Fluffy Cinnamon Honey Pancakes: A Wholesome & Easy Breakfast Treat
Kickstart your day with a stack of my incredibly **Cinnamon Honey Pancakes**! These delightful flapjacks offer the perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and fluffiness, making them an ideal choice for any morning, whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend brunch. What makes these pancakes truly special is their thoughtful preparation: they’re crafted with wholesome whole wheat flour for added nutrients and naturally sweetened with honey, stepping away from refined sugars. With a comforting hint of spice, this recipe is designed to be effortlessly whipped up in under 30 minutes, bringing joy and a nutritious start to your table.
Growing up, breakfast was undeniably my favorite meal of the day, and pancakes held a special place at the top of my list! While my mornings now lean more towards a leisurely brunch, my love for a perfectly cooked pancake remains unwavering—especially when paired with a comforting honey latte. This particular honey pancake recipe elevates the classic breakfast staple, infusing it with a touch of sophistication and wholesome goodness. By incorporating the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon, the nutty depth of whole wheat flour, and the natural sweetness of delicious local honey, these pancakes become an irresistible treat. They are wonderfully sweet, incredibly filling, and boast a texture that’s hard to resist.
Whether you choose to enjoy them simply adorned with fresh seasonal fruit and a generous drizzle of extra honey, or piled high with a melting pat of butter and rich maple syrup, these pancakes promise a memorable culinary experience. They are more than just breakfast; they are a moment of pure comfort and deliciousness.
Why You’ll Adore This Cinnamon Honey Pancake Recipe
These isn’t just another pancake recipe; it’s a game-changer for your breakfast routine. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making these **Cinnamon Honey Pancakes** time and time again:
- Effortlessly Quick: With just 4 easy steps, these pancakes come together in minutes, much like my popular fluffy kefir pancakes recipe, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Honey Lover’s Dream: If you appreciate breakfast recipes infused with natural sweetness, these sweet and fluffy pancakes, exclusively sweetened with honey, will truly captivate your palate.
- Harmonious Flavors: The subtle yet distinct honey flavor is beautifully complemented by the warm, inviting spice of cinnamon, creating a taste profile similar to my beloved Honey Bun Cookies.
- Pantry Staples: You likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand to whip up these delicious pancakes with honey, eliminating the need for a special grocery run.
- Naturally Sweetened: This recipe proudly uses no granulated sugar, relying entirely on the wholesome sweetness of honey, mirroring the healthier approach in my Honey Banana Bread recipe.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Honey Pancakes
Creating these delightful pancakes starts with a carefully selected list of ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and a touch of wholesome goodness. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect fluffy, moist, and flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Honey: This is the star sweetener! I always recommend using local, raw, unfiltered honey, such as Local Hive Honey, for its rich flavor and natural benefits. Honey not only provides a delicious sweetness but also contributes to the pancakes’ moist texture and golden-brown finish.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a beautiful warm, sweet spice that perfectly complements the honey. It gives these pancakes their signature comforting aroma and flavor.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, a portion of whole wheat flour is used alongside all-purpose flour. This adds extra fiber, nutrients, and a subtle nutty flavor, making the pancakes more satisfying without compromising on fluffiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The combination of all-purpose flour ensures a light and airy texture, balancing the denser qualities of whole wheat.
- Whole Milk: Milk contributes to the rich flavor and ensures the batter has the right consistency, leading to moist and tender pancakes. Using whole milk adds a lovely richness.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable oil helps keep the pancakes incredibly moist and tender. It also prevents sticking during cooking and contributes to a perfectly soft interior.
- Baking Powder: This is the essential leavening agent that gives these pancakes their incredible rise and characteristic fluffiness. It reacts with the wet ingredients to create air bubbles, resulting in that irresistible light texture.
- Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together, adds richness, and contributes to the structure and tender crumb of the pancakes.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the honey and the warmth of the cinnamon.
See the full recipe card below for precise measurements and detailed instructions.
Exciting Substitutions & Creative Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize your **Cinnamon Honey Pancakes**! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Sweet Add-ins: For an extra burst of flavor and texture, sprinkle chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white!), fresh blueberries, or thinly sliced bananas on top of the pancakes immediately after you’ve poured the batter onto the pan. The fruit or chocolate will soften beautifully as they cook.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in about ¼ cup of toasted, chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Flour Alternatives: If you don’t have whole wheat flour on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The pancakes will still be delicious, just slightly less wholesome. For a different flavor profile, consider using a blend of oat flour or almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour, though this may require slight adjustments to liquid content.
- Cooking Surface: I typically use a non-stick skillet for consistently softer pancakes. However, if you prefer a golden-brown exterior with slightly crispy edges, try frying them in a seasoned cast iron skillet. Just be sure to preheat it properly and grease it well.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice profile by adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger along with the cinnamon.
- Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest added to the wet ingredients can brighten the flavor wonderfully, especially if serving with fresh fruit.
Please note that this recipe has not been extensively tested with all possible substitutions or variations. If you experiment with replacing or adding any ingredients, we’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below!
How to Craft the Best Cinnamon Honey Pancakes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these fluffy pancakes is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these simple steps for a delicious breakfast or brunch:
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for uniform rise and flavor in your pancakes.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (starting with ¾ cup), vegetable oil, and honey. Ensure these liquid ingredients are well combined to create a cohesive base for your batter. Using room temperature ingredients can also help create a smoother batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk until *just combined*. It’s perfectly fine, and even desirable, for the batter to have a few small lumps. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, flat pancakes rather than light and fluffy ones. If you prefer a slightly thinner batter, add the remaining ¼ cup of milk, or a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes. Heat a skillet or griddle to medium-low heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or a neutral oil. For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of the cinnamon honey pancake batter onto the hot surface. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges appear set and lightly baked. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting heat as needed.
Can’t choose between pancakes and waffles? Whip up a few fluffy Belgian waffles to serve alongside these delectable flapjacks for the ultimate breakfast feast!
Expert Tips for the Fluffiest Honey Pancakes
Achieving perfectly fluffy, golden pancakes every time is easier than you think with these expert baking tips:
- Do Not Overmix Your Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for fluffy pancakes. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients together until *just combined* helps to keep the finished pancakes light and airy. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine; in fact, they’re preferred! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to dense, chewy pancakes instead of soft ones.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temperature blend more easily into the batter, creating a smoother, more uniform consistency. This also helps the baking powder react more effectively for a better rise.
- Rest the Batter: After mixing, allow the pancake batter to rest for 5-10 minutes. This gives the gluten a chance to relax and allows the baking powder to start working its magic, resulting in even fluffier pancakes.
- Easy Pouring: To effortlessly transfer your batter to the pan, pour it into a large liquid measuring cup or a bowl with a spout. Alternatively, a ladle or ice cream scoop works wonderfully for consistent pancake sizes.
- Master the Griddle Temperature: Medium-low heat is ideal. If the griddle is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they’ll turn out pale and tough. You can test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; they should sizzle and evaporate within a few seconds.
- Know When to Flip: The pancakes are ready to flip when you see persistent bubbles forming across the surface, and the edges begin to look set and dry. For a quick check, you can always gently lift an edge with a spatula to peek at the bottom for a nice tan color.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: As you cook batches of pancakes, you can keep the finished ones warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 200°F (95°C).
Cinnamon Honey Pancakes: Your Questions Answered
The possibilities are truly endless! **Honey** is, of course, a fantastic choice to drizzle over these, enhancing their natural sweetness. Other delicious options include a generous pat of butter, warm maple syrup, light whipped cream, sliced fresh fruits (berries, bananas, peaches), chocolate chips, or even indulgent cookie butter. Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings for a personalized pancake experience!
You should be able to use your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute for the flours in this recipe. However, keep in mind that gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust the amount of milk slightly to achieve the right batter consistency. This particular recipe has not been tested with gluten-free flour, so if you give it a try, please let us know how they turned out in the comments below!
While this version hasn’t been specifically tested as eggless, I believe a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes) would make a good substitution for the egg in this recipe. This could be a great option for those with egg allergies or dietary preferences.
You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. For the wet ingredients, it’s best to mix them just before cooking. If you mix the entire batter too far in advance, the baking powder will lose some of its leavening power, resulting in less fluffy pancakes. If you absolutely must, you can mix the whole batter and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours, but add an extra ¼ teaspoon of baking powder just before cooking to reactivate it.
For the best flavor, I recommend using a high-quality, local, raw, and unfiltered honey. Different types of honey (like wildflower, clover, or orange blossom) will lend slightly different flavor notes, so experiment to find your favorite! Avoid highly processed or artificial honey products, as they lack the nuanced flavor and natural benefits.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Your Pancakes
If you happen to have any leftover **Cinnamon Honey Pancakes** (though that’s a rare occurrence!), here’s how to store them to enjoy later:
Room Temperature
These pancakes are absolutely best enjoyed fresh off the griddle. However, if you have a few extras, you can store them in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, fully cooled pancakes can be frozen for up to 1 month. To prevent them from sticking together, I highly recommend placing a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between each pancake before stacking them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for another pancake feast, you can cook them straight from the freezer! Simply reheat them in a toaster, microwave, or on a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and slightly crispy.
More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these **Cinnamon Honey Pancakes**, you’re sure to find more favorites from my collection of comforting and easy-to-make recipes:
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Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
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5-Minute Banana Bread Mug Cake (No Eggs!)
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Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins
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Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Did You Try This Recipe?
I hope you loved making and eating these **Fluffy Cinnamon Honey Pancakes** as much as I do! Your feedback helps our baking community grow. Please let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! Tag @brokenovenbaking so I can see your wonderful creations!
Happy Baking!
-Kayla
📖 Recipe
Easy Cinnamon Honey Pancakes
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Skillet or griddle
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Mixing bowls
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Scale/measuring cups
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Measuring spoons
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Whisk
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Spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour weighed in grams or spooned and leveled
- ½ cup (63 g) whole wheat flour weighed in grams or spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ¾-1 cup milk room temperature
- 1 tablespoon (13.6 g) vegetable oil or other neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons (14 g) honey
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a small bowl or large measuring cup, mix together the egg, ¾ cup milk, vegetable oil, and honey really well.
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Gently whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until the flour streaks disappear (there may be clumps and that is okay!). If you prefer thinner batter, add a bit more milk.
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Warm a skillet or griddle to medium-low heat and lightly grease with butter. For each pancake, pour ¼ cup of batter onto the greased skillet and flip once the pancake batter is bubbling and the bottom side is tan. They’re done when both sides are golden brown.
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Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
Flour: All-purpose flour can be used in place of the whole wheat flour.
Storage: Leftover pancakes can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Freeze in a storage bag with parchment paper between each pancake for 1 month.
Nutrition: The provided nutrition information is an estimate, the calorie accuracy is not guaranteed.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.