On the weekends, The Boyfriend and I like to start our mornings with a cup of coffee and pastries from the very wonderful and oh-so-local Zingerman’s. It’s a special treat we like to get, even though there’s always coffee and sweets at home – we’re spoiled that way.
This particular weekend morning, however, I woke up feeling inspired. Perhaps I’d been dreaming of last weeks’ Cinnamon Buns, because I had caramel on the brain. The regular morning cup of joe would not due, this time.
Before I knew what was happening I was in the kitchen, spilling flour and brown sugar everywhere and generally making a mess of things. This is why I rarely cook in the morning – I need my coffee first! – but the caffeine was coming… I just had to be patient.
About twenty minutes later, all my desires were met. Breakfast, my morning coffee, and sweet-as-can-be caramel, all in one bite.
I quickly woke The Boyfriend to show him my latest and greatest. He was skeptical at first – espresso pancakes? – but after one bite gave a big thumbs up of approval. Proud as a peacock, I was! And just a little bit wired, too.
Caramel Latte Pancakes
(Makes 10-12 pancakes)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
4 TBSP unsalted butter
1 TBSP espresso powder
For the caramel sauce:
2 TBSP unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup golden, brown rice, or corn syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Method:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder/soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Set aside.
In a pot on the stove, combine butter, brown sugar, brewed coffee, and the espresso powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and remove from heat.
Add the buttermilk/eggs to the pot, then pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry. Stir together just until all of the dry is incorporated – don’t worry about lumps in the batter.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, grease lightly, and pour/ladle the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. You know they’re ready to flip when bubbles appear and then break on the surface, and the edges begin to dry slightly.
For the caramel sauce:
While the pancakes are cooking, heat a pot over medium.
Add the butter, brown sugar, and syrup. Let this come to a bubble, stirring occasionally, until all of the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Serve warm.
I suspect leftovers can be kept in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks – but I didn’t have any leftovers to test. And I doubt you will, either.
I am excited to try this out…Love the coffee flavor in it. Yummuy!
Thanks, Fudo! Hope you like them. :)
Amazing photographs, I’ve just pinned it!
I’m glad to discover your site ;-)
Thanks! Glad to have you as a reader!
Oh myyyyyyyyyy…
My wife squealed when I showed her these. I swear.
Haha, nice! Squeals are among the highest of complements, or so I’m told. ;)
I will have some for breakfast and I will have some for an after meal dessert. Delicious for anytime-yum! Espresso and caramel, this has to be good. Well done!
Thanks, Tina!
AMAAAAAZING photos! Great job! Buzzed ya
Thank you so much!
From Italy. Simply amazing. I’ll follow you.
Thanks! Glad to have you as a reader. :D
Woah – these sound amazing. They look beautiful too. Maybe it’s because I didn’t eat breakfast this morning but I would love a mountain of these! :D
Haha – one stack o’ pancakes, coming right up! ;)
Holy Latte Pancakes, these look sooooo good! I am a full-on morning person {I even make a homemade waffle every day for breakfast} so these are a must try for me now! And those pictures! Yup, I’m in love…
Wow – thanks, Cara! :D
You are kidding me! That looks amazing :) I am such a caramel and coffee fan, I’d just about devour those. Also, adorable presentation in the cups!
Thanks! I’m a big fan of the caramel/coffee combo, and these definitely hit the spot. :)
those are delicious looking pancakes!
Thanks!
What wonderful photos. I could eat an entire mound of these.
Haha, thanks! I think I did eat a mound of these. :o
Willow these pancakes look incredible and the caramel sends them over the top!
LOVE the photos as always – the boyfriend was so spoiled this weekend!
Thanks! He spoils me right back, so no biggie. In fact, just the other night I wasn’t feeling well and he made me the most incredible lentil soup… I can’t get over how great that feels! :)
I actually said “Oh NO” out loud as I scrolled down on that top photo of these luscious things! Holy cow Willow! You have me talking to myself :)
Haha! Wow… don’t worry, though, I do the same thing. :P
Ummm…..YES PLEASE!!! Sign me up…I want some! These little pancakes sound amazing and will surely become a regular in my household! :)
Yay! I hope you like them. :D
These are beyond beautiful – everything you could want in a pancake and more- thanks for waking me up :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Brown Butter M&M Cookies
Thanks! Any time.
Your photos are always so gorgeous! Jealous!
Haha – thanks! *blushes*
oh my these look amazing!!!! I love anything with caramel especially espresso! bookmarking these!
Same here – caramel is pretty amazing stuff! Hope you like them! :)
This is what’s up! Looks fantastic and I can only imagine how good these taste. Now I know what to make for Sunday brunch! Thank you!
Thanks – hope you like them!!
These look like they will make my morning possible, beautiful pictures!
Such fun pancakes and I love the presentation!
I just spent 10 whole minutes trying to figure out how to pin this to pinterest from my phone browser. That’s how good these look ;)
Haha, wow – thank you!
these sound incredible!!!