Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting breakfasts but want something plant-based and a little healthier, you’re going to adore this Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe. These pancakes are fluffy, packed with warm cinnamon flavor, and swirled with a creamy cinnamon filling that feels indulgent but keeps everything vegan and gluten-free! I can’t wait to share all my tips so you nail them perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples that combine to create a deliciously tender and flavorful pancake. The cinnamon swirl mixture really elevates these pancakes from everyday to special, so don’t skip it! I usually find all these ingredients easy to source, but I’ll share some swaps you can try too.

• Flax egg or substitute egg: Acts as a binder; I use a flax egg for vegan-friendly pancakes.
• Applesauce: Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness without oil.
• Maple syrup: For sweetness and a hint of that signature maple flavor.
• Plant-based milk: Almond milk works great, but any milk of choice is fine here.
• Vanilla extract: To brighten all those flavors in the batter.
• Oat flour: Keeps the texture tender and gluten-free.
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Holds everything together perfectly; you can swap for regular all-purpose if you’re not gluten-free.
• Baking powder: The secret behind those fluffy pancakes.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweets and enhance flavors.
• Cinnamon: Because it’s a cinnamon swirl pancake recipe, duh!
• Almond butter: Adds nuttiness and thickness to the swirl filling.
• Cream cheese (dairy-free or regular): Gives the swirl that creamy, tangy feel just like a cinnamon roll.
• Powdered sugar: Blended into the glaze to add a touch of sweet gloss.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family is craving. This Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe is super versatile, so feel free to personalize it. You’ll find it easy to adapt whether you want it extra sweet, a little nuttier, or even paleo-friendly.

• Add nuts or raisins: I sometimes sprinkle chopped walnuts or raisins into the batter for a little crunch and extra flavor.
• Swap almond butter: Use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if that’s what you have on hand.
• Make it gluten-free or not: I usually stick with gluten-free flours to keep it allergy-friendly, but regular flour works fine too.
• Syrup alternatives: Try agave or coconut nectar instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Your Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Start by mixing almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, cream cheese, plant milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy. I like to adjust the thickness by adding a bit more maple syrup if it feels too thick to swirl easily. Squeeze bottles work wonderfully for creating those signature swirls on your pancakes, but a ziplock bag with a tiny cut corner works just as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter

Next, whisk together your wet ingredients in a large bowl—applesauce, maple syrup, plant milk, vanilla extract, and your egg or egg substitute. Then, gently stir in your dry ingredients: oat flour, gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix just until everything’s combined; you don’t want to overwork the batter or your pancakes might get tough.

Step 3: Cook and Swirl

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat — patience here is key! Scoop about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter onto the pan and gently smooth the top. Immediately add your cinnamon swirl mixture on top in a spiral or zigzag pattern. Cook for about 2 minutes until bubbles begin to form and edges look set, then flip carefully and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Glaze

Transfer pancakes to a wire rack while you finish cooking the remaining batter. Once ready, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm pancakes. The creamy glaze is the perfect finishing touch that delivers that cinnamon roll flavor without extra fuss.

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top these pancakes with extra cinnamon, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a little drizzle of pure maple syrup for that added shine and sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries pairs beautifully and adds a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cinnamon flavors.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple — plant-based sausage links or crispy tofu scramble balance the sweetness and make this a hearty breakfast. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weekend brunch, I’ve stacked these pancakes tall and layered them with slices of fruit and a little extra glaze between layers. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or coconut flakes for an elegant touch that will impress guests or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days — perfect if you want to prep breakfast in advance!

Freezing

I often freeze leftover pancakes layered between parchment paper in a freezer bag. They freeze wonderfully and thaw quickly, so you can have homemade vegan cinnamon swirl pancakes ready any morning with zero hassle.

Reheating

To reheat, I toast them in a toaster or warm in a pan over low heat—it keeps the edges crisp and the inside soft. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make them a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe quickly became one of my breakfast standbys because it nails that cozy cinnamon roll taste without all the fuss or dairy. If you’ve been craving something sweet, warm, and comforting for your morning routine, this recipe is your new best friend. Honestly, once you try these pancakes with that creamy cinnamon swirl and glaze, you might just want them every weekend — I know I do. So grab your ingredients, whip these up, and enjoy a breakfast that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, even on a busy morning!

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