What is the Christmas Gingerbread Pancake Stack?
The Christmas Gingerbread Pancake Stack is a delightful holiday-inspired breakfast or brunch recipe, perfect for cozy Christmas mornings or festive gatherings. This dish is a stack of fluffy, spiced pancakes, each layer separated by sweet whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, topped with a drizzle of syrup and decorated like a holiday dessert centerpiece. With the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, these pancakes are an aromatic treat that captures the essence of the season in every bite.
Origin of the Recipe
The gingerbread flavor, a hallmark of Christmas, comes from traditional recipes that date back to medieval Europe. Gingerbread—with its sweet-spicy notes—has been a Christmas favorite for centuries, often seen in cookies, cakes, and even house decorations. This pancake stack takes inspiration from those classic flavors, offering a fun and festive twist on a classic breakfast dish. By combining gingerbread spices with soft, pillowy pancakes, this recipe creates a comforting holiday breakfast that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for cooking)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Cream Layer (for stacking):
- ½ cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla
(Or use cream cheese frosting for a dessert version — recipe below!)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup or gingerbread syrup
- Crushed gingersnaps or candied pecans
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Mini gingerbread cookies or berries for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, molasses, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined (some lumps are fine — don’t overmix).
2. Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly butter it.
- Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake onto the skillet.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and set.
- Keep warm on a plate covered with foil or in a 200°F (90°C) oven.
3. Make the Cream Layer (Optional)
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Or for a richer version:
Cream Cheese Frosting:- Beat 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp butter, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla until smooth.
4. Assemble the Stack
- Stack pancakes 4–6 high, spreading a thin layer of whipped cream or frosting between each.
- Drizzle with warm maple or gingerbread syrup.
- Sprinkle with crushed gingersnaps, pecans, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Garnish with mini gingerbread men or fresh cranberries for that Christmas sparkle.
Tips & Variations
- For extra holiday flair: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the batter for a citrusy touch.
- Make-ahead: Cook pancakes ahead of time and reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick breakfast on Christmas morning.
- Dessert twist: Layer with frosting, chill, and serve as a “Gingerbread Pancake Cake” for a festive dessert alternative.
FAQs About Christmas Gingerbread Pancake Stack
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pancakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Simply reheat them in the oven or on a griddle when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk and add 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
3. Can I freeze the pancakes for later?
Absolutely! Cooked pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the griddle when you’re ready to enjoy.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the rest of the ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
5. How can I make the pancakes more fluffy?
To get the fluffiest pancakes, be sure not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in softer pancakes.
Conclusion: Christmas Gingerbread Pancake Stack
The Christmas Gingerbread Pancake Stack is a showstopping recipe that brings the perfect blend of holiday flavors into a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. The soft and spiced pancakes, layered with rich whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, and topped with festive decorations, make for a cozy and aromatic centerpiece on Christmas morning. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or as a sweet treat after a holiday meal, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite of this warm, festive stack and make your Christmas celebrations extra special!
[tasty-recipe id=”16179″]
