Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe

Okay, friends, if you’ve ever wandered into an IHOP during the holiday season and fallen hard for those festive Grinch Pancakes, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe brings that magic right to your kitchen without the wait or the crowds. There’s something incredibly joyful about those fluffy green pancakes topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze and that pop of red from candy hearts—it really makes breakfast feel like a holiday event.

I love making these for family breakfasts or holiday brunches because they’re not just delicious but also a ton of fun to prepare. Plus, whipping up the green whipped cream adds that extra festive flair that always surprises and delights. Trust me, once you try this Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe, it might just become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component of this recipe works together to recreate that perfect balance of fluffy texture, sweet creaminess, and festive colors. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in—nothing fancy, mostly pantry staples with a few little extras for that signature green and sweet glaze finish.

• All-purpose flour: The base for light, fluffy pancakes that hold the green tint beautifully.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
• Baking powder: Gives the pancakes a great rise and fluffiness.
• Baking soda: Works together with buttermilk for that tender crumb.
• Egg: Adds structure and richness to the pancake batter.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps pancakes moist and tender.
• Granulated sugar: For a hint of sweetness in the batter.
• Butter (melted): Adds flavor and keeps the pancakes tender.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth.
• Green food coloring: For that whimsical green shade—adjust to your preference!
• Cream cheese: Base for the luscious cream cheese icing glaze.
• Powdered sugar: Both for the cream cheese glaze and the green whipped cream—sift it for smoothness.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the cream cheese glaze perfectly.
• Heavy whipping cream: For that airy, sweet green whipped cream topping.
• Small red heart candies or jumbo red heart sprinkles: These give the pancakes that iconic Grinch holiday pop!

Variations

What’s great about this Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often switch things up depending on the occasion and who I’m making breakfast for—mix and match to find your own perfect spin!

• Use gluten-free flour: When I have gluten-sensitive friends over, I swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and it still tastes and looks great.
• Vanilla almond milk substitution: Using vanilla almond milk instead of buttermilk works in a pinch to keep that nice moisture in the pancakes.
• Natural food coloring: If you prefer to avoid artificial colors, spirulina powder or matcha can be used to give a subtle green tint.
• Fruit toppings: Fresh berries or sliced strawberries work wonderfully to add burst of flavor and a natural “red” garnish to complement the candy hearts.
• Vegan version: I’ve experimented with replacing egg with a flax egg and using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream for the glaze and whipped topping—delicious and allergy-friendly!

How to Make Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Green Pancake Batter

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg and then add buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Now, for the fun part—add a few drops of green food coloring until you get that vibrant Grinch-y green color you love. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be a bit lumpy but well combined for tender, fluffy pancakes.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Icing Glaze

While the batter rests for a few minutes, whip up your cream cheese glaze. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easy blending. Then mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add milk a tablespoon at a time to reach a drizzling consistency that’s not too thick or runny—perfect for that glossy topping that sets the pancakes apart.

Step 3: Cook Your Pancakes to Fluffy Perfection

Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the surface. You’ll see bubbles form on the surface as the edges start to set—that’s your cue to flip. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a low oven if needed while you finish the batch.

Step 4: Blend Green Whipped Cream

For that eye-catching green whipped cream, whip heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Then add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until soft peaks form. Add a few drops of green food coloring and gently fold it in until the color is evenly distributed. Don’t overwhip or it can turn buttery, so keep a close eye on the texture here.

Step 5: Assemble and Add the Candy Hearts

Stack your green pancakes on a plate, drizzle with that cream cheese icing glaze while still warm for a glossy finish, and dollop on the green whipped cream. Scatter some red candy hearts on top to give the signature Grinch holiday look. This last touch always makes the whole dish feel festive and extra special.

How to Serve Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top these pancakes with extra mini candy hearts because who doesn’t love a little red and green contrast? You can also sprinkle crushed peppermint candy or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look. Fresh mint leaves add a subtle aroma and brighten the plate visually, too.

Side Dishes

These pancakes are sweet and rich, so I usually pair them with some fresh fruit salad or crisp apple slices to lighten things up a bit. For heartier appetites, crispy bacon or sausage links welcome guests with their salty contrast. A simple cup of coffee or hot cocoa perfectly rounds out the cozy breakfast vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve arranged the pancakes stacked on festive plates with sprigs of holly or pine nearby to cozy up the table. You could even pipe that green whipped cream with a star tip for fancy swirls or use a red piping gel to write holiday messages on the plate. Kids love helping decorate their own stacks—it’s become a fun family activity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), wrap the pancakes tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. The cream cheese glaze and whipped cream are best made fresh, though—you’ll want to make those just before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing these pancakes works great for a make-ahead breakfast. I recommend freezing individual pancakes on a baking sheet first to keep them from sticking, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to one month. When you’re ready, pop them in the toaster or microwave to warm through. The glaze and green whipped cream are better fresh, so add those after reheating.

Reheating

I find the best way to reheat pancakes is on a warm griddle or in a toaster oven to restore some crispness to the edges without drying them out. Microwaving is fine for speed but can make them a bit soggy. Reheat gently so you can enjoy those fluffy textures all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe feels like a little celebration you get to have right at your breakfast table. I honestly love how festive and bright they make early mornings—especially with loved ones gathered around. Give these a try; I’m confident you’ll be grinning from ear to ear, just like the Grinch eventually did. Cooking and sharing this just feels like wrapping your morning in a warm, colorful hug.

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