Imagine waking up to the scent of warm cinnamon and caramelizing sugar, knowing that a stack of Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes is waiting to make your morning unforgettable. These fluffy, golden pancakes are taken to the next level with a buttery streusel that melts right into every bite, giving you that magical swirl of brown sugar and spice you’d expect from your favorite bakery treat, but homemade and piping hot from your own skillet. Whether it’s a slow weekend brunch or a special breakfast surprise for loved ones, this recipe is pure comfort and will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so special and delicious! Each item on this list has a unique role—from adding fluffiness and flavor, to achieving that iconic streusel crunch and cinnamon warmth. Let’s break down what you’ll need for these crave-worthy pancakes.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of both your pancakes and streusel, it creates the perfect texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note and deep sweetness to both the batter and topping.
Baking Powder: The secret behind ultra-fluffy stacks—don’t skip it!
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
Cinnamon: That warm, cozy spice that makes these pancakes truly shine.
Milk: Brings moisture and helps blend all the ingredients into a smooth, pourable batter.
Large Egg: Holds everything together and contributes to a tender crumb.
Melted Butter or Oil: Infuses richness—use melted butter for extra flavor, or oil for a lighter touch.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash for aromatic sweetness that rounds out the pancake flavor.
Cold Butter (for streusel): Cut into small pieces and worked in for lovely, buttery crumbs that crisp as they cook.

How to Make Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes

Step 1: Mix Up the Streusel Magic

Start with a small bowl and combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Add the small cold butter pieces, and use a fork or your fingers to pinch and mix everything together until it looks like loose, sandy crumbs. Don’t overwork it—you want those delicious pockets of buttery sweetness to hold their shape when sprinkled over the pancakes.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Pancake Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking not only mixes but also aerates the dry mix, setting you up for pancakes that are light and pillowy, with plenty of cinnamon flavor in each bite.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until fully blended. This step guarantees that the batter comes together easily, and that every pancake has a moisture-rich, tender crumb.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir just until everything is combined and no big flour streaks remain—don’t worry if you see a few lumps! Over-mixing creates tough pancakes, and we’re all about light, fluffy results.

Step 5: Sizzle and Sprinkle with Streusel

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle to medium. Lightly grease the surface, then scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. Right after pouring, sprinkle each with a generous spoonful of your prepared streusel. The heat will melt the brown sugar and cinnamon, infusing every pancake with bursts of sweet crunch.

Step 6: Flip and Finish

Cook the pancakes for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles pop on the surface and the edges look set. Flip carefully, then cook another 1–2 minutes until golden on both sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep them warm while you repeat with the remaining batter and streusel, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

How to Serve Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes

Garnishes

Take your pancakes over the top with a decadent drizzle of maple syrup and a pat of butter that melts luxuriously into the warm stack. For an extra-special touch, sift over some powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a river of cream cheese glaze—pure pancake bliss!

Side Dishes

Serve your Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a sweet-and-salty contrast, or keep things light with a vibrant fruit salad on the side. A strong cup of coffee or a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice makes the breakfast spread complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn brunch into a memorable event by stacking the pancakes high and threading slices of fresh banana or apple between each layer. Sprinkle extra streusel or cinnamon sugar for flair, serve on a pretty platter, and invite everyone to dig in family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes, let them cool completely before wrapping in plastic or storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and make a fabulous quick breakfast on busy mornings.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The pancakes and streusel topping will reheat beautifully for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests!

Reheating

For best results, warm the pancakes in a toaster oven or oven at 325°F for 6-8 minutes, or microwave them in 20-second bursts until heated through. The streusel will crisp up again, and the pancakes will taste just as delicious as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I make these pancakes gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Make sure your blend is intended for baking, and the Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes will stay just as soft and tasty.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

No worries—while brown sugar gives a signature richness, you can use white sugar in a pinch. For a similar flavor, try stirring a small drop of molasses into white sugar for each tablespoon you need.

Can I add mix-ins like fruit or nuts to the batter?

Definitely! Add blueberries, diced apples, or chopped pecans right into the batter for a new layer of texture and flavor. Just keep mix-ins in moderation so the Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes cook evenly.

How can I make the pancakes extra fluffy?

Be gentle when mixing your batter; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes, so stopping as soon as everything is just combined is the secret to that dreamy, airy bite.

Is it possible to make the streusel in advance?

Yes, and it’s a time saver! Whip up the streusel topping and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready, top your pancakes with the cold streusel as directed, and enjoy Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes fresh from the skillet even faster.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about transforming simple pantry staples into a breakfast that feels downright magical, and these Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes deliver every time. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people, try this recipe, and share all those cozy, cinnamon-scented smiles around the table. Enjoy!

Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes for a sweet and comforting breakfast treat. These fluffy pancakes are topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pancakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces)

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Instructions

Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Make Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Cook Pancakes: Heat skillet, pour batter, sprinkle streusel on top. Cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook until golden.
Serve: Enjoy warm with desired toppings.