Festive Eggnog Pancakes with Cranberry Syrup Recipe

These fluffy, golden Eggnog Pancakes are lightly spiked with rum extract and carry a warm eggnog spice. Top a stack with fresh cranberry syrup for a festive holiday breakfast.

Eggnog Pancakes with cranberry syrup

I love pancakes and I enjoy experimenting with seasonal flavours. This recipe swaps the usual milk or buttermilk for creamy eggnog, bringing gentle nutmeg and cinnamon notes to each bite. I also add a splash of rum extract for that warm, holiday aroma. The result is a stack of tender, slightly thin pancakes that highlight the eggnog flavour without being overpowering.

Stack of eggnog pancakes

For texture, I used more eggnog to keep the pancakes on the thinner side. If you prefer thicker, fluffier pancakes, reduce the eggnog amount. The batter is straightforward: dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another, then combine gently and let it rest briefly. Cook on a medium-heated griddle until bubbles form, then flip and finish quickly so they stay tender.

Eggnog pancakes topped with cranberry syrup

Eggnog Pancakes

These pancakes highlight eggnog’s creamy, spiced flavour without overwhelming the palate. They’re an easy variation on a classic pancake batter and come together quickly—perfect for a holiday morning or any weekend when you want something special.

Close-up of eggnog pancakes

Season the batter with nutmeg and cinnamon and finish with rum extract or vanilla if you prefer. The pancakes brown nicely and stay soft inside. Serve warm with the cranberry syrup described below for a bright, tart contrast that balances the sweet, spiced pancakes.

Eggnog pancakes and cranberry sauce

Fresh Cranberry Syrup

Rather than plain maple syrup, try a simple cranberry syrup to top these pancakes. The tart cranberries cooked with orange juice and sugar produce a glossy, fruity syrup that pairs beautifully with eggnog’s sweetness. It’s quick to make on the stovetop and can be prepared ahead so it thickens as it cools.

Cranberry syrup on pancakes

The cranberry syrup uses just three ingredients and requires minimal hands-on time. After cooking, let it cool slightly to reach a syrupy consistency before pouring over the pancakes. The orange notes lift the tart cranberries and complement the warm spices in the batter.

Pouring cranberry syrup

A festive and simple breakfast idea—these Eggnog Pancakes with Cranberry Syrup bring holiday flavours to the table in a comforting, approachable way. Enjoy them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh cranberries, or a pat of butter.

Festive pancake stack

Eggnog Pancakes hero image

Eggnog Pancakes with Cranberry Syrup

Yield: 11 pancakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Fluffy, spiced eggnog pancakes topped with a bright cranberry-orange syrup make a cozy holiday breakfast or special weekend treat.

Ingredients

Eggnog Pancakes:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups eggnog* (use 1½ cups for thicker pancakes)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing
  • ½ teaspoon rum extract (optional; vanilla works too)

Cranberry Syrup:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

For the Eggnog Pancakes:

  1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
  2. Whisk the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, melted butter, and rum extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk gently until just combined; do not overmix. Let the batter rest 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Grease the pan with a little butter. Pour about ⅓ cup batter per pancake and spread gently into a circle if needed.
  6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more. Keep warm and repeat with remaining batter.

For the Cranberry Syrup:

  1. Combine the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over high heat; stir occasionally until it comes to a boil.
  2. Add the cranberries and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer about 10 minutes, until the cranberries begin to pop.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature to thicken before spooning over pancakes.

Notes

  • For thicker pancakes use 1½ cups eggnog instead of 2 cups.
  • Make the cranberry syrup ahead and refrigerate; gently warm before serving if desired.
© Dedra | QueensleeAppetit

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BON APPÉTIT!

Love, Dedra ❤

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Bon Appétit!

Love, Dedra ❤️