But here’s the kicker: the buttery crust. Each pancake is cooked on a buttered griddle, ensuring a lightly crispy outer layer, while the inside remains soft and tender.
Key Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pancakes
To make copycat Cracker Barrel pancakes, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. The key is using real buttermilk and high-quality butter to achieve that signature flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour (measured with a spoon, not sifted)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt (can be reduced to 1/2 tsp if desired)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/3 cups low-fat buttermilk (nothing above 1%)
- Butter (for cooking)
These ingredients are easy to find and will give you the closest possible match to Cracker Barrel’s pancakes.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions for making Cracker Barrel pancakes at home. The process is straightforward, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious pancakes in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Griddle
Set your griddle to 350°F. If you don’t have a griddle, a non-stick pan will also work, but you may need to adjust the heat slightly to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Buttermilk
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until fully combined. This mixture is essential for giving the pancakes their rich flavor and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Gently mix these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix the batter—stir just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine, and they will work themselves out during cooking.
Step 5: Butter the Griddle
Once your griddle is hot, peel the paper off one end of a stick of butter and rub it in a circle on the griddle. This step creates the buttery crust that Cracker Barrel pancakes are known for.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Using a 1/2 cup measure or a large ice cream scoop, drop the batter onto the griddle. Immediately use the back of the scoop to gently spread the batter into a circle.
The pancakes are ready to flip when the second bubble pops on the surface. This should take about two minutes on most griddles. Flip the pancake and cook until the other side is golden brown and no longer doughy.
Step 7: Serve Hot
For the best results, serve the pancakes hot, straight off the griddle. Stacking or holding them in the oven can cause them to lose their crunchy exterior and become tough.
How to Make Pancake Mix for Later
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can easily be turned into a pancake mix. This way, you can always have the mix ready to go for quick weekday breakfasts.
Pancake Mix Ingredients:
- 10 cups all-purpose flour (measured with a spoon, not sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp + 1 tsp baking soda
- 5 tsp salt
To Make Pancake Mix:
Simply whisk together all the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make pancakes, just follow the directions below.
To Make 6 Pancakes:
- Whisk together 1 cup + 1 tbsp low-fat buttermilk and 1 egg.
- Gently whisk in 1 cup of pancake mix and cook as directed above.
To Make 12 Pancakes:
- Whisk together 2 1/3 cups low-fat buttermilk and 2 eggs.
- Gently whisk in 2 cups of pancake mix and cook as directed above.
Best Griddle for Pancakes: Zojirushi Gourmet Electric Sizzler
While any good-quality griddle will get the job done, we highly recommend the Zojirushi Gourmet Electric Sizzler. This durable griddle ensures even heating, has a large cooking surface, and even comes with a metal spatula—perfect for pancakes. Investing in a high-quality griddle is well worth it for consistently delicious pancakes.
Buttermilk Substitutes
While true buttermilk delivers the best results, you can use substitutes in a pinch. Options like vinegar in milk, powdered buttermilk, kefir, or even yogurt work as alternatives. However, they tend to lack the special flavor and consistency that cultured buttermilk provides.
Great Syrups to Top Your Pancakes
No Cracker Barrel pancakes are complete without syrup. While classic maple syrup is always a favorite, we recommend trying some homemade options:
- Sticky Bun Breakfast Syrup: Imagine pouring the gooey cinnamon center of a sticky bun all over your pancakes. It’s sweet, rich, and indulgent.
- Wild Blueberry Syrup: This is a simple and flavorful syrup that pairs perfectly with fluffy pancakes.
Nutritional Information
For those tracking nutrition, each pancake serving provides approximately 255 calories. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrition facts:
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
- Sodium: 887mg
- Potassium: 205mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
There you have it—our ultimate guide to recreating the Cracker Barrel pancake recipe at home. With just a few basic ingredients, some tips for getting the perfect texture, and a reliable griddle, you’ll be able to enjoy fluffy buttermilk pancakes anytime you like. Plus, the homemade pancake mix ensures that these delicious treats can be whipped up in no time.
