Name: Irresistible Churro Pancakes Recipe in 5 Easy Steps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for cooking); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup sugar (for coating); 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating); Powdered sugar (for topping); Warm maple syrup or dulce de leche drizzle (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

I still remember the morning I first tasted churro pancakes in Barcelona – the crispy cinnamon-sugar crust giving way to the fluffiest, most heavenly pancake I’d ever eaten. Picture this: it’s 8am, I’m jet-lagged but starving, and this tiny café near La Rambla serves me a stack that looks like regular pancakes… until I take that first bite. Churro pancakes became my obsession that trip, and I must’ve eaten them four times in five days.

When I got home, I spent weeks trying to recreate that magic. You know what I discovered? The secret isn’t complicated – it’s all about that perfect cinnamon sugar coating applied while the pancakes are still warm from the skillet. My version combines the best of both worlds: the cozy breakfast comfort of American pancakes with the irresistible churro flavors you’d find at Spanish street carts.

These babies have become my go-to weekend breakfast when I want to treat myself (and honestly, any houseguests lucky enough to wake up to them). The contrast between the tender interior and that crackly cinnamon-sugar crust? Absolute perfection. And trust me, once you try them with a drizzle of warm dulce de leche, you’ll never go back to plain old maple syrup again.

Why You’ll Love These Churro Pancakes

These pancakes are pure magic – here’s why:

Way faster than making churros – Skip the frying oil and piping bags! You get all that delicious cinnamon-sugar flavor in half the time.
The perfect weekend brunch centerpiece – Stack ’em high for an impressive sweet brunch pancake stack that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Kid-approved sweet treat – My nieces go crazy for these (and let’s be honest, so do the adults).
Uses pantry staples – No fancy ingredients needed – just basic baking supplies you probably already have.

Trust me, once you try that crispy cinnamon-sugar crust on fluffy pancakes, you’ll be hooked. They’re like dessert for breakfast – and who can resist that?

Churro Pancakes Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create that perfect churro magic in pancake form. I’ve learned through trial and error that the quality and preparation of these ingredients make all the difference!

1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted) – Sifting prevents lumps and gives us that light, airy texture we love
2 tbsp sugar – Just enough sweetness to complement the cinnamon coating
1 tsp baking powder (fresh!) – This is our rising agent – check the date for maximum fluffiness
1/2 tsp baking soda – Works with the buttermilk to create that perfect rise
Pinch of salt – Balances all the flavors beautifully
1 cup buttermilk – The secret to ultra-tender pancakes (no buttermilk? See my quick substitution tip in the FAQs)
1 large egg (room temperature) – Bring it out 30 minutes before baking for best results
2 tbsp melted butter (cooled) – Adds richness (melt it first so it has time to cool slightly)
1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference here

For that signature churro coating:

1/4 cup sugar – Regular granulated works perfectly
1 tsp cinnamon – Use the good stuff – your spice cabinet’s best!

For serving (because we’re going all out!):

Powdered sugar for dusting
Warm maple syrup or dulce de leche drizzle

See? Nothing too fancy – just simple ingredients prepped the right way. Now let’s turn these into magic!

Essential Equipment for Perfect Churro Pancakes

Listen, I’ve burned my fair share of pancakes before learning this lesson – having the right tools makes all the difference! Here’s what you’ll need:

Heavy-bottom nonstick skillet – This is non-negotiable! A thin pan will give you hot spots and uneven cooking. My cast-iron griddle works wonders too.
2 mixing bowls (one large, one medium) – For keeping those wet and dry ingredients separate until the perfect moment
Whisk – A good old-fashioned wire whisk beats everything together just right
1/4 cup measuring scoop – For perfectly sized pancakes every time (no guessing!)
Thin spatula – Gets right under those golden edges for flawless flipping

That’s it! Simple tools for seriously delicious results. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Churro Pancakes Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s turn these ingredients into churro magic! I’ll walk you through each step – just follow along and you’ll have perfect pancakes in no time. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making these every weekend!

Mixing the Batter

First things first – grab those two mixing bowls. In the large one, whisk together all your dry ingredients (that’s the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Give it a good mix so everything’s evenly distributed.

Now, in the medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients: buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk it until it’s smooth and fully blended. Here’s where patience pays off – pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine – they’ll disappear during cooking. Overmixing makes tough pancakes, and we want fluffy clouds of joy!

Cooking to Golden Perfection

Heat your skillet over medium-low heat (about 325°F if you’re using a thermometer). Melt a small pat of butter – just enough to coat the surface. Wait until the butter stops sizzling before adding batter.

Use that 1/4 cup scoop to pour batter onto the skillet. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes). Slide your spatula underneath – if it lifts easily, flip! Cook the other side until golden brown (another minute or so).

Pro tip: Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch. This keeps them toasty without drying out.

Applying the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the pancakes are still warm (this is crucial!), mix together your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl. Working one pancake at a time, press both sides into the mixture – the warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully.

Stack them high on a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with your favorite syrup or dulce de leche. That first bite of crispy cinnamon sugar giving way to fluffy pancake? Pure breakfast bliss!

Pro Tips for Fluffy Churro Pancakes

After making these more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tricks for perfect pancakes every single time:

Check your baking powder date – Fresh is best! Old baking powder won’t give you that gorgeous rise we’re after.
Let the batter rest 5 minutes – Those bubbles you see forming? That’s your fluffiness developing! I set a timer while my skillet heats up.
Keep your skillet temperature steady – Medium-low is the sweet spot. If your pancakes brown too fast, dial it down.
Warm oven trick – Keep finished pancakes in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest. They’ll stay hot without getting soggy.

Follow these, and you’ll have churro pancakes so light they practically float off the plate!

Churro Pancakes Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists to keep things exciting! My personal favorite? Adding chocolate chips – because who can resist that melty chocolate with cinnamon sugar? Just fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips right before cooking.

For extra decadent dulce de leche pancakes, swirl a spoonful into each pancake as it cooks. The caramelized milk flavor takes these to dessert-level deliciousness!

Short on time? Use your favorite pancake mix as a base (just add the cinnamon sugar coating). It’s not quite as magical as homemade, but still makes for a tasty quick breakfast!

Serving Your Churro Pancakes

Oh, the fun part! I always serve my churro pancakes stacked high – it makes them look as impressive as they taste. Here’s my go-to method: sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar between each pancake layer (trust me, it’s worth it). Top the whole tower with a dusting of powdered sugar that looks like fresh snow. On the side? Fresh berries cut the sweetness perfectly, and a dollop of whipped cream never hurts. For the ultimate indulgence, drizzle warm dulce de leche over everything – the way it cascades down the stack is pure breakfast poetry!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got extra pancakes? Lucky you! Tuck them into an airtight container – they’ll keep in the fridge for about 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them in the toaster or a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back that gorgeous crispness to the cinnamon sugar coating (microwaving makes them soggy, so don’t do it!). I sometimes make a double batch just to have these ready for quick breakfasts – they’re almost as good reheated as fresh off the griddle!

Churro Pancakes FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of my favorite tricks is mixing the batter the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. The buttermilk works its magic, making these buttermilk churro pancakes even more tender. Give it a quick stir in the morning – you might need to add a splash more buttermilk if it thickened overnight.

What’s the best gluten-free option?
I’ve had great success using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute (the kind with xanthan gum already added). The texture comes out nearly identical to the original – just be extra careful not to overmix the batter. My gluten-sensitive friends can’t tell the difference once that cinnamon sugar coating goes on!

What syrup pairs best with churro pancakes?
Oh, this is fun to experiment with! Classic maple syrup is always delicious, but for the full Spanish-inspired experience, warm dulce de leche is magical. The caramelized milk flavor plays perfectly with the cinnamon sugar. Pro tip: heat it gently before drizzling so it flows beautifully over your pancake stack!

Nutritional Information

Nutrition values are estimates based on ingredient brands. Variations like extra toppings or gluten-free flour will change calculations. For precise dietary needs, always consult a nutritionist. Remember – these are special weekend treats, so enjoy every delicious bite!

Irresistible Churro Pancakes Recipe in 5 Easy Steps