If you love the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but want a quicker, vegan-friendly option, these Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are the perfect solution!
This recipe combines fluffy pancakes with a gooey cinnamon swirl and a creamy, sweet icing that drips over every layer. It’s a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet light enough to enjoy any morning.
Follow along to make these delicious pancakes that taste like dessert but are suitable for breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pancakes are:
- Vegan and made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Full of Flavor with a rich cinnamon swirl that caramelizes as it cooks.
- Quick & Easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing for weekend brunches or a cozy morning meal.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes
Start by preparing your favorite vegan pancake mix or homemade mix with ingredients like flour, baking powder, plant-based milk, and a touch of vanilla extract.
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 3 tbsp vegan butter
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
This filling will give your pancakes that signature cinnamon roll swirl, with a lovely caramelized layer that forms as it cooks.
For the Icing
- 1/3 cup vegan cream cheese
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
This icing is the perfect topping to add sweetness and creaminess without being overly heavy.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Pancake Mix
In a large bowl, whisk together your pancake ingredients. You can use a store-bought vegan pancake mix or make your own with flour, baking powder, a sweetener of choice, plant-based milk, and a hint of vanilla extract. Whisk well until you have a smooth batter. Set aside.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a separate bowl, melt the vegan butter. Add in the coconut sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring well until fully combined. The mixture should have a thick, syrup-like consistency.
Transfer the cinnamon filling to a piping bag or a small zip-top plastic bag. Snip a tiny hole at the bottom corner to make it easy to pipe a swirl.
3. Cook the Pancakes
Preheat a non-stick pan over low heat. Lightly grease the pan with a bit of vegan butter or oil spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter into the pan for each pancake. As soon as you’ve added the batter to the pan, grab your piping bag with the cinnamon filling.
4. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Starting from the center of the pancake, gently pipe a swirl of the cinnamon filling onto the batter, spiraling outward. Keep the swirl light so the cinnamon doesn’t sink too deep into the batter.
To ensure the pancakes cook evenly, place a lid over the pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on low heat—don’t rush this step! Since the sugar can burn quickly, it’s essential to cook on low and avoid flipping the pancakes. Instead, allow the steam to cook them through fully.
5. Repeat for All Pancakes
Remove each pancake from the pan once the top is set and the cinnamon swirl looks caramelized. Continue with the remaining batter, repeating the same process until all the batter is used up. This recipe makes about six delicious, swirl-filled pancakes.
6. Make the Icing
While the pancakes cool slightly, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese, maple syrup, and coconut milk. Whisk vigorously until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Stack the pancakes on a serving plate, drizzling each layer with a generous spoonful of the cream cheese icing. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top or add a few fresh berries for a pop of color.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
- Cook on Low Heat: The coconut sugar in the filling can caramelize quickly, so it’s crucial to keep the heat low to avoid burning.
- Don’t Flip: These pancakes are cooked only on one side. Covering the pan allows the steam to cook the top thoroughly.
- Use a Lid: Trapping the heat with a lid helps cook the pancakes evenly without the need to flip them.
- Customize the Filling: If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra 1/2 tsp of cinnamon to the filling.
- Serve Immediately: These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, with the icing drizzled while they’re still warm.
Why These Pancakes Are Better Than Your Average Stack
The gooey cinnamon filling combined with the creamy, tangy vegan cream cheese icing takes these pancakes to the next level. They’re a delightful combination of a cinnamon roll’s rich, sweet flavors and the airy texture of a pancake. Perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or any time you crave something special.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave or a low oven for a few minutes until warmed through. The icing can be stored separately in a small jar and drizzled fresh each time.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for added crunch.
- Fruit Filling: Fold in fresh blueberries or diced apples into the pancake batter for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Icing: Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese icing for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pancake mix or substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What’s the best way to make these extra fluffy?
To get fluffier pancakes, let your batter rest for about 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate, giving you a lighter texture.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan?
Absolutely! If you’re not following a vegan diet, feel free to swap out the vegan cream cheese for traditional cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are a fun and tasty way to start your day, combining the best parts of breakfast and dessert into one easy recipe. Whip them up, and you’ll find yourself craving this sweet breakfast treat over and over again!
Enjoy every delicious bite of these gooey, cinnamon-filled pancakes topped with creamy icing—they’re guaranteed to become a favorite!