Have you heard of coffee pancakes? It’s an amazing combo of two of my breakfast loves, coffee, and pancakes. Seriously, internet, you aren’t helping my diet plan.
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But the real question is have you looked on the internet for coffee pancake recipes? Honestly, the ones I’ve seen don’t look that appetizing. They are often dark brown, flat-looking pancakes.
They really don’t live up to my fantasy of what a coffee pancake should be. So, I wondered can I make my own recipe for coffee pancakes and do it better?
Yes, I can, and did (if I may say so myself).
I made fluffy, delicious-looking-AND-tasting coffee pancakes made from espresso with a vanilla cream whip on top. If you’re a coffee lover like me keep reading for the best, and easiest, coffee pancake recipe on the internet.
I promise, they’re NOT difficult, which means whipping up these coffee pancakes on a lazy Saturday morning OR on a rushed Wednesday morning are both doable!
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Table of Contents
The Amazing Benefits of Coffee
Before we get into this recipe, I thought we could talk about how great coffee is. Coffee and I have been besties for a long time, but as a mom of 6, it’s taken on a whole new necessity.
Espresso possesses several health benefits, so I don’t have to feel guilty about my caffeine addiction. These benefits can be found in coffee of all kinds. So, if you don’t have a taste for espresso find what style of coffee intake you enjoy best.
But if you didn’t already appreciate coffee as much as I do here are some of those amazing benefits of coffee.
Related: Check out this DELICIOUS Homemade 3 Ingredient Coffee Ice Cream Affogato Float
1) Enhancing Long-Term Memory
A neuroscientist from the University of California conducted a study that found drinking the equivalent of two espressos improved memory consolidation. This process, in turn, increased long-term memory in the subjects.
We all could use more of that for sure.
With that being said the study did not show the same benefit to people that drank more or less than the recommended two cups.
Want another amazing coffee-related recipe? Try these Coffee Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
2) Live Longer
A study has shown that a common factor for people who thrive into their 90s is the moderate consumption of coffee. So, one cup of coffee a day can equal a long life.
3) High in Antioxidants
Coffee is full of an extensive variety of antioxidants. Espresso is like a concentrated kick of all of those wonderful antioxidants in a tiny tasty cup.
For example, it possesses polyphenols, which aid in disease prevention, and cafestol, which is an anti-inflammatory.
Get your coffee summer-ready with these Dulce de Leche Coffee Popsicles + Iced Coffee
4) Reduced Risk of Stroke
In a Swedish study, researchers found that drinking at least one cup of coffee a day can reduce your risk of experiencing a stroke. This result is thought to be due to all those awesome antioxidant properties in coffee.
5) Low in Calories
Espresso is a great choice for anyone that is concerned with their calorie intake. At 3 calories a serving, plain espresso is a great go-to.
The trick is the calories mainly come from your add-ins, so limit those creams, whips, and syrups.
Espresso is a great way to start your day, but it’s also perfect for those midday pick-me-ups. It’s a much better choice than those sugary energy drinks.
Something that definitely ISN’T sugar-free, but oh-so-good?! This Chocolate Mocha Cake with Espresso Buttercream and Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Glaze Recipe.
6) Encourages Physical Activity
Besides being low-calorie, coffee can also assist your exercise performance. A study published in the Medicine and Science in Sports Journal discovered that caffeine caused workouts to appear less strenuous by a perceived 5%.
In addition, coffee can make your muscle pain seem less. Drinking two or three cups of coffee an hour before your 30 minutes of workout reduces muscle pain, enabling you to push yourself a little bit harder. That equals a better workout.
7) Lowers Risk of Diabetes
In a Harvard School of Public Health study, researchers found that greater coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Over four years, the study examined caffeine consumption in men and women.
It concluded that people who raised their daily coffee intake by more than one cup lowered their risk of type 2 diabetes by 11%.
Drinking more coffee is just one factor that may influence your diabetes risk, so you still should be physically active and watch your weight.
Need some fun coffee accessories, check out this post: Coffee Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover
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Coffee Pancakes With Espresso Recipe
I have to say coffee pancakes are just like regular pancakes, but better. These coffee pancakes are all gussied up with a deliciously comforting nod to espresso and vanilla cream.
They are so good.
As in, I-don’t-want-to-share-my-bites, good.
The key to great, and easy, pancakes is to start with the right pancake mix. That’s why we always usually keep Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix in our pantry. It’s our favorite because they come out fluffy every time, and normally we just add water – that’s it! No fuss, just fluffy pancakes.
To make these pancakes even richer in flavor for this recipe, we use milk instead of water and of course, we add that espresso to take this breakfast to a whole new level of decadent.
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Coffee Pancake Recipe
For each cup of Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix add:
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 shot of espresso (if you need to use instant espresso, that works too!).
Vanilla Cream Recipe
The element that puts these coffee pancakes over the top is the homemade vanilla cream. Sure, you can use that stuff in the can, but it just isn’t the same. It’s really simple to whip up, literally, and your family will think you’re a Rockstar.
For the cream whip up 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream:
- with 1T of Vanilla syrup (from your coffee counter)
- or 1tsp of pure vanilla and 1T of confectioners’ sugar
- whip until peaks form
Pro-tip: Make the vanilla cream first, and then top warm pancakes and serve with a side of more espresso topped with cream.
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Final Thoughts on Coffee Pancakes with Espresso and Vanilla Cream Whip
If you didn’t know by now, let me tell you I-LOVE-COFFEE and these coffee pancakes check off many of my breakfast love boxes. They are warm, fluffy, sweet, decadent, and coffee-flavored.
And even better, it pairs great with more coffee.
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Mouthwatering Coffee Pancakes With Espresso and Vanilla Cream Whip
Ingredients
- Just-Add-Water Pancake Mix (We like to use Krusteaz)
- Milk
- Shot of espresso (or strong-brewed coffee)
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Vanilla Syrup (for coffee, or substitute with vanilla extract and confectioners sugar).
Instructions
Coffee Pancake Recipe
For each cup of Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix add:
1/3 cup milk
1 shot of espresso (if you need to use instant espresso, that works too!).
Mix well, but don't overmix. I like to see bubbles in my mixture – this helps keep the pancakes fluffy. Make sure griddle or pan is hot and add butter to grease pan. Scoop about 1/4 C mixture and ladle into the hot pan. Watch for bubbles to form on pancake, and that's how you know it's ready to flip!
Vanilla Cream Recipe
Whip 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream in a mixer on high. Add 1T of Vanilla syrup (from your coffee counter) or 1tsp of pure vanilla and 1T of confectioners’ sugar.
Whip until peaks form.
If your family loves pancakes as much as ours you’ll love our other great pancake recipes. And I think these coffee pancakes will make a great addition to any pancake breakfast charcuterie board.
Yumm-o!
More Mouthwatering Coffee Recipes and Round-Ups!
Have you tried coffee pancakes before? Let me know in a comment below!
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