Maple-Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy pancakes infused with warm cinnamon and drizzled with maple syrup, creating a cozy breakfast with a playful swirl pattern. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 20 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Step 2: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the top of each pancake before flipping.
  3. Step 3: Cook until bubbles form on the surface (2-3 minutes), then flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more until golden brown. Serve immediately with additional maple syrup.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Maple-Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Maple-Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes?

American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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