Save A fun, savory-sweet fusion treat combining cheesy pancake pops with crunchy pretzels, tangy buffalo ranch, and a touch of churro-inspired cinnamon sugar.
The first time I made these, everyone was surprised by the bold combination of flavors. They're always requested for family movie nights.
Ingredients
- Pancake Batter: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- Cheesy Filling: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- Churro Coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- Crunchy Topping: 1 cup crushed pretzels, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Buffalo Ranch Drizzle: 1/3 cup ranch dressing, 2 tbsp buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pop or mini muffin pan.
- Make Batter:
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.
- Add Cheese:
- Fold cheddar cheese and cream cheese into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Fill & Bake:
- Spoon batter into prepared pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and set. Let cool 5 minutes before unmolding.
- Churro Coating:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon. Brush each pop with melted butter then roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Buffalo Ranch Drizzle:
- Mix ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. Set aside.
- Pretzel Topping:
- Roll each pop in crushed pretzels to coat the bottom half. Sprinkle with chives if desired.
- Assemble:
- Insert sticks into each pop. Drizzle buffalo ranch sauce just before serving.
Save My kids love picking their favorite toppings and getting creative with the drizzle. It's become a playful tradition during our game nights.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, cake pop or mini muffin pan, pastry brush, measuring cups and spoons, sticks/skewers
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy (cheddar, cream cheese, butter, buttermilk, ranch dressing), egg. Ranch and buffalo sauce may contain additional allergens—check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 5 g
Save Serve warm to enjoy the melty cheese. These pops always bring fun and flavor to the table!
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! Pepper jack or gouda work great for an extra flavor twist.
- → How do I store leftover pancake pops?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and pretzels for a gluten-free version.
- → Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the batter?
Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness, but you may substitute with milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- → How spicy is the buffalo ranch sauce?
The sauce offers a gentle kick, which you can adjust by increasing or reducing the buffalo sauce amount.
- → Can I make these without a cake pop pan?
Yes. Use a mini muffin pan and insert sticks after baking and coating.