IHOP Copycat Recipes
IHOP's fluffy pancakes are breakfast perfection. Our copycat recipe captures that signature fluffiness.
5 recipes
IHOP, the International House of Pancakes, lives and dies by its griddle. The signature buttermilk pancakes are famously light and fluffy, and the whole menu radiates out from there: delicate Swedish crepes (thinner and eggier than a pancake), New York Cheesecake Pancakes folded with cheesecake bits and topped with strawberries, golden chicken and waffles, and stuffed French toast filled with sweet cream cheese. The fluffiness secret is a properly rested batter with enough leavening, mixed just until combined so the gluten stays relaxed, and cooked on a steady medium griddle. Our IHOP copycats cover the buttermilk pancakes, the Swedish crepes, the cheesecake pancakes, chicken and waffles, and stuffed French toast, the full sweet-breakfast lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are IHOP pancakes so fluffy?
A few things: don't overmix (lumps are fine), let the batter rest 5 to 10 minutes so the leavening activates, and cook on a steady medium heat. Overmixing develops gluten and makes pancakes dense and chewy.
What's the difference between IHOP's crepes and pancakes?
The Swedish crepes use a thin, egg-rich batter with no leavening, so they cook into flat, foldable sheets instead of rising. They're typically rolled with fruit or lingonberry and dusted with powdered sugar.
How do you make cheesecake pancakes?
Start with a great buttermilk pancake, fold in small bits of cheesecake (or a cream cheese ribbon), and finish with a glaze and strawberry topping. Chilling the cheesecake pieces first keeps them from melting away.
What's in the stuffed French toast?
Thick, enriched bread sandwiched with a sweet cream cheese filling, dipped in custard, griddled, and topped with fruit and powdered sugar. Our copycat balances the filling so it's rich but not cloying.
Can I make the batter the night before?
Pancake batter is best fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients ahead and whisk in the wet in the morning for a faster start without giving up fluffiness.