Name: Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup soy milk or pea milk; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 3 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup plain unsweetened vegan yogurt; 1 tbsp melted vegan butter or neutral oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp almond butter; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp brown sugar or coconut sugar; 1 tbsp water; 3 oz vegan cream cheese, room temperature; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1-2 tbsp soy milk; Pinch of salt

There is something incredibly comforting about pancakes, and the Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe perfectly captures that warm, cozy feeling you get from biting into a freshly baked cinnamon roll, but with the fluffy texture of a pancake. This recipe offers all the sweet, spicy cinnamon swirls and a luscious maple cream cheese glaze, making breakfast feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re vegan or simply love a tasty twist on traditional pancakes, these are guaranteed to become one of your favorite morning treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small white bowls and one white measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl is in the center, full of white flour with a rough, powdery texture piled high. Around it are smaller bowls containing different ingredients: one with thick light brown peanut butter-like spread, one with dark brown sugar clumps, one with a light brown liquid, one with a darker amber liquid, one with a creamy light beige substance in a white measuring cup, one with a grainy pale golden liquid, and two small bowls each holding dry brown powders and white powder mixed together. The arrangement is neat and the colors range from white and beige to light and dark browns. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s providing the fluffy base, the sweet cinnamon swirl, or the creamy glaze that brings everything together.

Soy milk or pea milk: Adds the plant-based creaminess and activates the vinegar for a tender crumb.
Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to make the pancakes light and fluffy.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for the pancake batter, giving structure and that classic fluffy pancake texture.
Brown sugar or coconut sugar: Provides natural sweetness and a slight caramel note to enhance the cinnamon flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise beautifully and keeps them airy.
Baking soda: Works with vinegar for that perfect lift and fluffiness.
Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe, delivering warm, aromatic swirls in every bite.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Plain unsweetened vegan yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang for depth in the batter.
Melted vegan butter or neutral oil: Brings richness and helps achieve a tender bite.
Vanilla extract: Elevates sweetness and rounds out the cinnamon perfectly.
Almond butter: Mixed with sugar and cinnamon, this creates the delightful cinnamon swirl inside the pancakes.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness both to the swirl and the maple cream cheese glaze.
Water: Used to help create the smooth, pipeable cinnamon swirl filling.
Vegan cream cheese (room temperature): The luscious base of the glaze that gives these pancakes their irresistible finishing touch.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk

Begin by measuring your soy or pea milk into a large measuring cup and stirring in the apple cider vinegar. Set this mixture aside for 5 minutes while it curdles into a tangy vegan buttermilk that will react perfectly with the leavening agents to produce fluffy pancakes.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, brown sugar, and water until smooth and pipeable. Spoon this mixture into a sandwich bag, pushing it toward one corner and squeezing out excess air. Seal it tightly—this will be your piping bag to create those signature cinnamon swirls inside the pancakes.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base of your pancake batter, distributing flavors and ensuring your pancakes rise evenly.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted vegan butter, vegan yogurt, vanilla extract, and the prepared vegan buttermilk into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay—over-mixing can toughen your pancakes. Then, let the batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and develop flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a non-stick griddle or pan over medium heat and lightly grease it. Scoop 1/4 cup of batter onto your pan. Quickly cut the tip of the piping bag with the cinnamon swirl filling and draw a spiral design right on the wet batter. Cook each pancake for 2 to 3 minutes until golden on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl filling.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together vegan cream cheese, maple syrup, soy milk (adding it gradually), and a pinch of salt until smooth and drizzle-able. This glaze is a sweet and tangy topper that crowns your pancakes with richness, mimicking the cream cheese frosting that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Stack the warm cinnamon roll pancakes on a plate, drizzle generously with the maple cream cheese glaze, and add extra maple syrup if you like. Serve immediately and savor every decadent bite.

How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Two round pancakes are cooking on a black pan with small bubbles forming around the edges. Each pancake has a light beige batter with visible specks, creating a creamy texture. On top, a darker brown spiral pattern is drizzled evenly from the center out to the edges, creating a swirl effect. The pan shows some butter or oil melting, adding a shiny look near the pancakes. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries add a juicy brightness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spicy pancakes. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch that elevates the texture. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dusting of powdered sugar or a spoonful of vegan whipped cream works wonders.

Side Dishes

Pair these pancakes with crispy vegan bacon or sautéed mushrooms to balance sweetness with something savory. A refreshing green smoothie or freshly squeezed orange juice can brighten your breakfast and keep things light and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the pancakes with spreadable vegan cream cheese and fresh fruit between each layer for a stunning pancake stack cake. Or use multiple piping bags with different swirl fillings like chocolate hazelnut or pumpkin spice to create fun flavor variations. Mini versions of these pancakes can be served on skewers for a whimsical brunch party treat that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe servings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between pancakes to prevent sticking and keep them fresh.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making breakfast prep effortless on busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop frozen or refrigerated pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and lightly crisp on the edges. You can also reheat on a skillet over medium heat for more control and to maintain that perfect texture. Drizzle more maple cream cheese glaze after warming to brighten them back up.

FAQs

Can I use other plant-based milks instead of soy or pea milk?

Yes! While soy and pea milk work best because of their protein content and thickness, oat, almond, or cashew milk can be used. Just keep in mind that milk alternatives with less protein might affect the fluffiness slightly.

Is the almond butter in the cinnamon swirl filling essential?

The almond butter adds richness and helps bind the swirl filling together. If you have an allergy or prefer another flavor, you can substitute another creamy nut or seed butter like cashew, sunflower, or tahini, though that may alter the flavor slightly.

What if I don’t have vegan cream cheese for the glaze?

You can create a simple glaze using coconut yogurt mixed with maple syrup and vanilla, or blend soaked cashews with a bit of lemon juice, sweetness, and plant milk for a creamy alternative. While it won’t have the exact tang of cream cheese, it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum for proper texture. The pancakes might be a bit more delicate but still wonderfully delicious.

How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?

Look for bubbles forming and popping on the top surface of the pancakes and the edges looking set. The bottom should be a beautiful golden brown before flipping to ensure they cook evenly and don’t tear.

Final Thoughts

With their fluffy texture, cinnamon swirls, and creamy maple glaze, this Vegan Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe has a way of turning any morning into a celebration. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in cozy comfort food that’s completely plant-based. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do sharing them — your breakfast table is about to become your new happy place!