CRACKER BARREL PANCAKE RECIPE

Copycat Cracker Barrel Pancakes that taste just like the real thing! Buttermilk pancakes cooked up in a hot buttered skillet for the perfect breakfast!

This Cracker Barrel Pancakes recipe tastes just like the restaurants’ and now you can make them every morning right at home! With just a few simple ingredients you most likely have on hand, you can whip up a batch of these delicious homemade pancakes.  

A Simple Recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes

If you’ve ever gone to Cracker Barrel for breakfast I truly hope you’ve been able to enjoy their pancakes. They’re fluffy and have great flavor! The slightly crisp buttery edges are one of my favorite parts. We mimicked them perfectly here with this simple recipe! I like to cook mine one at a time in a stainless skillet with melted butter to achieve that classic consistency.

Key Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Pancakes

Flour: Using 2 cups of all purpose flour is crucial for the formation and structure of these pancakes.

Baking soda: Help the pancakes puff up as they cook by adding 2 tsp baking soda.

Salt: Enhance all the flavors in this recipe by adding 1 tsp of kosher salt to the batter.  If you’re using regular table salt, just add ½ tsp.

Sugar: You will need 1 TBSP of sugar to give a subtle sweetness to the pancakes.

Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together well with 2 eggs.

Buttermilk: To create soft, fluffy pancakes you will need 2 cups of buttermilk.

Butter: Using enough batter to coat the pan is a crucial step in making these copycat Cracker Barrel pancakes. The total amount varies based on the size of your pan, but for a small skillet I’d aim for ½ a tablespoon.

Maple syrup: Also have some maple syrup on hand for serving the pancakes with.

Techniques for Making Cracker Barrel Pancakes

You can see the full recipe just below, but here are a few tips on getting the perfect pancakes that taste just like Cracker Barrel’s:

1. Let the batter sit. In my instructions below step 1 is to make the batter, then after the batter is made, you begin to heat your skillet. This few minutes where the pancake batter sits before cooking is pretty important! Will you still get great pancakes if the batter doesn’t sit? Yes. But if you let them sit, they’ll have better flavor and be fluffier!
2. Make sure your pan is hot. Aim for right around 375°F. I set my induction stovetop to between 4 and 5, then let the pan heat for 3-4 minutes.
3. BUTTER! Does this surprise you?! Ha! Before you add the pancake batter to the pan, melt about ½ tablespoon butter and swirl it around to coat the pan. Then add your batter so that the melted butter peeks out around the edges.

These 3 simple techniques will help you be on your way to an incredible breakfast!!

Storing Leftover Pancakes

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat you can pop them in the microwave.

Pancakes freeze beautifully! I like to freeze mine in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then once frozen, transfer them to a freezer storage bag, so I can grab them out one at a time and reheat for breakfast. Pancakes will stay fresh in the freezer for around 2 months.

Variations of this Pancake Recipe

There are several ways to customize Copycat Cracker Barrel Pancakes. Adding different flavors and ingredients can enhance the dish.

Flavor Additions

• Blueberries: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Chips: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweeter option.
• Banana: Mash ripe bananas and mix them into the batter for a rich flavor.

Toppings

• Maple Syrup: A classic choice that pairs well with pancakes.
• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy element to the dish.
• Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, raspberries, or peaches can add natural sweetness.

How long are homemade pancakes good for?

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container, in the fridge, and they will last for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze them in ziplocked bags and they will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand for this recipe?

You can make your own buttermilk by combining 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar. Then let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How can I recreate the texture of Cracker Barrel pancakes?

To mimic the texture, it is essential to use a blend of all-purpose flour and buttermilk. This combination provides a tender and light pancake.

In addition, fresh ingredients contributes significantly to quality. Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps in achieving a better rise. Cooking pancakes on medium heat prevents burning while allowing them to cook through evenly, promoting fluffiness.

What are the differences between Cracker Barrel pancakes and homemade pancakes?

Cracker Barrel pancakes are often thicker and fluffier than typical homemade varieties. They use buttermilk and additional leavening agents for lift. Many homemade pancakes may use milk instead, resulting in a denser texture.

How to make Pancakes a complete breakfast:

• We love to serve these buttermilk pancakes with our popular VANILLA BUTTER PANCAKE SYRUP RECIPE. It pairs really well and you can’t beat the buttery flavor!
• No breakfast is complete without bacon! We like to cook our bacon in the oven as it cooks it super evenly and has a fantastic crisp texture to it.
• I love serving pancakes with some fruit for breakfast. You should try our Easy Mango Fruit Salad or blend it up in this SUNRISE SMOOTHIE.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Pancakes are made with simple ingredients and the results are big, fluffy, & buttery stacks! These buttermilk pancakes tastes just like Cracker Barrel’s!