Pancake Pantry Sweet Potato Pancake Recipe: Delicious & Easy

Make delicious and easy sweet potato pancakes with this simple Pancake Pantry recipe. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying breakfast, this guide breaks down each step so anyone can master these fluffy, flavorful pancakes.

Ever stared at a bag of sweet potatoes and wondered how to make them into something truly special for breakfast? You’re not alone! Transforming humble sweet potatoes into fluffy, delicious pancakes can seem like a baking challenge, but it’s actually quite simple. Many home cooks find that getting the texture just right, or avoiding a gummy center, can be tricky.

Don’t worry, we’re here to make it easy and fun! This guide will walk you through the Pancake Pantry sweet potato pancake recipe step-by-step. You’ll learn exactly what you need and how to combine them for perfect pancakes every time. Get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting, and surprisingly healthy breakfast!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pancake Recipe

Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and a beautiful golden hue to these pancakes. They also add a boost of nutrients, making them a more wholesome choice than your average pancake. Plus, the texture is wonderfully tender and moist.

This recipe is designed for ease, using common pantry staples alongside the star ingredient. You won’t need any fancy equipment, just a few basic kitchen tools. It’s the perfect way to start your day with something delicious and satisfying.

Gather Your Ingredients

Having all your ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. For these delightful sweet potato pancakes, you’ll need a few key items. We’ve listed everything you need to get started.

Pancake Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for cooking

For Cooking and Serving:

• Butter or cooking spray
• Maple syrup
• Optional toppings: nuts, fresh fruit, whipped cream

To cook your sweet potato, you have a few easy options. You can bake it in the oven until tender, which brings out its natural sweetness. Another quick method is to peel and cube it, then boil or steam until soft. Once cooked, simply mash it with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Make sure to let it cool slightly before adding it to your batter.

Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need a lot of specialized gadgets to make fantastic pancakes. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen. Having them ready will make the process much simpler.

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Griddle or large non-stick skillet
• Ladle or ¼ cup measuring cup for pouring batter

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pancakes

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is broken down into simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious sweet potato pancakes in no time. We’ll explain each part so you feel confident with every stir and pour.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In your large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together gently. This helps to distribute the leavening agent (baking powder) evenly, ensuring your pancakes will be nice and fluffy. It also makes sure the salt and sugar are spread throughout the batter.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In the medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, milk, egg, and melted butter. Make sure the sweet potato is relatively smooth. If there are a few small lumps, that’s okay, but try to get it as uniform as possible. This mixture will form the base of your pancake batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together with your whisk or spatula until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine and actually preferable for tender pancakes. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough pancakes.

Step 4: Heat Your Griddle or Skillet

Place your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the pancakes evenly but not so hot that they burn before the inside is cooked. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, your griddle is good to go. Lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Using a ladle or a ¼ cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the hot griddle. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when you see small bubbles forming on the surface and the edges start to look set. Carefully slide your spatula underneath and flip them over. Cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the cooked pancakes from the griddle and place them on a plate. You can keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while you cook the rest of the batter. Serve them immediately with your favorite toppings like warm maple syrup, a pat of butter, or fresh berries. Enjoy your delicious homemade sweet potato pancakes!

Tips for Sweet Potato Preparation

Getting your sweet potato ready is a key step for the best flavor and texture. Here are a few easy ways to prepare it:

• Baking: Prick a medium sweet potato all over with a fork. Place it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until very tender when pierced with a knife. Let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh.
• Boiling/Steaming: Peel and cut the sweet potato into 1-inch cubes. Boil or steam until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well if boiling, then mash.

Ensure your mashed sweet potato is smooth and free of large lumps for the best pancake consistency. If you have any leftover mashed sweet potato, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or want to change things up. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to make these pancakes your own!

Ingredient	Substitution Option	Notes
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend	May alter texture slightly; gluten-free blends may require adjustments to liquid.
Milk	Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk	Dairy-free options work well and won’t significantly change the outcome.
Egg	Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins)	Good vegan alternative; ensure it’s well-combined with batter.
White sugar	Brown sugar or maple syrup (reduce liquid slightly)	Adds a slightly deeper flavor; adjust sweetness to your preference.

You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dry ingredients for an extra flavor boost. A pinch of pumpkin pie spice works wonderfully with sweet potato!

Cooking Temperature Guide

Getting the griddle temperature right is crucial for perfectly cooked pancakes. Too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll be pale and flat. Here’s a quick guide:

Heat Setting	Indicator	Expected Cooking Time (per side)	Result
Low (e.g., 2-3 on an electric stove)	Water drops evaporate slowly, no sizzle	5-7 minutes	Pale, potentially undercooked center, tough exterior.
Medium (e.g., 4-5 on an electric stove)	Water drops sizzle and evaporate quickly	2-3 minutes	Golden brown, fluffy, cooked through. Ideal for pancakes.
High (e.g., 6-8 on an electric stove)	Water drops instantly vanish and spatter	1-2 minutes	Burnt exterior, raw interior.

It’s always a good idea to cook a “test pancake” first. This allows you to adjust your heat and ensure the batter consistency is right before cooking the whole batch. For more general cooking temperatures and food safety, the USDA provides excellent resources on safe cooking temperatures for various foods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions beginner cooks have about making sweet potato pancakes.

Q1: Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh?

A1: Yes, you can! Make sure you use 100% pure sweet potato puree, not pie filling which contains added sugar and spices. You’ll need about 1 cup of puree. Drain any excess liquid from the puree to ensure your batter isn’t too thin.

Q2: My pancake batter is too thick. What should I do?

A2: If your batter is too thick, it might be because your sweet potato was very dense or you used slightly too much flour. You can thin it out by adding milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable but not watery consistency. Remember, a slightly lumpy batter is okay!

Q3: My pancakes are sticking to the griddle. What am I doing wrong?

A3: Sticking usually means the griddle isn’t hot enough or you haven’t used enough fat. Ensure your griddle is preheated to medium heat. Also, make sure to lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray before each batch. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a good non-stick pan also helps prevent sticking.

Q4: Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

A4: You can cook the pancakes and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in a toaster, oven, or on a skillet until warm. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

Q5: How do I get my pancakes to be perfectly round?

A5: Use a consistent measure for pouring your batter, like a ¼ cup or a ladle. Pour the batter in a circular motion in the center of the hot griddle. Avoid spreading the batter too much, as it will naturally form a round shape as it cooks.

Q6: Can I make these pancakes vegan?

A6: Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). Use your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and ensure your melted butter is replaced with vegan butter or a neutral oil like coconut or vegetable oil.

The Joy of Homemade Pancakes

Making pancakes from scratch, especially these sweet potato ones, is a wonderfully rewarding experience. It’s more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a warm, comforting meal that brings smiles to your table. You’ve learned how to prepare the star ingredient, mix your batter with ease, and cook them to golden perfection.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings or add a pinch of your favorite spice. Cooking should be an adventure, and this recipe is a fantastic starting point for many delicious breakfasts to come. So, gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of your homemade Pancake Pantry sweet potato pancakes. Happy cooking!