Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive breakfast that’s utterly indulgent but still easy to pull together, the Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls combined with fluffy pancakes—baked all at once in a traybake, making your holiday morning stress-free. Honestly, this recipe has been a game-changer for me during busy Christmas mornings when I want something special but don’t want to spend hours flipping pancakes.

This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe brings together the best of both worlds—a tender, cinnamon-spiced pancake base swirled with a gooey cinnamon sugar ribbon, finished off with a luscious cream cheese icing that’s just the right kind of sweet. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want it as a holiday tradition. It’s perfect when you have guests or want to impress family without waking up at dawn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an important part in creating the perfect balance of fluffy, sweet, and warmly spiced layers in your Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe. I always recommend using fresh spices and good-quality maple syrup to get those deep flavors just right.

• Self-raising flour: This makes the pancake base nice and fluffy without extra work.
• Baking powder: Keeps the pancakes light and helps with that beautiful rise.
• Large free-range eggs: Eggs help bind everything and add a lovely richness.
• Buttermilk: The acidity reacts with the baking powder for tender, soft pancakes.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice here, adding cozy warmth throughout.
• Vanilla bean paste: I love this over vanilla extract—so much more fragrant and natural.
• Caster sugar: Gives a mild sweetness that balances the cinnamon.
• Pecans: Toast them for extra crunch and flavor in and on top of the traybake.
• Maple syrup: Integral in the cinnamon swirl and optional for serving—you can never go wrong with it!
• Soft brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel note in the swirl.
• Cream cheese: For that irresistible tangy icing—the perfect finish.
• Icing sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese icing.

Variations

I love giving recipes a little twist every now and then, and this traybake is no exception. Whether you’re vegan, want to add fruit, or are craving a nut-free version, there’s room to make this recipe your own.

• Nut-free: I’ve swapped pecans with sunflower seeds or just left them out when making this for nut-allergic friends. It’s still delicious and perfect for families.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based buttermilk (like almond milk with lemon juice), egg replacers, and vegan cream cheese for the icing. The texture changes slightly but stays just as comforting.
• Fruit additions: Adding blueberries or chopped apples into the batter gives a lovely fruity contrast—I try this most Christmases for a fresh note.
• Spice mix: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for deeper holiday vibes.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your self-raising flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and caster sugar in a snug mixing bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly is key to ensuring every bite has that lovely cinnamon flavor and rises well. I like to sift the baking powder first to avoid clumps—this little step makes all the difference.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs then add the buttermilk and vanilla bean paste. Mixing these wet ingredients well helps with a smooth batter. I always crack eggs into a small bowl first, to avoid shell in the mix—been there, done that!

Step 3: Bring It All Together Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding carefully with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—some lumps are totally fine and keep the pancakes tender. Overworked batter can get tough, and that’s not what we want for this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup until smooth. This luscious swirl is where the magic lives—make sure the sugar dissolves into the syrup for that sticky, gooey texture when baked.

Step 5: Assemble In Your Traybake Dish

Grease a suitable traybake or baking dish (around 9×13 inches works great). Pour half the pancake batter evenly into the dish, then drizzle over half the cinnamon swirl mixture. Sprinkle half the chopped pecans on top. Repeat with the remaining batter, cinnamon swirl, and pecans. Then, using a skewer or the tip of a knife, gently swirl the layers to create that gorgeous cinnamon roll effect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch in the center. Keep an eye on it after 20 minutes because ovens vary and you want it fluffy and cooked through, not dry. I usually test with a skewer in the middle; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the traybake cools slightly, blend the cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy. I like to keep it thick but spreadable so it melts beautifully over the warm cake.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Spread or dollop the cream cheese icing over the traybake while warm, sprinkle with extra pecans and a dusting of icing sugar. Serve with maple syrup on the side for anyone wanting a little extra sweetness. You’re ready to enjoy a cozy, delicious breakfast that feels like a holiday hug.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding toasted pecans on top for crunch and a light dusting of icing sugar for that festive snow-kissed look. A drizzle of warm maple syrup makes it extra special. Sometimes I add a few fresh cranberries or orange zest for a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

This traybake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon for a savory contrast, or whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. I often serve it alongside hot coffee or mulled cider to bring out those winter flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For the holidays, I’ve set this traybake on a wooden board with scattered pecans and cinnamon sticks around for a rustic, festive table. You can cut it into squares or wedges and stack them on a tiered cake stand for a special brunch spread. Sometimes I wrap individual pieces in parchment with a little ribbon for a thoughtful breakfast gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it keeps well, and the flavors actually deepen with time. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature or warm before serving—it’s still yummy even a couple of days later!

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in parchment and foil with success. Pull them out overnight in the fridge and warm gently. While the texture softens a little, the flavor remains fantastic, making it a great make-ahead option during busy holidays.

Reheating

I reheat slices in the oven at low heat (around 150°C/300°F) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds if I’m in a hurry. To refresh the cream cheese icing, I add a little extra dollop on top after warming. That way it feels freshly dressed and melts slightly into the swirls.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe has become my go-to when I want to treat my loved ones effortlessly and deliciously. It feels special without complicated steps, capturing those magical holiday aromas and flavors in every bite. I’m confident that once you try this, it’ll find a cozy corner in your holiday traditions too—and I can’t wait for you to experience that joyful morning moment when everyone digs in together.

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