IHOP Grinch Green Pancakes

These Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes bring a bright and cheerful twist to breakfast with their fluffy green texture and sweet cream cheese icing glaze. Perfect for adding festive cheer to your mornings, they make any occasion feel special from holiday celebrations to weekend brunches.

Ingredients

• Flour: for the pancake base providing structure Choose all-purpose flour for a light texture
• Baking powder and baking soda: to make the pancakes rise fluffy and tender
• Salt: to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors
• Egg: adds richness and helps bind the ingredients
• Buttermilk: offers tanginess and reacts with the leavening for fluffiness opt for fresh buttermilk if possible
• Sugar: sweetens the batter adjust to taste
• Melted butter: contributes moisture and flavor use unsalted to control saltiness
• Vanilla extract: for a warm aromatic note look for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor
• Green food coloring: gives the pancakes their vivid and festive hue use gel food coloring for more vibrant color without watering down the batter
• Cream cheese: for the icing glaze adds tangy richness go for full-fat cream cheese for creaminess
• Powdered sugar: sweetens and smooths the icing sift to avoid lumps
• Milk: adjusts the glaze consistency use whole milk for creaminess
• Heavy cream: for the whipped topping creates a light and fluffy texture
• Additional vanilla extract: flavor boost to whipped cream
• Candy hearts: finish the pancakes with a sweet and colorful touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing Glaze:

In a medium bowl whisk together softened cream cheese powdered sugar vanilla extract and milk until smooth and creamy Set this aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the pancakes

Make the Green Whipped Cream:

Pour heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl Add powdered sugar vanilla extract and green food coloring Whip with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

Prepare the Green Pancakes:

In a large bowl whisk together flour salt baking powder and baking soda This dry mix ensures even distribution of the raising agents In a separate bowl combine egg buttermilk sugar melted butter vanilla extract and green food coloring Mix the wet ingredients well before folding into the dry ingredients Stir gently until just combined Do not overmix or the pancakes may become tough

Cook the Pancakes:

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat Lightly grease the surface Pour the batter in small rounds Allow bubbles to form on the surface before flipping Cook the other side until golden brown Repeat with remaining batter

Assemble the Pancakes:

Stack the warm pancakes on a plate Generously drizzle with cream cheese icing glaze Spoon or pipe green whipped cream over the top and sprinkle with candy hearts for a festive finish

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Storage Tips

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days To reheat warm gently in the microwave or toaster oven to keep them moist and fluffy Keep the icing and whipped cream separate until serving for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends to suit dietary needs Keep the liquids the same to maintain batter consistency If you do not have buttermilk stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using The cream cheese glaze can be swapped for a simple vanilla glaze or omitted if preferred

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pancakes with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas for added brightness Crispy bacon or sausage add savory contrast and scrambled eggs round out the meal nicely A warm cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice makes a perfect accompaniment

Cultural Context

Inspired by the beloved Grinch character from Dr Seuss this recipe captures the playful spirit of the holiday season Bright green pancakes and whimsical toppings celebrate the fun and joy of Christmas breakfast traditions Popularized by IHOP these pancakes bring that iconic diner experience into your home kitchen

Pro Tips

Be careful not to overmix the pancake batter or the pancakes will come out dense and rubbery Use a non-stick skillet and moderate heat for even browning and easy flipping Adjust the sweetness of both the cream cheese icing and whipped cream to match your family’s preference I learned the hard way that toasting the cast iron before pouring batter helps get that golden crust every time

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch?

Yes, a store-bought pancake mix can be tinted green with food coloring to achieve similar results while saving prep time.

→ Is it possible to freeze the cooked pancakes?

Cooked pancakes freeze well and can be reheated in a toaster or microwave, making them perfect for quick meals later.

→ Can the cream cheese icing glaze be omitted?

Absolutely, you can skip the cream cheese glaze if preferred and simply use green whipped cream and candy hearts for decoration.

→ What type of food coloring is best for vibrant green pancakes?

Gel food coloring provides a richer, more concentrated green, but liquid coloring works fine if used in adequate amounts.

→ How do I prevent the pancake batter from becoming tough?

Mix the batter just until combined without overworking it to keep pancakes light and fluffy.