cracker barrel pancake recipe

Name: cracker barrel pancake recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 2 cups buttermilk (this is key for the tangy flavor and fluffy texture); 1/4 cup melted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan and topping)

Posted on 12/16/2024

Posted by Ava

Stack of pancakes with butter and syrup on a plate.

Breakfast

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s one breakfast food that Americans can all agree on, it’s pancakes. And when it comes to pancakes, Cracker Barrel’s golden, buttery stacks are on a whole different level. Whether it’s a family road trip or a lazy Sunday morning craving, Cracker Barrel pancakes hit that perfect balance of soft, fluffy, and slightly crispy edges.

The good news? You don’t have to make a trip to your local Cracker Barrel to enjoy them. However, You can make these iconic Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe right in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.

introducing cracker barrel pancake recipe

Trust me, once you try this homemade recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line at the restaurant. Let’s dive in (oops, scratch that—let’s get started!) on this step-by-step guide to mastering Cracker Barrel pancakes at home.

What Makes Cracker Barrel Pancakes So Special?

Stack of pancakes with butter and syrup, with a bottle of syrup and a bowl in the background.

Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe is all about the perfect texture. In addition, they’re soft and airy on the inside, with a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. What makes them so good? Additionally, it’s all in the balance of the ingredients, the buttermilk, and the cooking technique. What’s more, Cracker Barrel keeps it simple. There’s no need for fancy tricks or unusual ingredients. On the other hand, the texture of these pancakes is perfect—soft, airy, and cloud-like on the inside, with a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. The beauty lies in using high-quality basics, which is great because it means you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Pancakes

To make these pancakes, you’ll need the following:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk (this is key for the tangy flavor and fluffy texture)
1/4 cup melted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan and topping)

Optional Add-Ins

For a tasty and aromatic flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas for a little extra flair.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Pancakes

Making Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe at Home is simpler than you think! This is a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect stack of buttery, gold pancakes that will send your taste buds roaring with the same flavor as the restaurant’s best.

1 – Combine Ingredients

Ingredients being combined in a bowl with a whisk.

Start by whisking together the buttermilk and eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Once well mixed, stir in the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar—into the egg mixture. Gently combine everything until just mixed. Don’t worry if the batter has a few lumps—that’s totally fine! Overmixing can make your pancakes dense, and we’re going for light and fluffy here.

2 – Heat the Skillet

Preheat your cooking surface—a griddle, cast iron skillet, or non-stick skillet—over medium-high heat. Once hot, grease the skillet with a little butter. (Bonus tip: using butter gives your pancakes that beautiful golden crust and a rich flavor!)

3 – Add Batter to the Skillet

Pancake batter in a skillet ready to cook.

Scoop about ½ cup of pancake batter and pour it onto the hot skillet. Spread the batter into a circle to guarantee even cooking. Aim for uniform sizes to help them cook at the same rate.

4 – Cook the Pancakes

Let the pancake cook for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when small bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancake carefully using a spatula, and cook the other side for about 2 more minutes until it’s golden brown.

5 – Repeat the Process

Once cooked, the pancake should be transferred to a plate while cooking continues with the rest of the batter. Do not forget to butter the skillet prior to each batch so that nothing would stick and everything would taste wonderful.

6 – Serve and Enjoy

Fork cutting into a stack of pancakes with butter and syrup.

Serve your pancakes warm and add your favorite topping. A classic choice is a pat of butter and warm maple syrup, but feel free to get creative with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips. Then dig in and enjoy the fluffy goodness!

🌸

The Secret to Perfect Pancakes

Use Real Buttermilk: Buttermilk is absolutely compulsory for the recipe.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: One major error apparent in most pancake recipes- over mixing.

Control the Heat: Medium heat is your best friend here.

Keep Them Warm: That way everyone can enjoy a hot stack.

Why Homemade Pancakes Are Worth It

Sure, you can grab a pancake mix from the grocery store, but nothing beats the taste and satisfaction of making them from scratch. Homemade pancakes are fresher, fluffier, and you can control exactly what goes into them. What’s more, it’s a great way to impress your family or guests.

In addition, making Cracker Barrel-style pancakes at home also gives you the freedom to experiment. Add a handful of blueberries for a fruity twist, or sprinkle in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent. Nevertheless, the possibilities are endless!

Toppings and Sides to Complete Your Pancake Feast

Cracker Barrel pancakes are amazing on their own, but the right toppings and sides can take your breakfast to the next level. Here are a few ideas:

Classic Toppings

Warm maple syrup
Melted butter
Powdered sugar

Fruity Options

Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or bananas
Fruit compote or jam
A dollop of whipped cream

Savory Sides

Crispy bacon
Sausage links or patties
Scrambled eggs

Indulgent Extras

Chocolate chips or peanut butter drizzle
Crushed nuts like pecans or almonds
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar

Health and Nutrition of Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe

Let’s talk about the nutritional side of this pancake indulgence. While Cracker Barrel pancakes are a classic comfort food, they can also fit into a balanced lifestyle if enjoyed in moderation.

Calories and Serving Size

Depending on your choice of toppings, a classic offering of Cracker Barrel pancakes (2 pancakes) can have around 500-600 calories. If you are carefully counting calories, then be sure to skip the extra butter or syrup and perhaps use lighter toppings, like fresh fruit or just a drizzle of honey.

Key Nutritional Facts

Carbs: Pancakes are naturally carb-heavy, making them a great option for a satisfying breakfast that keeps you full.
Protein: Adding eggs and buttermilk boosts the protein content, especially when paired with sides like scrambled eggs or sausage.
Fats: Using real butter adds richness but also means more fat content, so think about lessening up the recipe by using a non-stick spray.

Healthier Tweaks

Want to make this recipe a little more nutritious? Here are some simple swaps:

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
When making the batter, it might be a good idea to replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Add mix-ins like fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra nutrients.

The Perfect Time to Make Pancakes

There’s never a bad time for pancakes, but some occasions make them extra special. Whip up a batch for:

Lazy Sunday mornings when you want something cozy and comforting.
Birthday breakfasts to start the celebration on a sweet note.
Breakfast-for-dinner nights because pancakes aren’t just for the morning.
Holiday brunches to feed a crowd with minimal fuss.

FAQs

Why are Cracker Barrel pancakes different?

The Cracker Barrel pancake is unique thanks to its trademark ingredient combination including buttermilk, which contributes to a rich, tender texture. They are cooked nicely for a balance between fluffiness on the inside and just a touch of crispness on the outside-the ultimate comforting breakfast food. And cooking technique works its magic for that signature soft, light texture in all of their pancakes.

What kind of pancakes does Cracker Barrel serve?

Cracker Barrel serves classic buttermilk pancakes, known for their fluffy texture and golden-brown exterior. They are a staple on their breakfast menu and can be served with a variety of toppings such as butter, syrup, and whipped cream. They also offer variations with fruit or chocolate chips upon request.

What is the secret to making the best pancakes?

The secret to making the best pancakes is in the batter and the technique. Using buttermilk gives the pancakes a tender, fluffy texture. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the pancakes dense. Also, cooking on medium heat allows them to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. Patience is key—let the pancakes cook until bubbles form before flipping.

Why are restaurant pancakes so fluffy?

Restaurant pancakes are often fluffier because they use a combination of ingredients like buttermilk and baking powder, which create air bubbles during cooking. In addition, many restaurants use specific cooking techniques, such as cooking at the right temperature and not overmixing the batter, which guarantees the pancakes rise perfectly and stay light. Professional kitchens may also use slightly thicker batter for extra fluffiness.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe at home. Moreover, these fluffy, golden pancakes are the perfect way to start your day, and they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment, just a little patience and a whole lot of love. What’s more, this simple approach makes the pancakes even more satisfying, proving that sometimes, less is more.In addition, grab your skillet, whip up some batter, and treat yourself to a stack of homemade pancakes that are every bit as good as the ones from Cracker Barrel—maybe even better.

Let me know how they turn out! And hey, don’t forget to grab a second helping. Life’s too short for just one pancake.

More Relevant Recipes