These cream cheese pancakes are easy to make, slightly sweet, and have a subtle cream cheese flavor that makes them extra soft and tender. If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic pancakes, this is it!
These cream cheese pancakes are one of those recipes that feel a little special, but use simple ingredients you probably already have. The cream cheese adds richness and gives the pancakes a soft, texture that’s different from traditional fluffy buttermilk pancakes. They’re thinner, more tender, and have just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for topping with berries, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pancakes are a Sunday morning tradition at our house, so it was fun to switch it up a little bit with these cream cheese pancakes!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour: I’ve only tested this one with all-purpose flour, so I can’t say for sure it would work with gluten-free flour.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that soft, tender bite.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best. Make sure it’s softened before mixing so it blends smoothly into the batter.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more easily and help create a smoother batter. Take them out when you set out the cream cheese.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but skim milk or almond milk works well too.
- Butter: I tested this recipe with butter, and I haven’t tried vegan alternatives since the cream cheese is an essential part of the recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla enhances the sweetness.
- Baking Powder + Salt: These give the pancakes lift and balance the flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pancakes
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Pancakes
- Make sure the wet ingredients are completely smooth before adding dry ingredients. Lumps usually mean the cream cheese wasn’t soft enough. If you see lumps, keep beating for at least 5 minutes.
- Keep the heat medium-low so they cook through without burning.
- Don’t flip too early. Wait for bubbles and slightly firm edges before turning.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–30 seconds until warm.
Other Pancake Recipes
If you’re looking for other pancake ideas, try my cottage cheese pancakes, almond milk pancakes, or lemon blueberry pancakes!
PrintDescription
These cream cheese pancakes are easy to make, slightly sweet, and have a subtle cream cheese flavor that makes them extra soft and tender. If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic pancakes, this is it!
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a bowl, add the softened cream cheese, vanilla, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Use a handheld mixer to beat until completely smooth.
- Beat in the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth.
- Place a pan over medium-low heat. Lightly butter if needed.
- Pour about ⅓ cup of batter into the center of the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set.
- Flip and cook until golden on both sides. This takes about 3–5 minutes total, roughly 1–3 minutes per side.
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Transfer finished pancakes to a plate and continue with the remaining batter.