Grinch Pancakes (Christmas Pancakes) are the perfect way to bring a little holiday magic into your mornings! Imagine biting into a stack of fluffy, vibrant green pancakes that not only look fun but taste amazing, too. This festive treat is excellent for holiday gatherings, Christmas brunches, or even just a special family breakfast. With their unique colors and delightful toppings, these pancakes will turn any breakfast table into a whimsical winter wonderland. Best of all, they’re easy to whip up, making it a stress-free experience for even the busiest holiday mornings. Ready to have some fun in the kitchen? Let’s spread some cheer with this delightful recipe!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why This Recipe Works
Grinch Pancakes are not just a treat for the eyes; they are also a delight for the taste buds. The vibrant green color and festive toppings evoke the spirit of Christmas while ensuring a fluffy texture perfect for the holiday season. Incorporating buttermilk into the mixture aids in creating pancakes that are light and airy. The addition of cream cheese icing gives a creamy tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pancakes and toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Grinch Pancakes (Christmas Pancakes)
These Grinch Pancakes bring cheer to any breakfast table, capturing the essence of the holiday season with their fun, playful presentation. With a minimal ingredient list and quick preparation time, they are perfect for busy mornings filled with holiday preparations. The bright green color not only excites children but also adds a festive touch to family gatherings or holiday brunches.

Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Green food coloring
- Cooking spray
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Red heart sprinkles
How to Make Fluffy Grinch Pancakes

Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
Begin by beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl until well blended. Next, incorporate the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, then continue beating for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Setting this delicious icing aside ensures you have a tasty topping for your pancakes.
Make the Green Whipped Cream
In another bowl, combine the remaining heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, green food coloring, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients on low speed until bubbles form. Gradually increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form. Chilling the whipped cream in the fridge for up to 45 minutes will help it hold its shape when you’re ready to decorate.
Combine the Pancake Batter
In a medium bowl, mix the whole milk with the white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk effect. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Afterward, combine the egg, melted butter, and green food coloring into the milk mixture. Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking until just combined. Just remember, avoid over-mixing to keep the pancakes fluffy.
Cook the Grinch Pancakes
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Pour ¼ cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles start to appear on the surface, then flip and cook until the edges are golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, ensuring each pancake gets that lovely golden color.
Assemble Your Festive Breakfast
Top each pancake with a generous dollop of cream cheese icing, a swirl of green whipped cream, and a sprinkle of red heart candies for that playful Grinch touch. This is the part where you can really get creative—make each stack uniquely festive!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these whimsical Grinch Pancakes with a side of fresh fruit or holiday-themed bacon, like pancakes shaped as a holiday figure. Pair this delicious dish with a warm cup of cocoa for a truly festive breakfast experience.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise—this makes a significant difference!
- Remember not to over-mix your batter; a few lumps are okay and will result in fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust the quantity of green food coloring as desired for a more vibrant hue.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different toppings like festive fruit, chocolate chips, or flavored syrups. If you are looking for a dairy-free option, substitute regular milk with almond milk and use coconut cream cheese for an equally delicious result.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave. The whipped cream can be stored in the fridge but is best served fresh for optimal flavor.

FAQs
1. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pancakes ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving to enjoy that fresh pancake taste.
2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Will these pancakes freeze well?
Yes, you can freeze Grinch Pancakes! Place parchment paper between the pancakes to avoid sticking and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
4. Can I omit the green food coloring?
Absolutely! The pancakes still turn out delicious without the coloring; they will simply be a classic pancake color.
5. How can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just watch the liquid amounts and adjust as needed.
Grinch Pancakes (Christmas Pancakes) are a delightful addition to your holiday breakfast repertoire. The festive visual appeal combined with rich flavors makes them an instant hit for family gatherings, Christmas morning celebrations, or cozy brunches. They are easy to make, fun to customize, and create memorable moments with every bite. Enjoy spreading holiday cheer and deliciousness with every fluffy pancake stack!
Print
Grinch Pancakes
Grinch Pancakes bring festive fun to breakfast with their vibrant color and delightful taste. Easy to make, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or just family brunches.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Green food coloring
- Cooking spray
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Red heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese icing by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar, then add heavy cream and vanilla until fluffy.
- Make green whipped cream by mixing heavy cream, powdered sugar, green food coloring, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Combine pancake batter by mixing milk with vinegar, then whisk dry ingredients separately and combine with egg, melted butter, and color.
- Cook pancakes in a skillet until bubbles form, then flip to golden brown.
- Assemble pancakes with cream cheese icing, green whipped cream, and sprinkles.
Notes
Ensure baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Do not over-mix the batter; lumps are fine for fluffiness.
Adjust green food coloring for desired vibrancy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 310
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 75






