IHOP Cupcake Pancakes Recipe – Easy Funfetti Copycat from Scratch

There’s nothing more satisfying than tackling a vast stack of hot pancakes straight off the griddle on a lazy Sunday morning. IHOP’s Cupcake Pancakes transform ordinary breakfast into a celebration with their fluffy texture, colorful sprinkles, and decadent cream cheese frosting. These festive pancakes, also known as funfetti pancakes, turn any morning into a birthday party without needing cake mix or artificial ingredients.

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic of IHOP’s Cupcake Pancakes lies in striking the perfect balance between a fluffy pancake texture and a festive presentation. The key is using buttermilk for tanginess and tenderness, while the sprinkles add both color and subtle sweetness. The cream cheese frosting elevates these from simple pancakes to dessert-worthy breakfast treats that rival any bakery creation.

The Story Behind IHOP’s Cupcake Pancakes

In 2016, IHOP introduced Cupcake Pancakes as part of their Bakery Favorites promotion alongside Red Velvet Crepes and Cinnamon Swirl Brioche French Toast. Originally planned as a limited-time offering, these festive pancakes became so popular that customers kept requesting them long after the promotion ended, earning them a permanent spot on the menu. The inspiration likely came from Pillsbury’s Funfetti cake, which debuted in 1989 and became a childhood favorite.

Ingredients

Pancake Batter:

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and creates the perfect fluffy texture when combined with leavening agents
• Baking powder – Primary leavening agent that creates light, airy pancakes
• Baking soda – Works with buttermilk’s acidity to add extra lift and tenderness
• Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps create a golden-brown color when cooking
• Salt – Enhances all other flavors and balances the sweetness
• Buttermilk – Adds tangy flavor and creates tender, moist pancakes through its acidity
• Vegetable oil – Keeps pancakes moist and prevents sticking to the griddle
• Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the batter
• Sprinkles – Adds festive color and subtle sweetness throughout the pancakes

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Butter – Creates a smooth, spreadable consistency and adds rich flavor
• Cream cheese – Provides a tangy base that balances the sweetness perfectly
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting while maintaining a smooth texture
• Milk – Adjusts consistency to the perfect drizzling texture
• Vanilla extract – Adds aromatic warmth and complements the cream cheese

Toppings:

• Whipped cream – Adds light, airy texture and visual appeal
• Extra sprinkles – Provides a final festive touch and color contrast

How to Make IHOP Cupcake Pancakes

Prepare the Pancake Batter

• Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well combined.
• Mix wet ingredients: Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg to the dry ingredients. Using a spoon, mix the mixture until it is just smooth. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the pancakes tough.
• Add sprinkles: Gently fold in sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Work quickly to prevent color bleeding.
  

  

Cook the Pancakes

4. Heat griddle: Heat your griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Brush with oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Pour the batter: Using a ladle, pour the batter onto the griddle to form pancakes of the desired size. Standard size is about 1/4 cup per pancake.
6. Watch for bubbles: Cook until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Flip and finish: Carefully flip pancakes and cook until golden brown on the second side, about 1-2 minutes more.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

8. Beat base ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
9. Add sweetener: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until it is fully incorporated.
10. Adjust consistency: Add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until frosting reaches a smooth, drizzling consistency.

Assembly and Serving

11. Stack and drizzle: Place pancakes in stacks on serving plates. Drizzle generously with cream cheese frosting.
12. Final touches: Top with additional sprinkles and dollops of whipped cream. Serve immediately while warm.

Professional Tips for Perfect Results

• Griddle Temperature: Test your griddle by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready.
• Batter Consistency: The batter should pour easily but not be too thin. If too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
• Keeping Warm: For serving a crowd, stay finished pancakes warm in a 200°F oven covered with foil.
• Frosting Texture: The frosting should coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle easily. Adjust with milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pancakes in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Store frosting separately.
• Reheating Method: Reheat pancakes in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave for 30-60 seconds. Warm frosting slightly before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted pancakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving with fresh frosting.

Love IHOP pancakes? Try these copycat recipes

• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Cinnamon Bun Pancakes
• Griddle Pancake
• Caramel-Banana Pancakes
• Cannoli Pancake
• Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

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