Sweet Mexican Pancakes

Sweet Mexican Pancakes, also known as hotcakes, are a delightful twist on the classic pancake—soft, fluffy, and slightly thicker than their American counterparts. These are often infused with vanilla or cinnamon, served with sweetened condensed milk, fruit, or cajeta (Mexican caramel). I love making these for a comforting breakfast or a cozy dessert-style brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find Sweet Mexican Pancakes incredibly satisfying because they strike a perfect balance between fluffy and dense. They’re slightly sweet, easy to make with pantry staples, and customizable with all kinds of toppings—from syrup to fresh fruit to sweet sauces. Whether I’m making a batch for weekend brunch or treating myself to breakfast-for-dinner, these pancakes always feel like a special treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Sugar

• Salt

• Eggs

• Whole milk

• Vanilla extract

• Butter (for the batter and for the pan)

• Optional: ground cinnamon

Directions

1. I start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon if I’m using it—in a large bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, I whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together until well combined.

3. I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until the batter is just combined, making sure not to overmix.

4. Then I melt a bit of butter on a hot nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

5. I scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on top and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.

6. I flip and cook the other side until golden brown, another 1–2 minutes.

7. I serve them warm, often drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, cajeta, or topped with fruit.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 pancakes, enough to serve 4 people. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare the batter and another 15 minutes to cook the pancakes, so I usually have them ready in around 25 minutes total.

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I like to fold sliced bananas or blueberries into the batter. Sometimes, I swap the vanilla for almond extract for a different aroma. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I top them with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of cajeta for a dessert-style dish. For a more traditional Mexican flair, I sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top right before serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I either microwave them for 20–30 seconds or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them with parchment paper between each one and toast them straight from the freezer when needed.

FAQs

What makes Mexican pancakes different from regular pancakes?

Mexican pancakes tend to be thicker and often include vanilla or cinnamon in the batter, giving them a richer flavor. I also find they pair beautifully with sweet toppings like cajeta or condensed milk.

Can I make these pancakes without cinnamon?

Yes, I can definitely leave out the cinnamon if I prefer a more classic flavor. The vanilla alone adds great aroma and sweetness.

How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

I flip them when I see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look slightly set. That’s usually around the 2–3 minute mark on medium heat.

What can I use instead of cajeta?

If I don’t have cajeta, I use sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, or a homemade caramel sauce as a substitute.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. I give it a quick stir before cooking, and it works just fine.

Conclusion

Sweet Mexican Pancakes are a cozy, flavorful take on the classic breakfast favorite. With a rich taste, fluffy texture, and endless topping options, I always enjoy making and eating them. Whether I’m sharing them with family or indulging solo, they never disappoint.

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