Get ready to fall head over heels for Churro Pancakes! Imagine the warm, cinnamon-sugary magic of your favorite churro, reimagined as the fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever tasted. Drizzled with chocolate or condensed milk, these pancakes bring the excitement of a fairground treat to your breakfast table. This recipe is perfect for weekend brunches, family breakfasts, or even as a decadent dessert. If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines classic comfort food with surprising flair, Churro Pancakes are about to become your new obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is doing some seriously important work—some add richness, others bring the signature churro flavor, and every one is essential for the irresistibly tender texture and golden color. The simple pantry staples come together to make something truly special!

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the pancakes, providing structure and fluffiness.

Sugar: Helps to lightly sweeten the batter and contributes to the signature golden color during cooking.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers the unmistakable churro vibe—use extra if you’re a superfan of spice!

Baking powder: Ensures your pancakes rise tall and stay super soft inside.
Salt: Just a touch brings all the flavors to life and balances the sweetness.

Buttermilk (or milk): Adds tang and keeps the pancakes moist; buttermilk is traditional but regular milk works too.
Egg: Binds the batter for that tender, cohesive crumb.
Vegetable oil (plus extra for cooking): Guarantees moist texture and helps achieve golden, crisp edges on each pancake.

Vanilla extract: Enhances both the sweet and spicy notes for a delicious depth of flavor.
Unsalted butter (melted, optional but recommended): A quick brush before cinnamon sugar makes the topping stick and creates that “churro pastry” finish.
Sugar (for churro topping): Paired with cinnamon, this creates the perfect churro-inspired crust for your pancakes.

Ground cinnamon (for churro topping): A second dose amps up the flavor right where you want it most—in every bite.
Chocolate sauce or condensed milk (for serving): These decadent toppers are the crowning glory for an authentic churro experience.

How to Make Churro Pancakes

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures every pancake will have even pockets of spice and sweetness. By mixing the dry ingredients first, you avoid any clumps and set the stage for a perfectly uniform batter.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together your buttermilk (or milk), egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly helps create the rich, smooth liquid base that brings all the dry components to life, infusing each Churro Pancake with flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Pour the combined wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then whisk everything together until just combined. Don’t overdo it—a few lumps are totally fine! This step is key if you want those tender, fluffy pancakes we’re all after. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, and nobody wants that.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Preheat your nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and brush with a bit of vegetable oil or a quick spritz of cooking spray. Scoop about a scant ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook for about 2 minutes, until small bubbles appear on the surface and the bottom is beautifully golden. Flip carefully, then cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until done. Repeat with the remaining batter, remembering to re-oil the skillet as needed for perfect results every time.

Step 5: Prepare the Churro Pancake Topping

While the pancakes are still warm, combine ¼ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. You can pour this mixture into an empty shaker for easy sprinkling, or just spread it out on a plate to coat the pancakes later. The cinnamon-sugar topping sets the stage for that classic churro sensation.

Step 6: Finish with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

While the pancakes are still hot, brush both sides with melted butter to help the cinnamon sugar stick. Either dredge each Churro Pancake in the cinnamon-sugar blend or sprinkle generously on top—your call! This step creates the iconic churro crust, adding sweetness and a hint of crunch.

Step 7: Serve with Decadent Sauces

As you stack your cinnamon-dusted pancakes, drizzle with chocolate sauce or condensed milk, letting it cascade down the sides. This final indulgent flourish transforms Churro Pancakes from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Churro Pancakes

Garnishes

Think of garnishes as the cherry on top for your Churro Pancakes. Try a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even toasted nuts for a little crunch. Chocolate shavings or fresh berry slices add visual pop and a touch of tartness, balancing the sweetness in all the right ways.

Side Dishes

Pair your pancakes with fresh fruit—like orange slices, strawberries, or blueberries—for a refreshing contrast to the cinnamon sugar. Savory sides, such as bacon or sausage, are also fantastic; the salty notes break up the richness of the Churro Pancakes and let each bite shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve stacks of mini pancakes as a playful brunch platter, or set up a toppings bar with various sauces, fruits, and whipped cream to let everyone build their own dream plate. For a special occasion, cut pancakes into strips for “churro dunkers” and serve with dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Churro Pancakes keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely, then layer with parchment paper and place in an airtight container. This way, they won’t stick together or lose their cinnamon-sugar charm.

Freezing

If you want to have Churro Pancakes on hand for your busiest mornings, freeze them! Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment so you can easily grab just what you need.

Reheating

To bring your pancakes back to life, simply warm them in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until hot. If reheating from the freezer, add a couple extra minutes—you’ll get to relive all that fresh-baked churro flavor whenever you like.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely! While buttermilk gives a lovely tang and helps with fluffiness, regular milk works just fine and still results in delicious Churro Pancakes. If you want the extra lift, you can add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to your milk and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk.

What if I don’t have a spice shaker for the cinnamon sugar?

No worries! Simply place the cinnamon sugar mixture on a plate and dredge the pancakes directly, or sprinkle generously by hand. The important thing is to coat every side of each pancake for the full churro experience.

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk for the buttermilk, use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, and swap in plant-based butter and oil. The result will still be fabulously fluffy and packed with churro flavor.

How do I keep pancakes warm if I’m making a big batch?

Preheat your oven to 200°F and place cooked Churro Pancakes on a baking sheet. Keep them covered with foil in the oven as you work through the batter, and everyone can enjoy warm pancakes together when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Of course! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of orange zest right before cooking for a personalized take. Just keep mix-ins small so your pancakes cook evenly and hold together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to upgrade your breakfast game or surprise your loved ones with something extraordinary, Churro Pancakes are your ticket to sweet success. They’re comforting, a little bit unexpected, and guaranteed to make any morning feel special. Give them a try and let a little churro magic brighten your day!

Churro Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of churros and pancakes with this recipe for Churro Pancakes. Fluffy pancakes infused with cinnamon flavor and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping, perfect for a special breakfast treat.

Instructions

Make the pancakes: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt).

In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and whisk together until just combined. Do not overmix.
Preheat a nonstick skillet, and spray or brush with vegetable oil. Add a scant ¼ cup of pancake batter to the pan and cook over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, or until small bubbles form at the surface and the bottom is golden. Set aside. Carefully flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the pancake is fully cooked. Repeat until all pancakes are cooked.

Add the churro topping: Combine ¼ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and whisk together. Put the cinnamon sugar in an empty spice container with a shaker lid, or spread it on a plate.
After cooking the pancakes, brush the pancake with melted butter on both sides and dredge with cinnamon sugar, or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top. Set aside.
Serve pancakes coated in cinnamon sugar with chocolate sauce or condensed milk.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch

Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pancake

Calories: 180
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 250mg

Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g

Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Churro pancakes, breakfast recipe, sweet pancakes, cinnamon sugar topping