Save to Pins Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Spain with these delightful churro-inspired pancakes. Combining the comfort of fluffy American pancakes with the irresistible flavor profile of Spanish churros, this breakfast creation brings a touch of European flair to your morning routine. The magic happens when the warm, just-cooked pancakes meet the cinnamon-sugar coating, creating that characteristic churro experience in a convenient pancake form.
Save to Pins These pancakes were inspired by my travels through Spain, where I fell in love with the simple yet satisfying pleasure of freshly fried churros dipped in chocolate. I wanted to recreate that experience in a more breakfast-appropriate format that wouldn't require deep frying. The result is these pancakes that capture the spirit of churros but in a more accessible form for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Topping: 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix (a few lumps are okay).
- Cook the pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the cinnamon sugar coating
- Remove pancakes from skillet and immediately sprinkle each side with cinnamon sugar while still warm. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet as needed. Serve pancakes warm, stacked and dusted with extra cinnamon sugar if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The key to achieving those characteristic churro-like crispy edges is to ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the batter. A medium heat works best - too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too low and you won't get that slight crispness. Also, don't skip coating the pancakes while they're still warm; this helps the cinnamon sugar adhere properly, just as it does on freshly fried churros.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter as mentioned in the notes. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. For an extra churro-like experience, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter itself. You can also create a chocolate chip version by sprinkling a few mini chocolate chips onto the pancake batter right after pouring it onto the griddle.
Serviervorschläge
To complete the authentic churro experience, serve these pancakes with a small bowl of warm chocolate sauce for dipping, just like traditional churros are often enjoyed in Spain. A drizzle of dulce de leche or honey also complements the cinnamon sugar flavors beautifully. For a more substantial breakfast, add some fresh fruit on the side - strawberries and bananas pair particularly well with the cinnamon flavors. These pancakes are best enjoyed immediately while still warm and freshly coated with cinnamon sugar.
Save to Pins These Spanish churro-inspired pancakes have become a weekend tradition in my household, bringing a touch of European café culture to our breakfast table. The combination of light, fluffy pancakes with that distinctive churro flavor creates a breakfast that feels special but requires minimal extra effort compared to regular pancakes. Whether for a lazy weekend morning or a holiday breakfast, these churro pancakes are sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds.
Questions & Answers
- → How can I achieve crispy edges on these pancakes?
To get crispy edges, cook the pancakes slightly longer on medium heat and use a bit more butter in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute the milk to make this dairy-free?
Yes, plant-based milk and vegan butter work well as substitutes for a dairy-free version.
- → What gives these pancakes their churro-inspired flavor?
The generous dusting of cinnamon sugar after cooking mimics the classic churro taste, adding a sweet, aromatic touch.
- → Is it important not to overmix the batter?
Yes, gently mixing until just combined with a few lumps helps keep the pancakes fluffy and tender.
- → Can these pancakes be served with other toppings?
They pair wonderfully with warm chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for an indulgent twist.
- → What tools are necessary for preparing these pancakes?
You'll need mixing bowls, a whisk, a non-stick skillet or griddle, a spatula, and measuring cups and spoons.