If you’re craving a breakfast that brings comfort, fun, and a delicious surprise all in one, the Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe is an absolute game changer. This dish takes your classic pancake experience and elevates it by stuffing it with creamy goodness inside a perfectly golden, fluffy skillet pancake. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends at brunch, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe truly shine, combining pantry staples with a few special touches that ensure perfect flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays an essential role in creating the soft, tender pancake and luscious filling beneath its golden surface.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the pancake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the pancake rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1¼ cups buttermilk: Imparts a slight tang and moistness, enriching the pancake texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together with richness and structure.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds silky richness and prevents sticking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A fragrant hint of warmth and sweetness.
- ½ cup cream cheese or chocolate spread (for filling): The luscious surprise inside the pancake that melts delightfully.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the skillet): Ensures perfectly golden edges and easy cooking.
- Powdered sugar and fresh berries (optional): For a beautiful and tasty finishing touch when serving.
How to Make Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that the leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed, giving the pancake its perfect rise and flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. The melted butter enriches the batter while the vanilla lends a lovely aroma that hints at sweetness to come.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Remember, the batter should be thick and lumpy — overmixing can make your pancake tough, but a light hand yields soft, tender results.
Step 4: Prepare the Skillet
Preheat a medium oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium-low heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the bottom and sides, ensuring that the pancake doesn’t stick and develops a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Layer the Pancake and Filling
Pour half of the batter into the skillet, smoothing it evenly. Then, spoon dollops of cream cheese or your chosen chocolate spread carefully over the batter, avoiding the edges. Top this with the remaining batter, gently smoothing it to cover the filling completely. This layering is what makes this Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe so exciting — a delightful surprise inside every slice.
Step 6: Cook and Bake
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to trap steam and cook on the stovetop for 6 to 8 minutes. This gently cooks the bottom layer. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the pancake is puffed up, golden, and a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar over the top of your stuffed pancake skillet is like giving it a little sprinkle of magic. Fresh berries not only add a pop of vibrant color but also lend a refreshing tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness inside. Feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can cut through the richness, while crispy bacon or sausage adds a savory counterpoint that will satisfy any brunch craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the skillet pancake into generous wedges and serve straight from the pan for a rustic charm, or plate each piece individually with toppings arranged artfully on the side. For a fun twist, try switching up the filling — think peanut butter, fruit preserves, or nutella — to surprise your guests and keep things exciting at your next brunch or breakfast gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining most of their flavor and texture if stored properly.
Freezing
If you want to save your pancake for longer, slice and freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. This makes it easy to pop a slice into the toaster or oven whenever you want a quick and delightful treat on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a low oven or toaster oven to preserve the crisp edges and warm the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pancake soggy. A few minutes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) usually does the trick splendidly.
FAQs
Can I use a different filling inside the pancake?
Absolutely! This Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe is versatile. Try swapping the cream cheese or chocolate spread for peanut butter, fruit jam, or Nutella for new flavors that will keep everyone guessing and coming back for more.
What type of skillet should I use?
An oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron or a heavy-duty nonstick pan, works best. The cast iron provides even heat distribution and helps create that golden crust, making your stuffed pancake skillet an irresistible masterpiece.
Do I have to bake the pancake in the oven?
Baking in the oven ensures the pancake cooks through without burning the bottom. The stovetop alone often results in an undercooked center. So, for the best results, follow the stovetop then oven method described in the recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients like buttermilk with plant-based alternatives such as almond or oat milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes. It might alter the texture slightly but will still taste amazing!
How do I know when the pancake is fully cooked?
The pancake should be puffed and golden, and a toothpick inserted near the edge should come out clean without wet batter. The middle might remain a bit soft until you let it rest for a few minutes after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with comfort, flavor, and that “wow” factor thanks to its surprise filling. Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast or a cozy brunch, I can’t recommend it enough. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and start creating this incredible layered pancake — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Stuffed Pancake Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious stuffed pancake skillet recipe that combines fluffy pancakes with a creamy or chocolatey filling, cooked perfectly on the stovetop and finished in the oven. This sweet brunch treat is easy to prepare, ideal for breakfast or brunch, and can be customized with your favorite fillings like cream cheese, chocolate spread, peanut butter, or jam.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- ½ cup cream cheese or chocolate spread
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the skillet)
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create the dry mix.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, so avoid overmixing to keep pancakes tender.
- Heat Skillet and Add Butter: Preheat a medium-sized oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, coating the bottom and sides of the skillet evenly to prevent sticking.
- Pour First Layer: Pour half of the pancake batter into the skillet and spread it evenly to form a base layer.
- Add Filling: Dollop cream cheese or chocolate spread evenly over the batter, avoiding the edges to prevent spilling when cooking.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Gently pour the remaining pancake batter over the filling and smooth the surface carefully to cover the filling completely.
- Stovetop Cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook on the stovetop over medium-low heat for 6–8 minutes to allow the batter to set.
- Oven Baking: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until the pancake is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the stuffed pancake cool for 5 minutes. Slice to serve and optionally garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries for a delightful finish.
Notes
- Try different fillings such as peanut butter, fruit jam, or Nutella to customize the flavor.
- Best served warm for optimal texture and taste.
- This recipe works well in a 10-inch skillet or cast iron pan for even cooking.
