17 Pancake Recipes that are Totally Fun

Take your breakfast to the next level with these pancake recipes! From fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes and classic homemade buttermilk stacks to savory kimchi pancakes and international favorites like Dutch baby and Italian farinata, there’s a pancake for every taste. Whether you’re craving sweet, savory, or something totally unique, these recipes make breakfast exciting, colorful, and delicious.

Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes

A stack of McDonald’s Pancake Recipe with syrup drizzling down. — Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

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These pancakes replicate the soft, fluffy texture from the fast-food chain. The batter cooks into even, golden rounds. They are slightly sweet with a tender crumb. Perfect for recreating a familiar breakfast at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang. The pancakes hold a slightly dense, creamy texture. They cook to light golden edges while remaining soft inside. Each bite has a gentle richness.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cream Cheese Pancakes

Cream cheese is folded into the batter for a smooth, tender pancake. The edges brown lightly while the center stays soft. The flavor is subtly tangy and rich. They rise slightly during cooking for a fluffy feel.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pancakes

Crispy Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchijeon)

A close-up image of kimchi pancake on a white plate with chopsticks beside it. — Crispy Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchijeon). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These savory pancakes feature chopped kimchi in the batter. They cook quickly into crispy edges while remaining tender inside. The tangy, spicy flavor comes through distinctly. They make a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchijeon)

Easy Purple Pancakes

A stack of purple pancakes with blueberries and chocolate sauce on a white plate. — Easy Purple Pancakes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Purple ingredients like ube or purple sweet potato give these pancakes vibrant color. The batter cooks evenly with soft interiors. They rise gently and maintain a striking hue. Flavor remains mild and approachable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Purple Pancakes

Easy Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes – TikTok Recipe

This sheet pan method produces a large, uniform pancake batch. The surface browns lightly while the interior stays soft. They can be cut into squares for easy serving. Perfect for feeding a group quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes – TikTok Recipe

Farinata – Italian Chickpea Pancake Flatbread

Farinata uses chickpea flour for a dense yet tender pancake. The texture is slightly chewy with crisp edges. It is typically savory and lightly seasoned. It can be served as a flatbread or snack.
Get the Recipe: Farinata – Italian Chickpea Pancake Flatbread

Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

These pancakes rise tall and soft due to a combination of buttermilk and leavening. The texture is light without collapsing. The edges brown evenly on the griddle. They deliver a classic breakfast experience.
Get the Recipe: Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes

Four round Japanese souffle pancakes dusted with powdered sugar are arranged on a striped plate, with additional pastries on a patterned plate nearby. Persimmons are visible in the upper left corner. — Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

These pancakes are tall, airy, and soft as a cloud. Egg whites are whipped and folded into the batter. They cook slowly to maintain height. Each pancake feels delicate and melt-in-your-mouth.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes

Gluten Free Pancakes

These pancakes use alternative flours such as rice, oat, or almond flour. The texture is slightly different but still soft. They brown lightly and hold together when flipped. Flavor is mild and adaptable.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pancakes

Green Pancakes

Spinach, matcha, or other green ingredients color the pancakes. The batter cooks into soft, even rounds. The flavor is mild while the color is striking. They can be paired with sweet or neutral toppings.
Get the Recipe: Green Pancakes

Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

These pancakes rely on simple ingredients and proper technique. The batter produces light, fluffy pancakes. The edges brown slightly on the griddle. Each pancake is tender and consistent.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Homemade Chinese Zucchini Pancakes Recipe (糊塌子)

Crispy Chinese zucchini pancakes on a plate. — Homemade Chinese Zucchini Pancakes Recipe (糊塌子). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Grated zucchini forms the base for these savory pancakes. The batter cooks into thin, slightly crisp rounds. The interior stays tender. They are seasoned lightly for subtle flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chinese Zucchini Pancakes Recipe (糊塌子)

Homemade Pancake Syrup

This syrup combines sugar, water, and flavorings like vanilla or maple. It thickens slightly during cooking. Poured warm, it coats pancakes evenly. It enhances any pancake variety.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pancake Syrup

Kimchi Pancakes

A piece of crispy, golden-orange Korean pancake held by metal chopsticks is being dipped into a bowl of sesame seeds and sauce. Green onions and a checkered cloth are in the background. — Kimchi Pancakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These pancakes fold fermented kimchi into a simple batter. The exterior crisps slightly while the center stays soft. Spicy and tangy flavors come through clearly. They serve as a savory snack or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Pancakes

Lemon Quinoa Pancakes

Quinoa flour and fresh lemon zest create a unique flavor. The pancakes rise to tender, lightly golden rounds. They maintain a soft yet slightly hearty texture. The lemon adds brightness to the batter.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Quinoa Pancakes

Mini Pancake Skewers

Three mini pancake stacks on skewers with layers of strawberries, blueberries, and chocolate spread, arranged on a white plate with a red checkered cloth in the background. — Mini Pancake Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Small pancakes are stacked on skewers with fruits or syrup. Each pancake is soft and tender. The presentation is playful and portable. They are perfect for brunch or party bites.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pancake Skewers