Veggies? Check. Cake for breakfast? Double check. Spring brunch magic? Triple check!
Move over boring breakfasts—Carrot Cake Pancakes are here to spice things up (literally). These pancakes are everything you love about classic carrot cake—warm spices, sweet carrots, a hint of citrus—stacked into a light and fluffy tower of springtime joy. And let’s not forget the star of the show: that maple-spiced cream cheese topping.
Perfect for Easter brunch, weekend slow mornings, or when you’re just in the mood to have your veggies in pancake form. (Trust me, this is one stack you won’t want to share.)
Why These Pancakes Deserve a Spot on Your Spring Brunch Table
- Like cake, but fluffier – All the carrot cake flavors, none of the baking stress.
- Sneaky veggie moment – Yes, there are carrots in here. And yes, they’re delicious.
- That drizzle though – Maple + cream cheese + butter = worth waking up early for.
- Easter-ready – The perfect way to wow your brunch crowd (and sneak a few extra bites for yourself).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Pancake Party:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter (plus more for the pan)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (patted dry, about 3 medium)
- 1 tsp orange zest
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional but highly recommended)
How to Make Carrot Cake Pancakes Like a Brunch Boss
1. Whisk It Real Good
Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another. Gently stir them together until just combined. Fold in your carrots and orange zest. Pop that bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill (and yes, it’s worth the wait).
2. Make It Creamy
While the batter chills, whip up the cream cheese topping. Just beat everything together until smooth and dreamy.
3. Flip It Like It’s Hot
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium. Butter it up, scoop out the batter, and cook until bubbles form and pop. Flip and finish ‘til golden brown and fluffy.
4. Stack & Smother
Stack ‘em high, drizzle with that luscious cream cheese topping, sprinkle some nuts on top, and dig in like no one’s watching.
Holly’s Hot Tips
- Chill time = fluff time – Don’t skip it! It makes your pancakes extra light.
- Grate fine, not chunky – Finer carrots = better texture.
- Make it your own – Add shredded coconut, golden raisins, or crushed pineapple if you’re feelin’ fancy.
Serve It Up With…
- A mimosa or lavender latte
- Fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits
- Big smiles and stretchy pants (recommended but not required)
Let’s Make Brunch Legendary
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or just want to jazz up your Saturday morning, these Carrot Cake Pancakes are your new go-to. They’re cozy, cute, and completely crave-worthy—basically, the breakfast equivalent of a warm spring hug.
Try them out and tag me when you do—I need to see those stacks!
