Hey, you ever hear a crack that makes your mouth water? I did! One morning, I tried crème brûlée pancakes, and crack—the caramel top was magic!

These pancakes are, like, totally awesome. They’re fluffy with creamy vanilla custard inside. And that crunchy caramel? Oh man, it’s sweet and perfect!

I couldn’t stop eating them. Seriously, I ate a whole stack! You’ll feel like you’re at a fancy restaurant—trust me, you need these now.

So, what are you waiting for? Whip up crème brûlée pancakes for breakfast today. Make them at home and thank me later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reader Favorite: As one reader exclaimed, “I’m in heaven! The creamy, caramelized sugar topping is everything!”
Rich and Decadent: The combination of creamy vanilla custard and perfectly crisp caramelized sugar gives each bite a rich, indulgent flavor.
Fluffy Pancakes: These pancakes are light and airy, yet hold up perfectly with the creamy topping.
Easy to Make: While it may seem like a gourmet dish, you can prepare this masterpiece in just 40 minutes with only a few simple steps.
Perfect for Brunch or Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a special day or treating yourself to a luxurious weekend breakfast, these pancakes make an unforgettable dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here are the tools you’ll need to create your Crème Brûlée Pancakes:

Mixing Bowls: For whisking together your dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: To ensure your pancake batter is smooth and clump-free.
Large Skillet or Griddle: For cooking your pancakes to perfection.
Heatproof Dish or Baking Sheet: For caramelizing the sugar topping.
Kitchen Torch (Optional): If you want to add that signature crispy sugar crust like a true crème brûlée.
Spatula: For flipping your pancakes without making a mess.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this indulgent breakfast:

For the Pancakes:

1 egg – A key ingredient to help bind the pancake batter and make them fluffy.
3 tablespoons butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture to the pancakes.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For that unmistakable, sweet vanilla flavor.
1 tablespoon white sugar – A small amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.
1 ¼ cups milk – Use whole milk for creaminess.
¼ cup heavy cream – To add an extra layer of decadence to the pancake batter.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your pancake batter.
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
¼ cup white sugar – For a bit of added sweetness in the pancakes.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds a subtle caramel flavor that complements the crème brûlée topping.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – This warm spice enhances the depth of flavor in your pancakes.

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

¼ cup heavy cream – Adds richness to the custard topping.
½ cup powdered sugar – To sweeten the crème brûlée topping.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For that signature vanilla flavor.
2 teaspoons white sugar – For caramelizing the topping and creating that crispy brûlée crust.

Variations for Crème Brûlée Pancakes

While this recipe is already delicious on its own, you can experiment with different variations to make it even more unique:

Add Fruit: Top your pancakes with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a drizzle of caramelized apples for added flavor and texture.
Use Flavored Syrups: Swap out maple syrup for a vanilla or cinnamon-flavored syrup to complement the crème brûlée taste.
Try Different Sweeteners: For a deeper, richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
Add Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, try incorporating chocolate chips into your pancake batter or melting chocolate into the crème brûlée topping.
Make It Dairy-Free: You can substitute dairy-free milk and cream to accommodate dietary preferences, while still keeping the richness in the pancakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pancake Batter

To start, whisk together the wet ingredients in a large bowl: the egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, white sugar, milk, and heavy cream. Make sure everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Once your dry ingredients are mixed, gradually add them into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. You want to make sure the batter is smooth, but don’t overmix as this can make the pancakes dense.

2. Cook the Pancakes

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Once hot, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook the pancakes until small bubbles form on the surface, and the edges begin to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pancakes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, keeping them warm.

3. Make the Crème Brûlée Topping

Now, let’s move on to the crème brûlée topping! In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture should have a smooth consistency and a sweet, vanilla flavor. Once your pancakes are stacked on a plate, spoon a generous amount of the crème brûlée topping over the top.

4. Caramelize the Sugar

For that signature brûlée crunch, sprinkle the white sugar evenly over the crème brûlée topping. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the pancakes under a broiler for about 2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning. The sugar should bubble up and form a beautiful, crisp crust.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Crème Brûlée Pancakes are now ready to serve! Garnish with extra vanilla bean or fresh fruit, if desired. You can also drizzle additional syrup or whipped cream for even more indulgence. The crispy sugar top will crack as you cut into the pancakes, revealing the creamy, custard-like flavor inside – just like crème brûlée.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Pancakes

Crème Brûlée Pancakes are perfect for any special occasion or indulgent breakfast. Here are some ways to serve them:

With Fresh Fruit: Top your pancakes with fresh berries, banana slices, or caramelized apples to add a sweet, tangy contrast to the creamy, caramelized topping.
As a Brunch Showstopper: These pancakes are a great addition to any brunch spread, along with mimosas, bacon, or a side of hash browns.
With Syrup: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel syrup for extra sweetness.

Storing Crème Brûlée Pancakes

While these pancakes are best served fresh, you can store any leftovers for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

Cooked Pancakes: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Crème Brûlée Topping: It’s best to prepare the crème brûlée topping just before serving for the best results. However, you can refrigerate the topping mixture for up to 1 day before using. Just be sure to caramelize the sugar right before serving to maintain the signature crispy texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	105mg
Sodium	300mg
Total Carbohydrates	48g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	22g
Protein	6g

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée Pancakes are the perfect way to start your day with something indulgent and memorable. With a light, fluffy pancake base and a rich, creamy crème brûlée topping, these pancakes elevate any breakfast or brunch gathering. They’re easier to make than you might think and will impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re treating yourself or entertaining guests, Crème Brûlée Pancakes are sure to become a beloved favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start flipping these delectable pancakes today!