Unlocking the secret to Cracker Barrel's homestyle pancakes at home, this guide offers a step-by-step recipe to replicate the beloved breakfast classic.
This carefully crafted copycat not only promises to deliver the taste of the cherished diner to your table but also turns any meal into a celebration, perfect for weekend breakfasts or a leisurely brunch with loved ones.
By following this recipe, you invite the warmth and joy of Cracker Barrel pancakes into your kitchen, making every bite a testament to the comfort and delight these pancakes bring to tables across the country.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups flour measured with a spoon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, plus additional butter for cooking
- Fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or peanut butter for garnish (optional)
To replicate the iconic Cracker Barrel pancakes, begin by gathering your ingredients. Measure 2 cups of flour with a spoon to ensure accuracy and avoid overpacking.
Combine this with the granulated sugar, baking soda, and a teaspoon of salt to create the dry mix. Set aside 2 large eggs and 2 cups of buttermilk, which will later be added to form the batter.
Remember to melt some butter, which will be both an ingredient in the recipe and used to grease the cooking surface.
Preparing the Dish
- Preheat a pancake griddle to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or warm a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and buttermilk until just combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.
- Using an ice cream scoop or ladle, spread the batter onto the preheated cooking surface to form 12 pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes or until the edges look set and bubbles begin to form on the surface.
- Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
Begin by warming up your cooking surface to the appropriate temperature to ensure even cooking. As you whisk the eggs and buttermilk, aim for a mixture that's well-integrated but not overworked, as this will affect the texture of your pancakes. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will result in more tender pancakes. Lastly, patience is key when waiting for those tell-tale bubbles to form before flipping to achieve that signature golden-brown finish.
Optional Variants
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- For added texture and flavor, mix in ½ cup of fresh blueberries or chocolate chips into the batter before cooking.
Cracker Barrel pancakes are loved for their classic taste but don't hesitate to put a personal spin on them. Non-dairy milk alternatives can be used in place of buttermilk for those with dietary restrictions.
In addition, incorporating fruits or chocolate chips can add a pleasant surprise to each bite, making these delicious pancakes even more irresistible and tailored to your taste preferences.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (2 pancakes)
- Protein: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
Understanding the nutritional content of Cracker Barrel pancakes is important for those mindful of their dietary intake. Each serving, consisting of two pancakes, contains a balanced mix of macronutrients, with a moderate amount of protein and fat.
Keep in mind that toppings like syrup, whipped butter, or peanut butter will alter these values, so consider your garnish choices if nutritional content is a concern.
Factors to Consider
- For fluffier pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- If pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat on your cooking surface to prevent burning.
- Experiment with garnishes such as sour cream, cracker barrel fried apples, or fresh berries to complement the pancakes.
When aiming for perfection in pancake texture, mixing technique and cooking temperature play crucial roles. A gentle hand and a watchful eye ensure that your pancakes rise beautifully and boast a golden hue.
Furthermore, selecting the right garnish not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, making your homemade pancakes a memorable meal.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Require
- Electric griddle or cast iron skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ice cream scoop or ladle
- Spatula for flipping pancakes
A reliable electric griddle or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is essential for achieving an even cook on your pancakes. A medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk are necessary for combining your ingredients, while an ice cream scoop or ladle ensures consistent sizing. Finally, a spatula is indispensable for the delicate task of flipping pancakes without breaking them.
Prep Time
From start to finish, preparing Cracker Barrel pancakes should take approximately 25 minutes. This includes 5 minutes for gathering ingredients and prepping your cooking surface, 15 minutes for cooking the pancakes in batches, and an additional 5 minutes for setting the table and serving.
This quick turnaround makes it an ideal recipe for a satisfying breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Touches
- Serve the pancakes warm with a dollop of whipped butter and a drizzle of maple or blueberry syrup.
- Pair with sides like bacon, sausage, or cracker barrel green beans for a complete Cracker Barrel-inspired breakfast.
For a presentation reminiscent of Cracker Barrel's own, arrange the pancakes in a stack and crown them with a pat of whipped butter that will melt down the sides.
What to do With Leftovers
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat pancakes in a toaster or oven until warm and slightly crisp on the outside.
This method ensures that not a single delicious pancake goes to waste.
Recipe Notes
- If using regular milk instead of buttermilk, add a teaspoon of baking soda to help the pancakes rise.
- For a savory twist, try adding shredded cheese or chopped herbs to the batter.
What are Cracker Barrel Pancakes Made From?
Cracker Barrel pancakes are known for their fluffy texture and distinctive taste resulting from a well-crafted pancake mix. The key ingredients typically include flour, baking powder for rise, a little sugar for sweetness, and salt.
To replicate the Cracker Barrel experience, the copycat recipe might incorporate eggs and buttermilk, enriching the batter to achieve that iconic fluffiness and tang. The exact recipe calls for combining these dry ingredients and then gently mixing in the wet ingredients to form the batter.
This approach to making Cracker Barrel pancakes ensures pancakes that are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, just like the pancakes at home.
What is the Secret to Making the Best Pancakes?
The secret to making the best pancakes lies in a few critical techniques and ingredient choices. First, using buttermilk in the batter is crucial for achieving fluffy pancakes with a rich, tangy flavor.
The acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking powder, creating light and airy pancakes. Mixing the batter until just combined and letting it rest for a few minutes allows the gluten to relax, ensuring the pancakes are tender and not tough.
Preheating a pancake grill to the perfect temperature, usually around 350°F, guarantees each pancake cooks evenly, with a golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. These steps are essential for making pancakes that are considered the best by many.
What Makes Fluffier Pancakes Milk or Water?
When it comes to achieving fluffier pancakes, milk is the preferred choice over water. Milk contributes to the richness of the batter, enhancing the flavor and texture of the pancakes.
The proteins and fats in milk interact with other ingredients like flour and baking powder, promoting a tender crumb and a rise that water alone cannot achieve.
For the ultimate fluffy pancakes, buttermilk is often recommended due to its acidity, which reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy pancake. Making pancakes with milk, especially buttermilk, ensures they are soft, fluffy, and deliciously satisfying.
Homemade Buttermilk Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe - Top Secret & Delicious
Equipment
- Electric griddle or cast iron skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ice cream scoop or ladle
- Spatula for flipping pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour measured with a spoon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, plus additional butter for cooking
- Fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or peanut butter for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a pancake griddle to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or warm a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and buttermilk until just combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.
- Using an ice cream scoop or ladle, spread the batter onto the preheated cooking surface to form 12 pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes or until the edges look set and bubbles begin to form on the surface.
- Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
Notes
- If using regular milk instead of buttermilk, add a teaspoon of baking soda to help the pancakes rise.
- For a savory twist, try adding shredded cheese or chopped herbs to the batter.
More Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe
Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken Recipe
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
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