Cranberry Orange Pancakes Recipe

These Cranberry Orange Pancakes are a delightful twist on your classic breakfast pancakes. With the tartness of dried cranberries and the bright citrus flavor of orange, these pancakes are perfect for a festive brunch or a cozy morning treat. Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, orange juice, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
4. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
5. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with maple syrup and additional cranberries, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (about 8 pancakes)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

1. Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries instead of dried for a more tart flavor. Just be sure to chop them slightly to avoid large chunks in your batter.
2. Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use almond milk instead of buttermilk for a vegan-friendly version.
3. Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious pancake.
4. Add Spice: For extra warmth, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
5. Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle a little warmed maple syrup mixed with orange zest on top for even more citrus flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat pancakes in a toaster, microwave, or on a skillet over low heat. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just pop them in the toaster straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries? Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but be sure to chop them in half to prevent them from overwhelming the batter.
2. Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s best to make the batter fresh for the best texture, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours if needed.
3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but the pancakes may not be as fluffy. For a buttermilk alternative, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
4. Can I use a different type of juice? Yes, you could substitute the orange juice with another fruit juice like cranberry or apple juice for a unique flavor.
5. How do I know when to flip the pancakes? Flip the pancakes when you see small bubbles forming on the surface, and the edges start to set. Then, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
6. Can I freeze the pancakes? Yes! Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
7. Can I use a non-stick pan instead of a griddle? Absolutely! A non-stick pan works well for pancakes. Just make sure to cook over medium heat and lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.
8. Can I use egg substitute? Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water) or a store-bought egg replacer for a vegan version of this recipe.
9. How do I make the pancakes extra fluffy? Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined, leaving lumps in the batter. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
10. What can I serve these pancakes with? Serve them with maple syrup, fresh orange slices, extra dried cranberries, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast treat.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Pancakes offer a festive and refreshing twist on a breakfast classic. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes for a delicious and aromatic stack of pancakes perfect for holiday mornings or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple preparation, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite!

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