Cracker Barrel Pancakes (Copycat Recipe)

Fluffy delicious and light pancakes with a hint of tanginess that complements the sweetness perfectly. Brighten your morning with these classic and satisfying comfort food breakfast idea.

Total time 30

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These Copycat Cracker Barrel Pancakes are a delicious replica of the famous restaurant's signature dish. Made with simple ingredients, these pancakes are fluffy, buttery, and full of flavor.

If you are looking for a new breakfast recipe to make your family then this is the recipe for you.

A stream of syrup poured over a stack of pancakes.

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Big fluffy pancakes
Ingredients you'll need
Before you begin: essential tools
Step by step: instructions
My notes
More breakfast ideas
Storage and reheating
Make Ahead
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
Your questions answered: FAQs
📣 Homemade Pancakes
Cracker Barrel Pancakes

Big fluffy pancakes

You only need a few staple ingredients to help you make restaurant-style buttermilk pancakes at home.
They have a crispy edge and a soft, fluffy center that will leave you craving more after just one bite.
Your family will rave about these delicious pancakes and want you to make them time and time again.

One of the best things about this recipe is that you don't even need to purchase the Cracker Barrel pancake mix, all you need are some pantry staples and a little bit of time to make these buttery pancakes.

Ingredients you'll need

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients for the pancakes with text overlay.

Ingredient notes

All-purpose flour - This is the base to make the perfect pancakes. If you want even fluffier pancakes you can sift the flour first.
Baking soda - This is what makes your pancakes rise, so make sure that your baking soda is fresh to get the best results.
Salt - This pantry staple will help balance out the sweetness in the pancakes.
Sugar - A touch of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to these pancakes.
Large eggs - Eggs act like a binder and will help keep the pancakes together.
Buttermilk - This is what makes these pancakes extra fluffy and adds a tangy flavor.
Unsalted butter - This is used to prevent the pancakes from sticking to the bottom of your skillet or griddle.
Vanilla extract - This is an optional ingredient but this adds a nice subtle flavor to the pancakes.

Before you begin: essential tools

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Large mixing bowl
Large skillet or griddle
Spatula

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Step by step: instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of images with recipe instructions.

In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Set aside
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract if using and buttermilk.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated.
Heat a nonstick skillet on medium heat and brush lightly with melted butter. Wipe off any excess butter with a kitchen towel.
Pour ½ cup of the pancake batter into the skillet and spread evenly into a 6-inch circle. Cook for 1 ½ - 2 minutes until it browns at the bottom.
Using a spatula, flip the pancake to cook on the other side for another 1 ½ - 2 minutes.

My notes

If you want even fluffier pancakes you can sift the flour first.
I like to use butter to get the best texture, and golden brown color on the outside of my pancakes. However, you can also use nonstick spray to prevent them from sticking.
If you want to cook a large batch of pancakes at one time, pull out your electric griddle so you will have more room to make the pancakes.
Make sure that you use a hot pan or a hot griddle so that you can have a nice crispy exterior on your pancakes.
Top your pancakes with maple syrup, or peanut butter for a great breakfast.

More breakfast ideas

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate - Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze - You can also freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheat- Reheat in the toaster or microwave. To get the crispy exterior reheat them in a warm skillet with a small amount of butter.

Make Ahead

Pancakes reheat well, which means you can make them up the night before and then just reheat them when you are ready to serve them.

Pancakes on top of each other and cut to show texture.

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

Serve these pancakes with eggs, turkey sausage, or your other breakfast favorites like this Shakshouka. A nice Fruit Salad would also make a great side dish for these pancakes.

Adaptable recipe – make it your own!

Don't have buttermilk on hand? You can make your own by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 2 cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
You can also use 1 ½ cups of plain yogurt mixed with ½ cup of milk as a buttermilk substitute.
Want to add some extra flavor? Try mixing some chocolate chips or fresh berries into the batter before cooking.
You can also top your pancakes with whipped cream or powdered sugar for a sweet touch.

Your questions answered: FAQs

Why are restaurant pancakes so fluffy?

The secret is the acid in the buttermilk, it acts as a leavening act to give the pancakes an extra rise.

📣 Homemade Pancakes

Now go forth and prepare a large stack of these golden, fluffy, and soft pancakes to improve your morning! Tell me what you used to top yours!