Cinnamon roll taste captured in pancakes

Breakfast Republic, with locations in North Park, Liberty Station and Encinitas, is known for its decadent and inventive meals, including shrimp and grits, Mr. Presley French toast (peanut-butter-stuffed French toast topped with Bananas Foster and bacon), and cinnamon roll pancakes.

The local chain has plans for additional locations in East Village and Carmel Valley next year. Learn more online at www.breakfastrepublic.com.

These popular pancakes would make a great special occasion breakfast during the holiday season.

Breakfast Republic’s Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Makes 4 large pancakes

Pancake mix

4 cups Krusteaz buttermilk pancake flour mix (see note)

1½ cups whole milk

2 whole eggs

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

Cinnamon sauce

¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup granulated sugar

Frosting

½ cup whole milk

¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping

½ cup chopped walnut pieces

Combine the pancake mix ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir together until they are well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the three cinnamon sauce ingredients and mix well; set aside. Combine frosting ingredients in a third bowl, mix well and set aside.

Pour four ounces of the pancake batter onto a griddle or large pan, on low heat (greasing the griddle/pan should not be necessary, if the heat is low). Drizzle 1/4 of the cinnamon sauce around the pancake batter in a circular, spiral shape. Cook pancake for several minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Repeat process to make three more pancakes.

Before serving, drizzle frosting on pancakes and top with walnuts.

Note: Find Krusteaz pancake mixes at many grocery stores or online at Krusteaz.com or Amazon.com.

Recipe courtesy of Breakfast Republic.

chris.ross@sduniontribune.com