Okay, grab your apron, friend! Let’s whip up a batch of something truly special. I’m going to share my recipe for the most delicious fluffy sweet potato pancakes you’ve ever tasted. Honestly, these aren’t just any old pancakes; they’re like sunshine on a plate, packed with flavor and good-for-you goodness.
I remember the first time I made these fluffy sweet potato pancakes. My youngest, bless his heart, was going through a major picky-eater phase. I was desperate to sneak some veggies into his diet, and I’d heard about using sweet potato in baked goods. So, I thought, “Why not pancakes?” It was a complete experiment, and let me tell you, the first batch was… not pretty. They were dense, a little gummy, and definitely not the fluffy sweet potato pancakes I was aiming for. But I’m nothing if not persistent (and stubborn!), so I tweaked the recipe, added a secret ingredient (more on that later!), and finally, finally achieved pancake perfection.
Now, these fluffy sweet potato pancakes are a Sunday morning staple in our house. The smell of cinnamon and sweet potato wafting through the air? Pure bliss. And the best part? Even my picky eater devours them! It’s a win-win. This fluffy sweet potato pancake recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a quick and healthy breakfast, or even a fun breakfast-for-dinner night.
My “aha” moment came when I realized that the key to truly fluffy sweet potato pancakes was all in the technique of how you cooked the sweet potatoes and the ratio of wet to dry ingredients. I learned the hard way, folks! Trust me, once you try this fluffy sweet potato pancakes recipe, you’ll never go back to plain old pancakes again. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the griddle
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Okay, let’s chat ingredients for our fluffy sweet potato pancakes. Flour: I always use all-purpose because it’s what I typically have on hand, but you can definitely substitute with a gluten-free blend to make sweet potato pancakes gluten-free! Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement. Baking powder and baking soda are ESSENTIAL! Don’t skip these, they’re what give our pancakes their lift. Spices? Cinnamon and nutmeg are my go-to for warmth, but a pinch of ginger would also be lovely.
Now, for the star of the show: sweet potato! I always bake mine until they’re super soft. It brings out their natural sweetness and makes them easier to mash. I always use organic sweet potatoes for my fluffy sweet potato pancakes because I feel better about what I’m feeding my family. When making fluffy sweet potato pancakes, you can often find the best deals on sweet potatoes at your local farmer’s market, especially in the fall! Buttermilk is my secret weapon for extra fluffy pancakes. It adds a slight tang and helps to tenderize the batter.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Eggs give the pancakes structure, melted butter adds richness, maple syrup a touch of sweetness, and vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors.
Here’s a fluffy sweet potato pancakes trick I learned from my mom: always sift your dry ingredients! It helps to prevent lumps and ensures a lighter, fluffier pancake. For a cost-saving tip, consider buying sweet potatoes in bulk when they’re in season and freezing the cooked and mashed sweet potato in individual portions. That way, you’ll always have sweet potato on hand for your fluffy sweet potato pancakes. Any leftover cooked sweet potato can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Make Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes – Step-by-Step
- First, if you haven’t already, cook your sweet potato. You can bake it, boil it, or even microwave it! I prefer baking because it brings out the most flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash your sweet potato, poke it a few times with a fork, and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until it’s soft and easily pierced with a fork. Let it cool slightly, then peel and mash.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is where that sifting tip comes in handy! Just trust me, your fluffy sweet potato pancakes will thank you.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts for the fluffy sweet potato pancakes.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough pancakes, and we want light and fluffy sweet potato pancakes! Don’t worry if your fluffy sweet potato pancakes batter seems a little thick; that’s perfectly normal.
- Heat a lightly greased griddle or large skillet over medium heat. I like to use butter to grease the griddle because it adds a lovely flavor. You’ll know the griddle is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. I learned the hard way with fluffy sweet potato pancakes that patience is key here!
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. I usually make 3-4 at a time, depending on the size of my griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. In my kitchen, fluffy sweet potato pancakes usually takes about 6-8 minutes total, but it depends on your stove and griddle.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings! I love serving our fluffy sweet potato pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of pecans. While the fluffy sweet potato pancakes are cooking, I usually brew a pot of coffee and start setting the table. It’s all about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere! Your fluffy sweet potato pancakes should smell like cinnamon, sweet potato, and pure happiness!
A family-tested fluffy sweet potato pancakes shortcut? Cook the sweet potatoes the night before! It saves so much time in the morning. This sweet potato pancake recipe is so easy, even my teenager can make it (with a little supervision, of course!).
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you’ve got a stack of gorgeous, fluffy sweet potato pancakes ready to go. Now what? Well, let me tell you, the serving possibilities are endless! The kids love our fluffy sweet potato pancakes when I top them with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a handful of chocolate chips. Hey, I’m not above a little bribery to get them to eat their veggies! My husband prefers his with a simple pat of butter and a drizzle of real maple syrup.
My go-to side dishes that pair with fluffy sweet potato pancakes are crispy bacon and a side of fresh fruit. The saltiness of the bacon complements the sweetness of the pancakes perfectly, and the fruit adds a refreshing burst of flavor. I also sometimes make a quick fruit salad with berries, bananas, and grapes.
This fluffy sweet potato pancakes is perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or even a weeknight dinner! We often have them on Christmas morning. It’s such a festive and delicious way to start the day. For presentation, I like to stack the pancakes high on a plate, dust them with powdered sugar, and garnish with a sprig of mint. It just makes them look extra fancy!
If you have extra fluffy sweet potato pancakes, they’re delicious reheated the next day. Just pop them in the toaster or microwave. I’ve even been known to crumble them up and use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
For a seasonal fluffy sweet potato pancakes variation, try adding pumpkin pie spice in the fall or a sprinkle of chopped cranberries during the holidays.
My friends always ask for this fluffy sweet potato pancakes recipe after they try them at our house. It’s become a bit of a signature dish, and I’m always happy to share it! Sweet Potato Taco Bowl is a great addition to the sweet potato collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?Absolutely! Cook the pancakes as directed, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster, microwave, or oven. You know what I do when my fluffy sweet potato pancakes start to get a little dry after being stored? I sprinkle them with a little water before reheating. It helps to keep them moist!
- Can I substitute the buttermilk?If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. I’ve also used plain yogurt thinned with a little milk in a pinch. The texture of the fluffy sweet potato pancakes might be a tiny bit different, but they’ll still be delicious!
- Can I make these pancakes vegan?Yes! Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) in place of the eggs. You can easily adapt this recipe to make sweet potato pancakes vegan!
- Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?Definitely! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make sweet potato pancakes gluten-free. I’ve found that some gluten-free flours can be a little dry, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two of extra milk to the batter. My family has tried both and said both were amazing and filling!
- My pancakes are burning on the outside but still raw on the inside. What am I doing wrong?Your griddle is probably too hot. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the pancakes for a little longer. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thick. A too thick batter can result in the fluffy sweet potato pancakes not cooking all the way through.
- My pancakes are flat and dense. What happened?You probably overmixed the batter. Remember, only mix until just combined! Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old baking powder and baking soda lose their potency and won’t give your pancakes enough lift. This is a mistake I’ve made so many times with fluffy sweet potato pancakes!
- Can I add chocolate chips to these pancakes?Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to fluffy sweet potato pancakes. I usually add about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter. My kids think it makes them taste like dessert! This sweet potato pancake recipe works well with add-ins.
Another great resource is Pancake Recipe.
Final Thoughts on Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes
This fluffy sweet potato pancakes recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that even picky eaters can be won over with a little creativity (and a lot of love!). It’s also a testament to the power of persistence. Don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen and tweak recipes to make them your own. Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet is another awesome sweet potato recipe!
My Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes Pro Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter! It’s the key to light and fluffy pancakes.
- Use a hot griddle! A properly heated griddle ensures that the pancakes cook evenly and get a nice golden-brown color.
- Cook the sweet potatoes until they’re very soft! This will make them easier to mash and will bring out their natural sweetness.
Here are a few fluffy sweet potato pancakes variations you can try:
- Spiced Pecan Pancakes: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans and ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Cranberry Orange Pancakes: Add ½ cup of chopped cranberries and the zest of one orange to the batter.
My youngest loves the chocolate chip version, while my husband prefers the spiced pecan. I personally love the cranberry orange.
I hope you and your family enjoy these fluffy sweet potato pancakes as much as we do! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own. Experiment with different toppings, spices, and mix-ins. The possibilities are endless! I’m excited to hear about your fluffy sweet potato pancakes cooking experience! Remember to give Sweet Potato Nutrition Information a read to learn more about the benefits. And remember even if it is not easy sweet potato pancakes at first, don’t give up!
Happy cooking, friends!
5 Delicious Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes Recipes
These fluffy sweet potato pancakes are a delightful and healthy breakfast or brunch option. This recipe provides five delicious variations to satisfy any craving, from classic to spiced.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups mashed cooked sweet potato
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Variations: cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, maple syrup, chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Top with maple syrup, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips.