I was skeptical the first time I ordered Pancake Puppies at Denny’s. How could something called a “pancake puppy” possibly be good? But when that warm basket arrived at the table—golden-brown spheres studded with blueberries and white chocolate chips, accompanied by a container of silky cheesecake dip.
One bite revealed the genius behind this unique creation: the perfect fusion of donut hole texture with pancake flavor. The crispy exterior gave way to a fluffy, cake-like interior bursting with sweet blueberries and melty white chocolate pockets. Dipping these warm treats into the cool, tangy cheesecake sauce created a flavor combination that was nothing short of magical.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This copycat recipe successfully recreates Denny’s popular breakfast treat by striking the perfect balance between pancake fluffiness and donut-like crispiness. Using commercial blueberry pancake mix ensures consistent results while simplifying the process. Adding powdered sugar to the batter adds sweetness and helps create the signature crispy exterior during frying. White chocolate chips melt slightly within each puppy during cooking, creating pockets of creamy sweetness that complement the bursts of blueberry flavor.
Blueberry Pancake Puppies Ingredients
For the Pancake Puppies:
- Blueberry pancake mix – Provides the pancake flavor base with blueberries included
- Water – Activates the pancake mix and creates proper batter consistency
- Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy exterior
- White chocolate chips – Create pockets of creamy sweetness throughout
- Vegetable oil – For frying to achieve the perfect crispy texture
For the Cheesecake Dipping Sauce:
- Butter – Provides richness and smooth texture
- Cream cheese – Creates the signature tangy cheesecake flavor
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the dip perfectly without graininess
- Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile
How to Make Deep Fried Pancakes With Cheesecake Dipping Sauce
To prepare the fried pancake batter:
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the pancake mix, water, powdered sugar, and white chocolate chips until you can’t see any dry ingredients. Do not overmix. Some lumps are okay.
- Cover the pancake batter and let it rest in the fridge.
- Place paper towels on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking tray.
- Add about two inches of vegetable oil to a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and heat to 350°F over a medium flame. Use a clip-on deep-fry thermometer for the best results. You can also use a deep-fat fryer if you have one.
- Use a large cookie scoop to portion the pancake batter and carefully release the batter into the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pot. Keep an eye on the temperature to ensure it doesn’t drop too low.
- Fry the pancake dough ball until one side is golden brown, and then gently flip the pancake balls over using a long-handled slotted spoon or skimmer.
- Transfer the fully cooked pancake hush puppies to the paper towel-lined wire rack. Dab the top of them with a paper towel.
To prepare the Cheesecake Dipping Sauce:
- Remove the butter and cream cheese from the fridge and leave them on the counter for at least 15 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Put the softened butter and cream cheese into the bowl of an electric mixer and mix on low until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar in stages while the mixer continues to run.
- Add the salt and vanilla extract.
- Increase the speed of the mixer to medium and mix until fluffy. To thin out the dipping sauce, add a small amount of cream or milk while mixing until you reach the correct consistency.
What to Serve Them Deep Fried Pancake Balls
In addition to a side of warm cream cheese icing, you can try sprinkling powdered sugar over the top. Serve the deep-fried pancakes with fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or a dollop of whipped cream.Â
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Reheating tips: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated puppies in a 350°F air fryer for 4 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 3 minutes per side
- Refrigeration: Store cooled puppies in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 3 days
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month
- Make-ahead dip: Prepare the cheesecake dip up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container
- Batter preparation: The batter can be made up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to fry
Denny’s Blueberry Pancake Puppies with Cheesecake Dip
Ingredients
Pancake Puppies
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups Krusteaz blueberry pancake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
Cheesecake Dipping Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Pancake Puppies
- In a heavy-duty pot over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pancake mix, water, powdered sugar, and white chocolate chips. Mix until blended.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop balls of pancake batter and drop them into the hot oil.
- When the pancake balls turn brown on the bottom side, flip them over with a slotted spoon and cook until the other side has browned.
- Remove the cooked pancake puppies from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Dipping Sauce
- Place the softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add the salt and vanilla. Increase the speed to medium and beat until it is light and fluffy.
- If you want a thinner dipping sauce, add a little cream or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition
More Denny’s Copycat Recipes
- Denny’s French Toast
- Moons Of My Hammy
- Plain Pancake Puppies
- Red Velvet Pancake Puppies
- Strawberry Pancake Puppies
Favorite Pancake Recipes
- Alton Brown Pancakes
- Birthday Pancakes
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- Chocolate Pancakes
- Cinnamon Pancakes
- Pancake Wake Up Wrap
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Red Velvet Pancakes
Check out my easy breakfast recipes and the best copycat restaurant favorites on CopyKat!
is it possible to make these in an air fryer?
I don’t think so, this batter is very wet.