Pin Few breakfasts feel as luxurious as these brown butter maple bacon pancake stacks. Imagine forkfuls of fluffy pancakes with pockets of crispy salty bacon and a sumptuous brown butter maple syrup cascading down each layer. This dish turns an ordinary morning into something a little bit special and has been my secret for making weekends feel like a celebration.
I still remember the first time I made these after a blustery fall hike and my family devoured every bite in record time. Now it is our must-have for birthdays and cozy Saturdays.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: This creates the pillowy base for the pancakes Look for unbleached flour for best texture
- Granulated sugar: Just enough for a hint of sweetness Raw sugar works too
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners add height and tenderness Always check they are fresh for optimal rise
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors Use fine sea salt
- Eggs: Act as the binder Make sure they are at room temperature for best mixing
- Whole milk: Keeps the pancakes moist and rich Opt for whole for maximum flavor though two percent will work
- Unsalted butter: Gets browned for a nutty aroma and luxurious taste Use high quality Europeanstyle butter if possible
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors Choose pure vanilla for superior results
- Bacon: Provides smoky crispness Pick thickcut traditional bacon for texture or go with turkey bacon if needed
- Pure maple syrup: Adds rich sweetness Always use real maple syrup not pancake syrup
- Optional toppings: Pecans for crunch and earthiness fresh berries for a bright pop Use toasted pecans if possible
Instructions
- Brown the Butter:
- In a small saucepan melt the first portion of butter over medium heat Stir and swirl it gently as it warms Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty This will take about four to five minutes Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for at least five minutes so it does not cook the eggs later
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt Make sure there are no lumps as this ensures even pancake texture
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Crack the eggs into another bowl Beat them lightly Add the milk cooled browned butter and vanilla extract Whisk until all wet ingredients are fully integrated and there are no streaks
- Make the Pancake Batter:
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients Gently stir everything together with a whisk or spatula until mostly combined The batter should still look lumpy This helps keep the pancakes fluffy Finally fold in the crumbled cooked bacon pieces
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with a touch of butter Use a measuring cup to scoop about one third cup of batter for each pancake Pour onto the hot skillet leaving space between each Let them cook without touching until bubbles appear on top and the edges start to look firm about two to three minutes Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another one to two minutes until golden brown Repeat with the remaining batter
- Prepare Brown Butter Maple Syrup:
- In a small saucepan melt the remaining butter and let it brown as before Once nutty and deep golden stir in the warmed maple syrup Keep the mixture over low heat so it stays warm until serving
- Assemble and Garnish:
- Stack pancakes on each plate Layer extra bacon strips between the pancakes so every slice gets some crispy texture Generously drizzle the brown butter maple syrup over the stack Add chopped pecans or a few berries for a touch of freshness
Pin I have shared this recipe with neighbors for a weekend breakfast party and not a single pancake was left behind My brother now requests it every time he visits and we always find ourselves laughing over who gets the crispiest edge piece. This stack never fails to bring smiles to sleepy faces
Storage Tips
Let leftover pancakes cool completely before stacking with parchment between each layer Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Reheat briefly in a dry skillet or pop in the toaster for best results The brown butter maple syrup also stores well in a lidded jar for up to three days in the fridge When ready to use gently rewarm in a saucepan
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option Use your favorite milk alternative like oat or almond for a dairy free version but know that flavor will be slightly different Gluten free flour blends can work in place of the wheat flour but choose one that is specifically designed for pancakes to maintain fluffiness
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pancakes stacked high with extra bacon in between For a special touch spoon on whipped cream or add a fried egg on top If you are making this for a brunch crowd arrange the pancakes on a platter and let everyone drizzle on their own syrup pairing it all with hot coffee or chilled juice
Cultural Context
Pancakes have long been a staple of American brunch culture and adding bacon takes the classic to a whole new level Browning the butter is a Frenchinspired step that adds complexity and luxury to a simple recipe This stack marries traditions from weekend diners and homestyle kitchens
Pin Brown butter maple bacon pancakes always make any breakfast feel special and decadent Serve them warm with plenty of syrup for an instant morning mood boost.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a nutty brown butter flavor?
Melt butter over medium heat and cook until it turns golden with a toasty, nutty aroma. Swirl the pan and watch closely to avoid burning.
- → Can I substitute turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used in place of pork bacon for a lighter twist without sacrificing crunch and savory flavor.
- → What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm?
Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F/90°C) while preparing the rest of the stack.
- → Are there suggested toppings beyond syrup and bacon?
Chopped pecans, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a fried egg pair beautifully with this breakfast stack.
- → How can I make the pancakes extra fluffy?
Only mix the batter until just combined and leave small lumps; overmixing will result in denser pancakes.
- → What beverage pairs well with this dish?
Enjoy with strong coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice to complement the sweet-savory flavors.