Save A bold, savory-sweet stack of fluffy pancakes loaded with sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of maple, finished with crispy bacon and a drizzle of honey. The ultimate brunch treat for adventurous palates!
The first time I made these Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake Pancake Stacks, my kitchen was filled with laughter and curiosity—everyone wanted to know what was cooking! It quickly became a playful weekend ritual in our home, especially with the kids sprinkling extra cheese and jalapeño rings on top.
Ingredients
- Pancake Batter: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Savory Add-Ins: 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated), 2 fresh jalapeños (deseeded and finely chopped), 4 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
- Toppings: 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, additional cheddar (grated, for garnish), sliced jalapeño rings (for garnish), extra crispy bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat eggs with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Stir Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Add Savory Fillings:
- Fold in cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and bacon.
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat; lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Cook Pancakes:
- Pour 1/3 cup batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Keep Warm:
- Keep pancakes warm while repeating with remaining batter.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Stack pancakes on plates. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, then top with extra cheddar, jalapeño rings, and bacon as desired.
Save Gathering for brunch and sharing these pancake stacks always sparks lively conversations. My partner loves piling theirs high with extra bacon while the kids go wild for the honey drizzle!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, cheese grater, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (cheese, buttermilk, butter), and eggs. Bacon contains pork. Check packaged ingredients if serving to those with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 485 calories, 24 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 18 g protein
Save Serve piping hot and let each guest build their chaos stack. The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy makes this a brunch favorite that gets everyone talking!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or Colby can substitute cheddar for a milder flavor. Smoked cheese adds extra depth.
- → How do I make these vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or extra cheese for a hearty vegetarian version.
- → What toppings work best?
Honey or maple syrup, extra grated cheddar, jalapeño rings, and crispy bacon complement the flavors well.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Leave more seeds in the jalapeños for extra heat or use mild chilies for a gentler taste.
- → How do I keep pancakes fluffy?
Mix batter gently, stopping when just combined. Overmixing can make pancakes dense and tough.
- → What can I serve alongside?
Sour cream or yogurt makes a tangy dip. Fresh fruit provides a refreshing balance.