Coffee Pancakes Recipe

If you’re a fan of fluffy pancakes and love your morning coffee, why not combine the two for a rich, indulgent breakfast that perks you up and satisfies your sweet tooth? This coffee pancakes recipe is a delightful way to bring the deep, bold flavor of espresso into your brunch routine. Topped with a smooth coffee glaze and sprinkled with mini chocolate chips, this dish is both comforting and energizing.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want to make your weekday breakfast a little more exciting, these coffee-infused pancakes are a must-try.

☕ Why Make Coffee Pancakes?

There’s something irresistible about combining two breakfast staples—coffee and pancakes. Not only does it make your morning routine more efficient (why eat and drink separately when you can do both at once?), it creates a layered flavor experience you won’t find in traditional pancakes.

Using espresso powder brings intensity and depth to the batter, turning simple pancakes into a café-inspired treat. Learn more about how to incorporate this magical ingredient by reading this guide on using espresso powder in baking.

But flavor isn’t the only reason to make these pancakes. The recipe is:

Quick to whip up
Made from basic pantry ingredients
Easily customizable for dietary needs
Perfect for freezing and meal prepping

You’ll also love the tangy richness that buttermilk brings to this batter. If you’re out of buttermilk or need a dairy-free alternative, check out this great buttermilk substitute guide from King Arthur Baking.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need For Coffee Pancakes Recipe

To make these caffeinated pancakes, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or instant coffee)
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter, divided
½ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Coffee Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk of choice)
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

🍳 Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Nonstick skillet or griddle
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack for cooling

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions Of Coffee Pancakes Recipe

Here’s how to create the perfect batch of coffee pancakes:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking powder
Powdered sugar
Espresso powder
Salt

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl or large measuring cup, combine:

Buttermilk
Eggs
1 tablespoon melted butter

Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Do not overmix—some lumps are okay.

3. Heat Your Griddle

Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter.

4. Cook the Pancakes

Scoop out about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Once bubbles form on the surface, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on top. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.

5. Make the Coffee Glaze

Whisk together:

Powdered sugar
Buttermilk
Espresso powder

Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.

6. Serve and Drizzle

Plate the pancakes, drizzle generously with the coffee glaze, and top with extra chocolate chips or fruit.

🔄 Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this coffee pancakes recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or simply want to mix things up, these substitutions and creative variations will help you personalize your pancakes while keeping the rich, bold flavor front and center.

🥛 Dairy-Free & Vegan Options

If you’re avoiding dairy or eggs, try these simple swaps:

Buttermilk Substitute: Use almond milk or oat milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to curdle.
Egg Replacement: For each egg, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and set aside for 5 minutes).
Butter Alternative: Use melted coconut oil or any neutral plant-based butter.

☕ Mocha Pancakes Variation

If you love chocolate as much as you love coffee, turn your pancakes into a mocha-inspired treat:

Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Increase the sweetness slightly with an extra teaspoon of powdered sugar.
Top with chocolate drizzle instead of glaze for a double-chocolate experience.

🍓 Kid-Friendly Version

Want to share this treat with the kids?

Use decaf espresso powder or replace with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Skip the glaze and top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

🌾 Gluten-Free Option

To make the recipe gluten-free:

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add a pinch of xanthan gum if your flour doesn’t already include it.

🍩 Creative Toppings to Try

Fresh fruit: strawberries, bananas, blueberries
Crushed nuts: walnuts, pecans
Yogurt or whipped cream
Maple syrup or coffee glaze
A dusting of cocoa or cinnamon

These substitutions and variations let you enjoy the coffee pancake experience no matter your preference or dietary need—without compromising flavor or texture.

🧠 Pro Tips for Success

Want to make your coffee pancakes absolutely irresistible? Follow these expert-backed tips to ensure every batch turns out fluffy, flavorful, and café-worthy.

🥄 1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Cold eggs or buttermilk can cause uneven mixing and dense pancakes. Let ingredients sit out for 15–20 minutes before starting. This helps create a smoother, more cohesive batter.

⏱ 2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

A few lumps are totally fine—and actually encouraged! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make pancakes chewy instead of fluffy. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened.

🧘 3. Let the Batter Rest

Letting the batter sit for 5–10 minutes allows the baking powder and buttermilk to work their magic. This step improves texture and helps the pancakes rise higher on the griddle.

🔥 4. Cook Low and Slow

Espresso powder and chocolate chips can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Stick to medium-low heat for even cooking and golden edges without bitterness.

🍫 5. Add Chocolate Chips Mid-Cook

Instead of mixing chips into the batter, sprinkle them onto the uncooked side right after pouring. This prevents sinking and ensures even distribution in every bite.

🧈 6. Butter the Pan Between Batches

To maintain crisp, buttery edges, add a small dab of butter before each new round of pancakes.

By following these pro tips, you’ll consistently achieve rich, tender, and picture-perfect coffee pancakes—the kind you’d expect from a cozy brunch café, right in your own kitchen.

❄️ How to Store & Reheat

Making a big batch of coffee pancakes? Great choice! These pancakes store beautifully and are just as delicious the next day—or even weeks later. Here’s how to keep them fresh, fluffy, and flavorful.

🧊 How to Store Coffee Pancakes

Once your pancakes are fully cooled, follow these steps:

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate each pancake with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer (Best Option):
- Place pancakes in a single layer on a wire rack or baking sheet and freeze for about 1–2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label with the date and use within 2 months for best flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Store the coffee glaze separately in a small container. It will thicken in the fridge but can be thinned with a splash of milk before reheating.

🔥 How to Reheat Coffee Pancakes

Choose the method that suits your time and texture preference:

Toaster (Best for Crisp Edges):
Toast frozen or refrigerated pancakes on medium setting. One or two cycles usually restores that fresh-off-the-griddle texture.
Microwave (Quickest):
Place 1–2 pancakes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 15–20 seconds per side. Perfect for a soft, cake-like texture.
Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap pancakes in foil, and warm for 8–10 minutes.

Once warm, drizzle with the coffee glaze, top with chocolate chips or fruit, and enjoy a gourmet breakfast anytime—no skillet needed!

🧮 Nutrition Breakdown (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 277
Fat: 9g
Sugar: 40g
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 45g

Tip: For a lighter version, reduce the glaze or swap chocolate chips with fruit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coffee Pancakes Recipe

Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?

No. Brewed coffee adds too much liquid without the strong concentrated flavor. Stick to instant espresso or instant coffee granules.

Can kids eat these pancakes?

Yes—just use decaf espresso powder for a caffeine-free version.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best used fresh. The baking powder reacts quickly with buttermilk, so don’t let the batter sit for too long.

Do they taste bitter?

Not at all! The bitterness of the espresso is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. Use maple syrup, yogurt, or a dusting of powdered sugar as a delicious alternative.

Make brunch unforgettable with this Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole — sweet, comforting, and bursting with juicy berries.

💬 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast routine with something bold, indulgent, and unforgettable, this coffee pancakes recipe is your new go-to. The combination of espresso powder, buttermilk, and mini chocolate chips creates a rich, fluffy pancake that delivers both flavor and a gentle caffeine kick—perfect for slow mornings or lively brunches.

These pancakes aren’t just delicious—they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, swap in decaf for a kid-friendly version, or even turn them into a mocha twist with a touch of cocoa. The coffee glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence, but they’re just as satisfying with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup.

Plus, with easy freezing and reheating, they’re a smart choice for make-ahead breakfasts that don’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, these coffee-infused pancakes will hit the spot.

So, skip the coffee shop line—bring the café experience home with every fluffy, espresso-kissed bite. You deserve it.

☕🥞 Ready to pour, flip, and drizzle your way into a better breakfast? These coffee pancakes are waiting for you.