Enjoy a vibrant twist on classic pancakes with our Sweet Potato Pancake Stack layered with creamy maple mascarpone and topped with warm spiced pecan butter. The mashed sweet potato adds moisture and a hint of autumnal sweetness.
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, blending simple pantry ingredients into tender, cinnamon-kissed pancakes. The maple-sweetened mascarpone lends a luxurious tang, while the nutty pecan butter brings a cozy, spiced crunch.
Perfect for weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, these stacks are irresistibly festive and comforting.
Ingredients
FOR THE PANCAKES
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for cooking
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
MAPLE MASCARPONE
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
SPICED PECAN BUTTER
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pierce the sweet potato with a fork and microwave on high for 6–8 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth.
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl whisk the egg with milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and mashed sweet potato until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and brush lightly with melted butter.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the hot griddle. Cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles form at the edges, then flip and cook 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl beat mascarpone with maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until creamy; cover and chill.
- Place toasted pecans, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor and pulse until a chunky nut butter forms.
- To assemble, stack pancakes with a dollop of maple mascarpone between each layer. Spoon spiced pecan butter on top and drizzle with extra maple syrup.
- Garnish with chopped pecans and serve immediately.
Notes
Make-ahead: Pancake batter can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours; keep mascarpone and pecan butter chilled separately. Reheat pancakes in a toaster oven for best texture.
Tips and Variations
- Sweet Potato Prep: Microwave or roast the potato in advance to save time and ensure even texture.
- Consistency: If batter is too thick, add a splash more milk; too thin, stir in a tablespoon of flour.
- Substitutions: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds in the spiced butter, or use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone for tangier topping.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in separate airtight containers; reheat pancakes in a toaster oven for crisp edges.