes.
- Experiment with spices to find your perfect flavor balance.
Fun Variations of Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Try adding crushed pineapple for a tropical twist or mix in some shredded coconut for added texture. You can also experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
To make these pancakes vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk. For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts from the recipe.
FAQs
What If My Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your pancakes are too dense, try adding a bit more baking powder. If they’re too dry, ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly and not packing it down.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before cooking.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or use a gluten-free blend. For sweeteners, honey or agave syrup can be used instead of sugar.
PrintCarrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, fluffy and moist with warm spices and a rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
☀️ Best Summer Kitchen Deals
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- For freezing, place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Carrot Cake, Pancakes, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast, Brunch