If you’re anything like me and love a good festive breakfast, then you’re going to be obsessed with this Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe. These pancakes aren’t just green for the heck of it – they come alive with a tangy cream cheese glaze and that luscious airy green whipped cream that makes every bite feel like a holiday celebration. Honestly, these pancakes are perfect for Christmas morning or any day you want to sprinkle some fun and whimsy onto your breakfast table.

I remember the first time I tried this recipe at home – it totally brightened up a chilly winter weekend. The pancakes are fluffy with just the right hint of sweetness, while the cream cheese icing glaze adds the most wonderful creamy tang. And the green whipped cream? It’s a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. You’ll love how easy it is to recreate those iconic IHOP Grinch pancakes right in your own kitchen with this Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe blends basic pantry staples with a few special touches to get that perfect Grinchy look and taste. The mix of buttermilk and baking soda ensures fluffy pancakes every time, while the cream cheese glaze adds a little extra depth that keeps you coming back for more.

All-purpose flour: The base of your pancakes – makes them tender yet sturdy enough to hold the glaze.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
Baking powder: Helps your pancakes rise beautifully fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give extra fluffiness.
Egg: Provides structure and richness.
Buttermilk: The secret to tender pancakes with a slight tang.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
Butter: Melted and folded in for richness and flavor.
Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash for that warm comforting aroma.
Green food coloring: This is what gives your pancakes that iconic Grinch look – use gel for the best color without thinning batter.
Cream cheese: Creates the smooth, tangy icing glaze.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and whipped cream without graininess.
Milk: To smooth out the cream cheese glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
Heavy whipping cream: For making luscious green whipped cream topping.
Small red heart candies or jumbo red heart sprinkles: For that adorable finishing touch that makes these pancakes truly Grinch-esque.

Variations

I love how versatile this Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe is. Feel free to personalize it to fit your taste or dietary needs—from swapping dairy for nondairy options to adjusting sweetness levels.

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once with great results. The texture stays fluffy but do watch the baking time closely.
Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut or almond milk instead of buttermilk and a dairy-free cream cheese can work if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. Just make sure your cream cheese alternative is spreadable.
Fruit-Infused Glaze: I’ve added a little lemon zest to the cream cheese glaze to brighten it up – gives a fresh twist!
More Color Fun: Play with different shades of green in your whipped cream or pancakes for a more dramatic effect. It’s great for kids’ parties.

How to Make Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Color Your Green Pancake Batter

Start by whisking your dry ingredients—flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda—in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg with buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the green food coloring until you get a vibrant, festive hue. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and they help keep the pancakes tender.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing Glaze

While your batter rests a bit, prepare the cream cheese icing glaze by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a drizzle-able consistency —think thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk to get it just right.

Step 3: Make the Green Whipped Cream

Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the fridge for about 10 minutes — trust me, this helps your cream whip up faster. Then beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add a few drops of green food coloring and whip a little more until the color is blended and you have those fluffy bright green clouds ready to top your pancakes.

Step 4: Cook the Green Pancakes to Fluffy Perfection

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to look set—about 2-3 minutes—then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden. Keep your heat steady to avoid burning the vibrant green color.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate Like the Grinch

Stack your warm pancakes on a plate, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and add a generous dollop of green whipped cream on top. Sprinkle those red heart candies or sprinkles on the whipped cream to create that unmistakable Grinch-y charm that I guarantee will make everyone smile.

How to Serve Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe

A stack of four green pancakes sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each pancake is thick and fluffy with a soft texture. Between the layers, there is a thin spread of green cream that matches the pancakes. On top, there is a smooth layer of white frosting covering most of the top pancake, decorated with small red heart-shaped sprinkles scattered over it and around the plate. At the center, a swirl of bright green whipped cream adds height and texture. A fork is lifting a bite-sized piece of the stack, showing the layers clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, I love topping these pancakes with the classic small red heart candies because they pop against the green and add a playful, festive vibe. If you want to get fancy, add a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory balance. For a lighter option, some fresh fruit salad or a simple citrus yogurt also pairs really well and keeps things fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your pancakes into little “Grinch towers” with layers of whipped cream and glaze between them for a wow-factor brunch. You could even use a piping bag for the whipped cream to make fun swirls or decorative shapes. I once made these for a holiday brunch and added a tiny Santa hat candy on top—super cute and a big hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — and honestly, who doesn’t? — stack your pancakes with parchment paper in between and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find they keep well for up to 3 days without losing texture.

Freezing

This Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe actually freezes quite well! Freeze the pancake stacks without glaze or whipped cream, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. The glaze and whipped cream are best made fresh when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the frozen pancakes in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds. A quick warm-up preserves that fluffy texture. When ready, add fresh cream cheese glaze and green whipped cream for that authentic IHOP experience all over again.

FAQs

Can I make the cream cheese icing glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese icing glaze a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir and add a splash of milk if it thickened too much before drizzling over your pancakes.
What kind of green food coloring works best for the pancakes and whipped cream?

I recommend gel food coloring because it gives a richer color without thinning your batter or cream. Plus, you need less coloring, so the flavor stays perfect.
Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1¼ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it keeps the pancakes tender and helps the baking soda work.
How can I keep the whipped cream green and fluffy longer?

Keep the whipped cream chilled until right before serving, and use chilled bowls and beaters when whipping. Avoid over-whipping which can turn it grainy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the colorful green pancakes and fun red heart candies. It’s a great way to get the family excited about breakfast, especially around the holidays.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Copycat IHOP Grinch Pancakes with Cream Cheese Icing Glaze and Green Whipped Cream Recipe enough if you want to bring some festive magic into your kitchen. It’s cheerful, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make — plus, the compliments you’ll get will make you feel like a total breakfast hero. Next time you want to impress your loved ones or just treat yourself to something special, give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll become one of your favorites as it has for me!