Working from home has its perks, especially when you get to sync up schedules with your partner and create your own “business lunch” escapes. Recently, during one of these midday adventures, we stumbled upon a hidden gem in Sherman Oaks called Cafe de Mexico. While the entire menu was intriguing, my eyes locked onto something truly unique: Mexican Pancakes. Having never encountered them before, curiosity definitely got the better of me.
What arrived at our table was a revelation. These weren’t just any pancakes; they tasted exactly like churros! That incredible cinnamon-sugar, fried-dough flavor in a fluffy pancake form. From that moment, I knew I had to bring this delightful experience into my own kitchen.
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The secret to these incredible Mexican pancakes lies in a generous blend of cinnamon and sugar within the buttermilk pancake batter itself. This provides a subtle hint of that classic churro spice. However, the real game-changer is the brown butter and cinnamon infused maple syrup. This rich, aromatic syrup truly elevates these pancakes, delivering that unmistakable churro taste we all crave.
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These cinnamon-sugar pancakes are so good, you might just eat them until you’re overly full – speaking from experience! They are the perfect treat for a special brunch, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit. This year, for our Cinco de Mayo celebrations, these Mexican pancakes are definitely taking center stage on our brunch menu. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico in every bite!
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Why You’ll Love This Mexican Pancake Recipe
These churro pancakes are more than just a breakfast dish; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Unique Flavor: Imagine the deliciousness of churros combined with the comforting fluffiness of pancakes. This recipe delivers that unique and irresistible taste.
- Perfect for Brunch: Whether it’s Cinco de Mayo, a weekend gathering, or just a special weekday breakfast, these Mexican pancakes are ideal for any brunch occasion.
- Easy to Make: Despite the gourmet flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the sweet cinnamon flavor and the luscious brown butter maple syrup.
- Make-Ahead Syrup: The brown butter cinnamon maple syrup can be made in advance and kept warm, simplifying your brunch prep.
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Mexican Pancakes Recipe: Churro Flavor at Home
Ready to recreate these delightful Mexican pancakes in your own kitchen? Here’s the recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to a Mexican cafe.
Yields: Approximately 12 pancakes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Pancakes:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups buttermilk
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Brown Butter & Cinnamon Maple Syrup:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup good quality maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Mexican Pancakes
Follow these simple directions to create your own batch of delicious Mexican pancakes and brown butter cinnamon maple syrup.
Instructions:
Making the Brown Butter & Cinnamon Maple Syrup:
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, whisking frequently.
- Simmer and Brown: Continue cooking over medium-high heat until the butter boils and begins to brown. You’ll see dark brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan.
- Achieve Honey Color: Stir the brown specks into the butter and cook until the butter turns a nice, even dark honey color. This browning process is key to the rich flavor of the syrup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate oven-proof container, combine the hot browned butter with maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Emulsify and Keep Warm: Stir vigorously to emulsify the syrup. Keep warm in a low temperature oven (180-200°F or 82-93°C) until ready to serve.
Making the Mexican Pancakes:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Heat Griddle: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to gently blend until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour or scoop the batter onto the hot griddle, using approximately ½ cup of batter for each pancake.
- Brown Both Sides: Cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping once bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set.
- Keep Warm: Place cooked pancakes on an oven-safe plate and keep them warm in the oven as you continue cooking the remaining batter.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm Mexican pancakes immediately with a generous drizzle of the warmed brown butter & cinnamon maple syrup.
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The Perfect Brunch Treat Awaits
These Mexican pancakes with brown butter and cinnamon maple syrup are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful experience. Perfect for a special weekend brunch or a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Bring the taste of a Mexican cafe to your home and enjoy every delicious, churro-flavored bite!
