These light and fluffy cinnamon streusel pancakes are a copycat of The Griddle Cafe's famous Recess Time pancake.

The first time I tried a double-filled cinnamon streusel pancake was at The Griddle Cafe in Hollywood. Our friend Amanda from Kevin and Amanda took us there during a November trip to California. She insisted we order the Recess Time pancake, and she was right. That single pancake was enormous, easily big enough for three of us. It came with a scoop of whipped butter and pure maple syrup, and the cinnamon streusel formed a sweet, crunchy crust on top. I knew I had to recreate these buttermilk pancakes at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Streusel Pancakes

Two layers of cinnamon streusel: one cooked into the batter and another sprinkled on top for a sweet, crunchy crust.
The buttermilk batter stays light and fluffy, with a tender crumb that soaks up maple syrup without getting soggy.
This copycat recipe brings the famous Recess Time pancake from The Griddle Cafe right into your kitchen, no plane ticket needed.

Key Ingredients for Buttermilk Pancakes with Streusel

Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with baking soda for lift. You can substitute with 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes.
Cold butter: Essential for a crumbly streusel. Cut it into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingers or a fork until pea-sized crumbs form.
Brown sugar: Gives the streusel its deep caramel flavor. Light or dark brown both work; dark adds more molasses taste.

Kitchen Tools for Making Streusel Pancakes

A griddle or large non-stick skillet gives you room to cook multiple pancakes.
A flexible spatula helps flip without disturbing the streusel.
A fork or pastry cutter makes quick work of cutting butter into the streusel.

Tips for Making the Best Double-Filled Pancakes

The key to fluffy pancakes is not overmixing the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened; a few lumps are fine. For the streusel, make sure the butter is cold straight from the fridge. Warm butter will turn the streusel into a paste instead of crumbly bits. Cook the pancakes on medium-low heat so the streusel has time to melt and caramelize without burning the bottom. When you flip, do it gently so the streusel on top doesn't fall off.

Expert Tips for Perfect Streusel-Topped Pancakes

If your pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat. The streusel contains sugar, which can burn faster than the pancake itself. You can make the streusel ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. For extra thick pancakes, let the batter rest for 5 minutes after mixing; the baking soda will start reacting and create more lift.

How to Keep the Streusel on the Pancake While Flipping

One common challenge with double-filled pancakes is keeping the streusel on top from falling off when you flip. Here's what works: after you pour the batter and add the first streusel layer, let the pancake cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Then flip carefully, and immediately sprinkle the second streusel layer over the cooked side. Press it down gently with the spatula. The heat from the pancake will help the streusel adhere as it finishes cooking. If any streusel falls off, just scoop it back onto the pancake while it's still hot.

Variations for These Buttermilk Pancakes with Streusel

If you want extra crunch, stir a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel. For a heartier pancake, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Chocolate chips folded into the batter turn these into a dessert-like treat. And if you need gluten-free pancakes, a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here, though the texture will be slightly denser.

What to Serve with Double-Filled Cinnamon Pancakes

Serve these pancakes warm with a pat of whipped butter and a generous pour of pure maple syrup. The butter melts into the streusel, and the syrup soaks into the fluffy pancake. For a special breakfast, add a side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries.

How to Store Leftover Double-Filled Pancakes

Leftover pancakes keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stack them with a piece of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking, then wrap the stack tightly in foil or place in an airtight container.

How to Freeze These Buttermilk Pancakes

To freeze, arrange the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer the frozen pancakes to a zip-top bag, pressing out as much air as possible. They will keep for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.

Best Ways to Reheat Streusel Pancakes

The best way to reheat these pancakes is in a toaster or toaster oven. The direct heat crisps up the streusel again. If you don't have a toaster, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Microwaving will make the streusel soft and the pancake rubbery, so I don't recommend it.