French Toast Pancakes combine two popular breakfast favorites—fluffy pancakes and crispy, custardy French toast—into one amazing dish. Many people face a dilemma each morning: should they go for a pile of pancakes or a plate of golden-brown French toast? Now, you can enjoy both textures and flavors in a single, easy-to-make recipe.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about French Toast Pancakes: from the problem of choosing the right breakfast to step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for a perfect texture, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Settle for One?
The Dilemma: Choosing Between Pancakes and French Toast
Busy mornings leave little time for indecision. Many people crave the fluffy goodness of pancakes but also love the crispy edges of French toast. Having to choose between the two can be frustrating, especially if you love both equally.
French Toast Pancakes solve this issue by blending both dishes into a single, delicious treat. You don’t need to sacrifice fluffiness for crunch, or vice versa.
The Struggle of Breakfast Choices
Some worry that combining two different recipes is complicated or leads to kitchen disasters. Others might think they lack the time or skill to make something more advanced than standard pancakes or toast.
French Toast Pancakes are actually straightforward to prepare and can save you from monotony by delivering variety in a single dish. This new spin on breakfast ensures you never have to choose just one.
The Low Down On These French Toast Pancake
What Are French Toast Pancakes?
French Toast Pancakes are pancakes cooked until fluffy, then dipped in a lightly sweetened custard mixture—similar to French toast—and pan-fried again. This process creates a crispy outside, while the interior remains soft and pillowy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Versatile: Perfect for busy mornings or lazy brunches.
- Customizable: Change up flavors, toppings, and syrups to suit any preference.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love the sweet, crunchy edges and the soft centers.
Ingredients To Make French Toast Pancakes
- Pancake Batter: Classic mix of flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, and eggs.
- French Toast Batter: A separate mixture of milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sugar.
- Oil or Butter: For lightly frying and ensuring a crisp exterior.
- Optional Flavors: Nutmeg, brown sugar, or chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make French Toast Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Pancakes
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1 cup milk, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil.
- Create Batter: Stir wet ingredients into the dry, being careful not to overmix. A few small lumps are fine. This yields a standard pancake batter for about 6–8 medium pancakes.
Step 2: Cooking the Pancakes
- Heat Your Skillet: Use medium heat. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour Batter: Scoop ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip.
- Set Aside: Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate. Let them rest while you prepare the next step.
Step 3: Making the French Toast Pancakes
- French Toast Mixture: Whisk together 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add a pinch of salt or sugar if desired.
- Dip Pancakes: Carefully dip each cooked pancake into this custard mix. Avoid soaking too long—just a light coating is enough.
- Pan-Fry Again: Place dipped pancakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for about 1 minute or until golden-brown.
(Word of caution: If you soak too long, the pancake can become mushy. Keep the dunk brief for the best outcome.)
Tips for Making the Best French Toast Pancakes
- Use Stale Pancakes: A slightly cooled or “day-old” pancake can absorb custard better without falling apart.
- Keep the Heat Moderate: High heat can burn the outsides before the inside warms, leading to a soggy or uneven texture.
- Test One First: If you’re unsure about your custard ratio, cook a test pancake to see if you need more or less time in the pan.
Toppings and Variations
How to Make It Healthier
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: For extra fiber in your pancake batter.
- Reduce Sugar: In both the pancake and French toast mixes to suit your dietary preferences.
- Add Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, or bananas can provide natural sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Searing on high heat can burn the exterior quickly.
- Over-Soaking: Soaking for too long leads to overly wet pancakes that fall apart.
- Skipping Oil or Butter: A small amount of fat ensures crispy edges and prevents sticking.
Storage & Reheating
How to Store & Reheat French Toast Pancakes:
- Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Layer with parchment paper, freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm in a lightly oiled skillet or toaster oven to retain crispness.
How long will these pancakes last in the fridge?
About 2 days. Keep them sealed and remove moisture with a paper towel if needed.
Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes, flash-freeze them on a tray before placing in a freezer bag. Reheat by pan-frying lightly or using an oven at 350°F (175°C).
Additional Recipes & Pairings
Favorite Pancake and French Toast Recipes to Try
- Buttermilk Pancakes: Classic fluffiness.
- Brioche French Toast: Rich and custardy.
- Blueberry Pancake Variation: Add fresh berries for bursts of sweetness.
Pancake French Toast Recipe Variation
Switch up the batter by adding cocoa powder or using a different spice blend—like pumpkin spice—to create seasonal twists. The concept remains the same: cook pancakes, dip them in egg-milk mixture, then pan-fry to achieve crisp edges.
FAQs About French Toast Pancakes
How do you make French toast pancakes from scratch?
Follow our step-by-step method: mix a simple pancake batter, cook the pancakes, then dip them in a classic French toast custard and fry again.
What’s the best bread or flour for pancakes?
Use all-purpose flour for standard fluffiness or try whole wheat for a healthier option.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat gently to keep crispness.
What’s the difference between French toast and pancakes?
French toast soaks bread in an egg-milk mixture, while pancakes are a batter poured onto a hot griddle.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for the pancake portion and confirm any additives are gluten-free in the French toast custard.
Can I air-fry or bake them instead of pan-frying?
You can try an air fryer or oven for crisping, though the texture might differ slightly from pan-frying.
Are pancakes and French toast the same?
They share similar breakfast vibes but differ in texture and cooking methods.
What is the most common mistake when making French toast?
Over-soaking the bread (or pancake) in the custard, leading to a soggy interior.
Is it better to cook French toast with butter or oil?
Butter offers more flavor, while oil has a higher smoke point. A mix of both can yield the best of each.
Try French Toast Pancakes for a Delightful Breakfast
French Toast Pancakes merge the fluffy appeal of pancakes with the crispy, custardy outside of French toast. This easy technique ensures you never have to pick just one for breakfast again. Enjoy the best of both worlds in a single bite—light, tasty layers with a gentle crunch.
Embrace the concept by experimenting with new spices, fruits, or toppings. Whether you keep it simple with syrup or go gourmet with fancy sauces, this breakfast hybrid is sure to impress family and friends. And if you’re looking for more creative inspiration, explore our playful Gender Reveal Cupcakes for a twist on traditional treats. Wake up to something creative, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying: French Toast Pancakes are the perfect solution to your morning dilemma.