Cream Cheese Strawberry Pancakes: A Luxurious Breakfast Delight
Few things are as comforting and indulgent as a stack of warm pancakes on a lazy morning – but what if we could elevate that experience? Enter Cream Cheese Strawberry Pancakes: fluffy, rich, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself to a slow Sunday brunch or whipping up something special for loved ones, these pancakes promise to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the combination of cheesecake and pancakes, this recipe is for you. The cream cheese adds a velvety richness, the vanilla Greek yogurt balances the tang with a hint of sweetness, and the homemade strawberry syrup takes it over the top. Best of all? It comes together effortlessly with the help of a blender.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the ingredients:
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 recipe of 4 Ingredient Strawberry Syrup (or your favorite store-bought syrup)
Cheesecake Blender Ingredients:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups milk (depending on desired pancake thickness)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sifter (optional but recommended)
- Large nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Syrup
If you’re making homemade strawberry syrup, start by simmering fresh strawberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside to cool while you prepare the pancakes.
2. Blend the Wet Ingredients
Add all the cheesecake blender ingredients to your blender and process until smooth. This step not only combines everything quickly but also creates a silky batter that makes the pancakes tender.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Sifting helps create lighter pancakes by aerating the dry ingredients.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the cheesecake mixture into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. The key is to avoid over-mixing – a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Stack the pancakes high, drizzle with strawberry syrup, and add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate brunch experience.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t over-mix the batter: Over-mixing can lead to dense pancakes. Stir just until the flour is incorporated.
- Adjust thickness: For thinner pancakes, add a splash more milk.
- Perfect flip: Wait for bubbles to form on the surface before flipping.
Variations and Swaps
- Berry Options: Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the batter.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or warm in a skillet.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair these pancakes with a frothy cappuccino or a refreshing mimosa. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
FAQ
Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes! Store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before cooking.
Can I freeze these pancakes? Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from the freezer.
Do I need to use a blender? The blender makes the process faster and creates a smoother batter, but you can whisk everything by hand if needed.
If you make these Cream Cheese Strawberry Pancakes, don’t forget to share your creations! Snap a photo, tag me on social media, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes.
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
