Sweet potato pancakes are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic breakfast favorite. With their fluffy texture, warm spices, and subtle sweetness from the mashed sweet potato, these pancakes are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and full of comforting flavors that will leave you craving more.

These pancakes are a great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes, turning them into a delightful meal for the whole family. Topped with maple syrup or your favorite fruit, they offer a satisfying and nutritious start to your day. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a dollop of whipped cream, these sweet potato pancakes are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes are light, airy, and filled with the natural sweetness and nutrients of sweet potatoes. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, provide a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potato. The combination of mashed sweet potato and milk creates a batter that’s just thick enough to cook up into fluffy, golden pancakes. They’re perfect for those looking to add a healthy twist to their breakfast routine.

Whether you’re trying to boost your vegetable intake or simply love the taste of sweet potatoes, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. They also freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep.

Ingredients

Mashed sweet potato
Flour
Milk
Sugar
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Egg
Butter

Variations

Add-ins

For extra flavor and texture, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even chocolate chips to the batter before cooking.

Vegan Version

To make these pancakes vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and vegan butter.

Spices

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add a pinch of ginger for more warmth, or use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a slightly different flavor profile.

Toppings

Top these pancakes with anything from fresh berries, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. You could even make a caramelized banana topping for extra indulgence.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, flour, milk, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir the ingredients until everything is well mixed and the batter is smooth.

Step 2: Add Egg and Butter

Beat in the egg and melted butter. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can test the heat by sprinkling a small amount of water on the skillet; if it sizzles, it’s ready for the batter.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown on both sides.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pancakes from the skillet and serve immediately. Top with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious finishing touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Check your sweet potato: Make sure the sweet potato is mashed smoothly with no lumps to ensure the pancakes turn out light and fluffy.
Don’t overmix: Once the wet ingredients are added, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.
Medium heat is key: Cook the pancakes on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning on the outside.
Use a ladle or measuring cup: For even-sized pancakes, use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or ladle to pour the batter onto the skillet.

How to Serve

Serve these sweet potato pancakes warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for extra creaminess.

For a more filling breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fruit salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These pancakes store well in the fridge. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in the toaster.

Reheating

To reheat pancakes, simply microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, or warm them in a skillet on low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once to heat both sides.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of mashed fresh ones?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes will work as a substitute. Just be sure to drain and mash them before using.

2. Can I use a different flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, or you can try gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten.

3. Can I make the pancakes without eggs?

Yes, you can use a flax egg or another egg substitute to make this recipe egg-free.

4. How can I make these pancakes fluffier?

For extra fluffiness, try separating the egg whites from the yolk. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the batter.

5. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pancakes ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat before serving.

6. How do I make sure the pancakes don’t stick to the pan?

Use a non-stick skillet and a little butter or cooking spray to ensure the pancakes don’t stick.

7. How do I know when the pancakes are done?

The pancakes are done when they are golden brown on both sides, and when you insert a toothpick or fork into the center, it comes out clean.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, chocolate chips can be added to the batter for an extra treat!

9. How do I make the pancakes thinner?

If your batter is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.

10. Can I make these pancakes without milk?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk.

Conclusion

These Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes are a perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of sweet potatoes in a comforting breakfast. They’re easy to make, flavorful, and versatile, making them a great addition to your breakfast routine. Whether you’re celebrating a weekend brunch or looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast, these pancakes are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh off the griddle with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.