TheChic_upgrade pancakes

No matter what you call it- pancakes, hotcakes, or flapjacks- they are wonderful to wake up to for breakfast.  I love a good stack of pancakes drizzled with warm maple syrup.  Plus, what’s better than mini cakes first in the morning?  Nothing.

Have you seen the Breakfast Pizza from last month?  I take breakfast seriously.  It is the most important meal of the day, and thus requires much substance and quality.  With the acessibility and ease of pancake mixes, there is no excuse not to make pancakes at home.

Here are 5 ways to upgrade and revitalize your morning pancakes!

1. Rainbow Sprinkles

TheChic_rainbow sprinkle pancakes

As a kid I was in love with funfetti cake.  These rainbow sprinkles pancakes are my favorite.  They are so pretty and so nostalgic.  It makes me feel like its my birthday every time I have a stack of these fun pancakes.

Rainbow Sprinkle Pancakes

For every 1 cup of pancake mix add:

3 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

TheChic_inside rainbow sprinkle pancake

2. Red Velvet with Whipped Cream Cheese

TheChic_red velvet pancakes

For the longest time, red velvet has been the “it” cake.  What’s not to love?  The mixture of cocoa powder and buttermilk give this cake a distinct and delicious flavor.  Its not quite a chocolate cake, and not really a vanilla cake.  As a result, it is bound to satisfy everyone.  Plus, the red color is just so inviting.

Velvet Pancakes with Whipped Cream Cheese

For every 1 cup of pancake mix add (I used a buttermilk pancake mix):

1 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp red food coloring

Whipped Cream Cheese:

4 oz cream cheese, softened, room temperature

1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to medium peaks

In a bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth.  Slowly add powdered sugar and mix until combined.  Fold in whipped cream into mixture.

3. Blueberry with Chopped Almonds

TheChic_blueberry almond pancakes

Blueberry pancakes are a classic American breakfast staple sure to be found at diners and cafes everywhere.  I like to add some chopped almonds for crunch, protein and sophistication.

Blueberry Pancakes with Chopped Almonds

For every 1 cup of pancake mix add:

1 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

1/3 cup chopped almonds, light toasted

4. Dark Chocolate and Roasted Hazelnuts

TheChic_chocolate hazelnut pancakes

Nutella!  Ask any kid if they want Nutella spread on their morning toast and you’ll understand the popularity of chocolate mixed with hazelnut.  Now, take that combination a step further to make this kid-friendly, as well as adult-approved, roasted hazelnut and chocolate chip pancakes.  As an added surprise, spread a thin layer of Nutella between the pancake stacks.

Chocolate Hazelnut Pancakes

For every 1 cup of pancake mix add:

1 Tbsp granulated sugar

1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

1/3 cup roughly chopped hazelnuts, skinned and lightly toasted

TheChic_hazelnut chocolate nutella pancakes

5. Cinnamon and Pecans

TheChic_cinnamon pecan pancakes

I love cinnamon.  Cinnamon rolls, snickerdoodles, and churros.  Give me anything with cinnamon and sugar and I’m a happy camper.  I think cinnamon and pecans work so well together.  For extra sweetness, use candied pecans instead of regular toasted pecans.

Cinnamon Pancakes with Chopped Pecans

For every 1 cup of pancake mix add:

1 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed

1 tsp ground cinnamon, or more to taste

1/3 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

TheChic_pecan cinnamon pancake stack

The most important rule in pancakes- use good maple syrup.  None of that imitation stuff.  Pancakes this delicious deserve real quality maple syrup.

What’s your favorite pancake?  Let me know below in the comments section!