Holiday Pancakes with Orange-Maple Cranberry Syrup
Fluffy pancakes with a zesty orange-maple cranberry syrup. Make the syrup ahead and use simple swaps for dairy or gluten-free diets.
This festive breakfast is perfect for your holiday brunch menu.
- Make the orange-maple cranberry syrup in advance; it keeps in the fridge up to a week and reheats gently.
- Do not overmix pancake batter; whisk until mostly smooth and let it rest a few minutes for tender pancakes.
- Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer and adjust simmer time; swaps like non-dairy milk or gluten-free flour work well.
Preparation Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, maple sugar, orange extract, orange zest, and water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, stirring often, until cranberries are broken down and sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon and let cool. Transfer to a container and chill in the refrigerator, can be made up to a week in advance.
3. For the pancakes, in a large bowl, mix together with a whisk, the flour, baking powder, salt, and maple sugar. Add milk, vanilla extract, egg, and melted butter, mix until smooth.
4. Heat a griddle over medium heat. Scoop a ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle, wait until bubbles form on the top of the uncooked side, then flip, cook for another 1 minute. Serve hot with butter and orange-cranberry syrup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for the syrup?
Yes. Add frozen cranberries directly to the saucepan. They may take a few extra minutes to break down. No need to thaw first.
How do I make the syrup less sweet?
Reduce the maple syrup or maple sugar by a few tablespoons, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Taste as it simmers and adjust.
How long will the orange-maple cranberry syrup keep?
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months and thaw in the fridge.
How can I keep pancakes light and fluffy?
Use fresh baking powder, whisk dry ingredients, then add wet and mix until mostly smooth. Let the batter rest 5 to 10 minutes. Cook on medium heat and flip only after bubbles form and edges look set.
Can I make substitutions for dairy, eggs, or gluten?
Yes. Swap whole milk with equal amounts of plant milk. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a little extra baking powder if needed.
What is the best way to reheat cooked pancakes?
For even reheating, warm pancakes in a 350 F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. For a quick option, microwave 15 to 30 seconds, or reheat in a buttered skillet on low for a minute per side.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set and slightly dry. The underside should be golden brown when you lift to check.
Can I double the recipe and make it ahead for a crowd?
Yes. Double the batter and syrup quantities. Keep syrup warm in a covered saucepan or slow cooker. Cook pancakes fresh or keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven until serving.
Can I use frozen cranberries for the syrup?
Yes. Add frozen cranberries directly to the saucepan. They may take a few extra minutes to break down. No need to thaw first.
How do I make the syrup less sweet?
Reduce the maple syrup or maple sugar by a few tablespoons, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Taste as it simmers and adjust.
How long will the orange-maple cranberry syrup keep?
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months and thaw in the fridge.
How can I keep pancakes light and fluffy?
Use fresh baking powder, whisk dry ingredients, then add wet and mix until mostly smooth. Let the batter rest 5 to 10 minutes. Cook on medium heat and flip only after bubbles form and edges look set.
Can I make substitutions for dairy, eggs, or gluten?
Yes. Swap whole milk with equal amounts of plant milk. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a little extra baking powder if needed.
What is the best way to reheat cooked pancakes?
For even reheating, warm pancakes in a 350 F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. For a quick option, microwave 15 to 30 seconds, or reheat in a buttered skillet on low for a minute per side.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set and slightly dry. The underside should be golden brown when you lift to check.
Can I double the recipe and make it ahead for a crowd?
Yes. Double the batter and syrup quantities. Keep syrup warm in a covered saucepan or slow cooker. Cook pancakes fresh or keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven until serving.
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