Description
These Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes are a fun and festive breakfast treat featuring vibrant green pancakes made with a fluffy buttermilk batter. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing glaze and airy green whipped cream, these pancakes shine with playful red candy hearts for a whimsical holiday or themed breakfast experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Pancakes
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (as needed for vibrant color)
Cream Cheese Icing Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3–5 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired glaze consistency)
Green Whipped Cream
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (a few drops)
Garnish
- Small red heart candies or jumbo red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg, buttermilk, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the desired vibrant green color, then mix gently to evenly distribute the color.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil. Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Keep the cooked pancakes warm.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to mix until fully combined. Gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
- Prepare the Green Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add green food coloring drop by drop and continue whipping until evenly colored and stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Assemble and Garnish: Stack the green pancakes on plates. Drizzle generously with cream cheese icing glaze. Add a dollop of green whipped cream on top of the stack. Finally, decorate with small red heart candies or jumbo red heart sprinkles to mimic the Grinch-themed look. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive breakfast!
Notes
- Use buttermilk for the best fluffy texture and flavor in the pancakes.
- Adjust green food coloring amount gradually to avoid an overly bitter or artificial taste.
- Keep whipped cream chilled until serving to maintain its texture.
- To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave it for 10-15 seconds but avoid melting it.
- These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven (around 200°F) for up to 20 minutes.
Keywords: IHOP, Grinch pancakes, green pancakes, cream cheese glaze, festive breakfast, holiday pancakes