Carrot Cake Pancakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
These are soft, fluffy carrot cake–inspired pancakes packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and crunchy nuts. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert-style brunch.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes (Serves 3–4)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for healthier option)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1 tbsp melted butter or oil
For Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping (Optional but recommended)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Extra cinnamon sprinkle
- Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Instructions
1. Make the Batter
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently (don’t overmix).
- Fold in grated carrots.
2. Cook Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form (2–3 mins), flip and cook another 1–2 mins.
- Stack them up!
3. Prepare Frosting
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Adjust thickness as needed.
4. Assemble
- Stack pancakes
- Spread or dollop frosting on top
- Sprinkle nuts and cinnamon
- Add syrup if desired
Tips
- Finely grate carrots for softer texture
- Let batter rest 5 minutes for fluffier pancakes
- Don’t press pancakes while cooking (keeps them airy)
- Add raisins for extra carrot cake flavor
Servings
- Makes about 8–10 pancakes (3–4 servings)
Approx Nutritional Info (per serving)
- Calories: ~280–350
- Carbs: ~35–40g
- Protein: ~6–8g
- Fat: ~12–18g
Benefits
✔ Contains fiber and vitamins from carrots
✔ More filling than regular pancakes
✔ Great balance of carbs + fats for energy
Q&A
Q: Can I make this healthier?
Yes—use whole wheat flour, reduce sugar, and swap frosting with Greek yogurt.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Use plant milk and replace egg with flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze pancakes (without frosting).