Spiced Christmas pancakes
Enhance the flavours in the orange cream
Orange cream adds a beautiful, festive note to these Christmas pancakes, and enhancing its flavours makes it even more irresistible. Start with freshly squeezed orange juice, as this provides a vibrant, tangy sweetness that bottled juice can’t match. Also, ensure the orange zest is freshly grated, as this intensifies the citrus aroma and infuses the cream with a natural, lively flavour. Using a fine grater helps release the essential oils in the zest, creating a more pronounced orange taste. Gently fold the zest and juice into the cream for a smooth, even consistency, then let the mixture chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a richer, fuller taste that complements the warm spices beautifully. For an added layer of brightness, a pinch of freshly grated ginger or dash of orange blossom water can provide a subtle, aromatic twist that elevates the cream to a whole new level.
Techniques for lighter, fluffier spiced Christmas pancakes
To create light, fluffy pancakes, it’s essential to handle the batter with care. Start by sifting the dry ingredients to remove lumps and evenly distribute the spices, which also helps aerate the batter. When mixing wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion and mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. If you have time, separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them gently into the batter as the final step – this technique adds extra air, resulting in even fluffier pancakes. Resting the batter for around 20 minutes before cooking is a lesser-known trick to let the ingredients settle, resulting in pillowy soft pancakes.
Roast almonds like a pro
Roasting almonds to perfection enhances their natural flavour and adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Start by preheating your oven to 175 °C or warming a dry skillet over medium heat if you prefer to use the stovetop. For oven roasting, spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even browning. Roast them for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. For stovetop roasting, toss the almonds frequently in the hot skillet for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them, as almonds can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly. Let them cool completely before chopping or sprinkling over your pancakes. For an extra festive touch, toss the roasted almonds in a light drizzle of honey or sprinkle them with cinnamon or a pinch of salt while they’re still warm. This simple step adds depth and texture, making your pancakes truly special.
FAQ: Questions about Christmas pancakes
Christmas pancakes add a delightful twist to festive breakfast traditions. Here, we answer common questions about making these special treats, covering everything from alternative sweeteners to preparation tips that ensure your pancakes bring as much joy as the season itself.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1684 Kcal
| Fibre | 15.6 gram fibers |
| Protein | 32 |
| Carbohydrates | 230.2 |
| Fat | 70 gram |
Ingredients
Pancakes
Eggs | 2 |
|---|---|
Sugar | 125 g |
Coarse salt (approx.) | ½ tsp |
Plain flour | 200 g |
Baking powder | 2 tsp |
Cinnamon, ground | 1½ tsp |
Cardamom, ground | 1½ tsp |
Milk | 300 ml |
Butter, melted | 50 g |
Orange cream
Whipping cream | 250 ml |
|---|---|
Orange zest, finely grated | 2 tsp |
Orange juice, freshly squeezed | 1 tbsp |
Vanilla sugar | 2 tsp |
To serve
Oranges slices, quartered | |
|---|---|
Almonds, coarsely chopped and roasted | 50 g |
Oranges, cut into in wedges | 2 |
Other recipes
Transform your spiced Christmas pancakes with a dollop of skyr
For a refreshing twist on traditional toppings, try adding a dollop of skyr to your Christmas pancakes. This Icelandic dairy product is smooth, creamy, and has a mild tang that balances the sweetness of the orange cream and spices beautifully. Spoon a generous amount on top of the pancakes or layer it alongside the orange cream.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some cinnamon or finely grated orange zest over the skyr. The cool, creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the warm pancakes, adding a light, fresh flavour to each bite.
Selecting the best ingredients
Choosing high-quality ingredients enhances the flavour and texture of this recipe. For the best citrus flavours, opt for ripe, juicy oranges with vibrant, unblemished skins, as both the juice and zest are central to the recipe. Use freshly ground spices as they deliver a more intense and aromatic flavour compared to pre-ground options. For the garnish, select whole, fresh almonds and roast them yourself for maximum flavour and crunch.
Top preparation techniques
To take your spiced Christmas pancakes to the next level, try a few lesser-known preparation techniques. For a richer batter, brown the butter before mixing it in, which adds a nutty, caramelised depth of flavour. Infusing the milk with the spices – such as cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, or even a strip of orange peel – before adding it to the batter can amplify the warming and festive notes.
Letting the batter rest for at least 20 minutes not only allows the gluten to relax but also helps the flavours meld beautifully. These small but impactful techniques can make your pancakes truly unforgettable.
Beautiful presentation for a festive spirit
Transform this recipe into a show-stopping holiday centrepiece with thoughtful presentation. Stack the pancakes neatly on a decorative holiday platter and top each stack with a swirl of orange cream for an elegant touch. Garnish with thin slices of fresh orange, candied orange peel, or star-shaped fruit cutouts made from kiwi or mango for a playful, colourful accent.
Sprinkle the plate with roasted almonds or a mix of crushed pistachios and dried cranberries for added texture and a pop of festive red and green. Dust the pancakes with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, and drizzle with a thin stream of honey or maple syrup for a luxurious finish.
Enhance the holiday feel by decorating the plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to resemble mini-Christmas trees. For an extra special touch, scatter a few edible gold flakes or edible glitter over the pancakes to add sparkle and wow your guests. These thoughtful details will make your pancakes a true centrepiece of holiday cheer.
Serving suggestions for a heartwarming holiday
Create a cozy holiday spread by pairing this recipe with an array of festive pancake variations. Serve them alongside pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon sugar, which add a warming, earthy flavour and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the Christmas spices. Include a playful addition of pancake cereal, offering bite-sized fun for kids and adults alike – top them with maple syrup or fresh berries for a festive twist.
For an indulgent treat, add chocolate pancakes to the mix; their rich, chocolatey flavour and the cardamom spiced yogurt topping provide a luxurious contrast to the traditional Christmas pancakes. These diverse options create a holiday pancake feast that’s sure to delight everyone at the table.