Steam rising, soft butter melting, and that familiar cozy scent curling out of the kitchenFluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes bring all the fall feelings, year-round. They’ve been trending on Pinterest for a reason. These homemade pancakes are warm, tender, and subtly sweetwith no mixer needed. In under 30 minutes, you’ll be digging into a stack of fluffy perfection any day of the week.
This easy pancake recipe folds mashed sweet potatoes into a cozy batter with cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, and a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for texture and depth. They cook up golden and pillowylike your favorite diner pancake met a Thanksgiving side dish. See full instructions below!
I first made these while visiting my grandmashe always had leftover roasted sweet potatoes in her fridge. Over the years, I’ve tested variations with different flours, sweeteners, and dairy alternatives. The final touch? A quick buttery drizzle on the skillet just before flipping. Crisp edges, tender center*chef’s kiss*.
Why You’ll Love These Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes
These pancakes are basically a cozy hug disguised as breakfast. Here’s why they might become your go-to recipe:
- Perfectly light & fluffy: Baking powder ensures these pancakes rise into golden, cloud-like stacks.
- Cozy, nostalgic flavor: The sweet potato adds natural sweetness and warm comfort from the inside out.
- Simple & beginner-friendly: No mixer, no fussjust basic ingredients and one mixing bowl.
- Versatile for any meal: Try them for breakfast, lunch, or even brinner (that’s breakfast-for-dinner!).
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these deliciously fluffy pancakes:

- Mashed Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and moisture. Use leftover roasted sweet potatoes or canned puree (unsweetened).
- Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect soft bite. You can blend in whole wheat flour (replace 1/2 cup) for a heartier texture.
- Baking Powder: Gives the batter lift so every pancake is pillowy and golden.
- Eggs & Milk: Essential for structure, richness and smooth batter consistency.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor that complements the sweet potato beautifully.
Pro Tip: Bring your milk and melted butter to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can seize the batter and make it less airy.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Mashed Sweet Potato | 1 cup |
Plain Flour | 2 1/2 cups |
Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Brown Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
Melted Butter | 1/4 cup |
How to Make Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes
Follow these simple steps for picture-perfect pancakes every time:
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, eggs, brown sugar, milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Make the batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined. Don’t overmixsome small lumps are okay!
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges appear set, 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Add a drizzle of melted butter to the skillet before pouring the next pancake to boost griddle caramelization.
Step | Estimated Time |
---|---|
Mix Wet Ingredients | 5 minutes |
Combine Dry Ingredients | 5 minutes |
Cook Pancakes | 15–20 minutes |
Total Time | 25–30 minutes |
Swaps & Tips for Success
Need to adapt for dietary needs or taste? Try these easy swaps:
- No Sweet Potato? Replace with pumpkin or butternut squash puree for a similar taste and texture profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat, and substitute butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Add Warm Spices: A touch of nutmeg or ginger makes these pancakes feel even more like dessert-for-breakfast.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan! Leaving space ensures steam escapes and pancakes cook evenly.
Ingredient | Swap |
---|---|
Sweet Potato | Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Puree |
Milk | Almond or Oat Milk |
Butter | Coconut Oil |
Serving & Storage
Serve warm, topped with butter and maple syrup. Try garnishing with chopped toasted pecans or a scoop of whipped cream for a brunch-ready boost.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon, chicken sausage, or fresh berries for a sweet-savory breakfast combo.
- Leftover Storage: Cool pancakes fully before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze as outlined below.
Storage Option | How-to |
---|---|
Refrigerate | Let pancakes cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. |
Freeze | Layer each pancake between parchment and store in zip-top freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in toaster or skillet. |
Expert Insight: Perfecting Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes
Perfecting fluffy sweet potato pancakes is all about balancing moisture and leavening. Mashed sweet potatoes add richness and texture, but too much can weigh the batter down. Using just the right amount of baking powder (and sometimes a pinch of baking soda) allows pancakes to puff up without collapsing. Gently folding ingredients and letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking helps the flour fully hydrate and improves fluffiness.
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The Journey to Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes
Creating the perfect fluffy sweet potato pancake didn’t happen overnight. After many trial batches and tweaks, I learned the importance of gentle mixing, resting the batter, and using the right amount of sweet potato for moisturenot weight. The result is a warm, golden pancake that tastes like comfort and took just the right amount of care to perfect.
FAQs ( Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes )

Wrapping Up Your Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes
These Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes come together in under 30 minutes, delivering golden, tender stacks that feel like a warm kitchen hug. They beautifully balance cozy, earthy sweetness with a light and airy biteideal for weekend mornings or breakfast on the fly.
Run out of sweet potatoes? Try pumpkin puree! Want to level up the flavor? Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or a swirl of maple syrup into the batter. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a toaster or skillet, and the flavor gets even better the next day.
Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Whip up a batch and let me know how they turned out. Whether they reminded you of your grandma’s Sunday breakfast or helped you start a new tradition, I’d love to hear it. Share, save, and serve again and again!

Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes: Delicious Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to create buttermilk.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.
- Add the mashed sweet potato, eggs, and melted butter to the buttermilk mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts.
Notes
- For extra fluffiness, separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the batter gently.
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.