Thereās something about the Cracker Barrel pancake recipe that wraps you up in comfort like a warm, Southern hug. Maybe itās the golden crisp edges, the melt-in-your-mouth fluffiness, or the rich, buttery taste that reminds you of a cozy morning at grandmaās. In my family, weekends were for big breakfasts, and pancakes were always on the menu. My mom had a knack for recreating restaurant flavors at home, and this Cracker Barrel pancake recipe was her crown jewel. Over the years, Iāve fine-tuned it, but every bite still brings me back to that bustling kitchen filled with laughter, maple syrup, and love.
Why Youāll Love This Cracker Barrel Pancake
This Cracker Barrel pancake recipe is more than just breakfast it’s an experience. Perfect for lazy Sundays, family brunches, or just when you need a comforting pick-me-up, these pancakes have a rich buttermilk base, light texture, and a golden, buttery finish that rivals the real thing. Whether you’re a pancake purist or love stacking them high with toppings, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and nostalgia.
Pure Comfort
What makes the Cracker Barrel pancake recipe pure comfort food? Itās the simplicity and the soul of Southern cooking. The subtle tang from buttermilk, the slight crisp from the skillet, and the soft, fluffy interior are like a culinary lullaby. Pair them with warm syrup and a pat of melting butter, and you’ve got a plate full of joy.
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Pancake

- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter (plus more for the skillet)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but highly recommended)
What You Need
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick griddle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Ladle or measuring cup for pouring
Time to Cook Cracker Barrel Pancake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 (makes about 12 pancakes)
Steps to Make Cracker Barrel Pancake
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together.
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. A few lumps are totally okay!
- Preheat skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush lightly with butter.
- Cook the pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet. When bubbles form on top and the edges look set, flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve hot: Stack ’em high, serve with your favorite toppings.
Make It Perfect
- Use real buttermilk itās essential for that signature tang and fluffiness.
- Donāt overmix! Stir just until combined.
- Use a cast iron skillet for that classic, crispy edge.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking it makes a difference.
Mix It Up
Want to put your own spin on it? Try:
- A handful of blueberries or chocolate chips in the batter
- Swapping half the flour for whole wheat for a heartier texture
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
Perfect Partners Cracker Barrel Pancake

Busy Day Hero
Pair this Cracker Barrel pancake recipe with scrambled eggs and crispy fried chicken for a filling brunch that powers you through a busy day.
Work Ahead
Double the recipe and freeze extra pancakes with parchment between layers. Reheat in the toaster or oven easy and just as good!
Save Some For Later
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil or zip bags and enjoy within a month.
Everyone’s Happy
Customize the toppings: syrup, fruit, nuts, even whipped cream. Let the kids make their own stacks!
Good For You Too
Try buckwheat pancakes for a gluten-friendly twist on the classic Cracker Barrel pancake recipe.
Easy Clean Up
Use one bowl for dry and one for wet. Wipe the skillet between batches with a damp paper towel for a fresh start each time.
Switch It Up
Need more ideas? Check out this 10-minute guide to chocolate chip pancakes and tips to avoid burnt chocolate chips.
Simply Perfect
Sometimes, less is more. Serve these with warm maple syrup and a dollop of butter, and youāve got the gold standard of comfort food.
FAQs for Cracker Barrel Pancake
1. Can I make these without buttermilk?
Yes, use 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar with 2 cups milk. Let sit 5ā10 mins.
2. Can I use pancake mix?
You can, but to capture the true flavor of the Cracker Barrel pancake recipe, go from scratch.
3. How do I know when to flip?
Look for bubbles and slightly dry edges thatās your cue.
4. Why are mine not fluffy?
Check your baking soda/powder. Also, donāt overmix the batter.
5. Can I make them vegan?
Try flax eggs and a plant-based milk with vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
6. Whatās the secret ingredient?
Real butter and buttermilk. Donāt skimp!
Conclusion
Thereās a reason why the Cracker Barrel pancake recipe remains a breakfast legend. Itās simple, soulful, and satisfying. With just a few pantry staples, you can bring the joy of a beloved restaurant breakfast to your own kitchen. Whether itās a quiet morning alone or a bustling family brunch, these pancakes fit the moment perfectly.
Make them once, and theyāll be your go-to every time you need a taste of home.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ā¤ļø!
Print
Cracker Barrel Pancake
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This fluffy and golden Cracker Barrel pancake recipe brings classic diner-style comfort home using buttermilk, flour, eggs, and melted butter.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently until just incorporatedādo not overmix.
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Lightly grease the skillet with butter, then pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form and the edges look set, then flip and cook until golden brown.
Serve hot with more butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
For best results, use real buttermilk. If unavailable, substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of milk. A cast iron skillet will help achieve the signature Cracker Barrel-style crispy edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pancakes
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cracker Barrel pancake recipe, buttermilk pancakes, homemade pancakes, diner-style pancakes