Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes from IHOP feature fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with a colorful medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and sliced bananas, drizzled with warm butter and syrup, delivering a vibrant and sweet breakfast experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Griddle or nonstick skillet
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plate
- Saucepan (for syrup, optional)
- Small bowl (for melting butter, optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 medium banana (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for serving)
- Maple syrup
Using buttermilk in your pancake batter is key to achieving the light, fluffy texture that IHOP's Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes are known for. Fresh, ripe strawberries, blueberries, and bananas add natural sweetness and vibrant color, so choose quality fruit for the best taste. Melted unsalted butter incorporated in the batter enhances richness without overpowering the flavors, while additional butter served warm improves the overall experience. Measuring your dry ingredients precisely and combining them gently with wet ingredients prevents overmixing, ensuring tender pancakes. Your copycat Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes from IHOP will deliver a bright, fresh, and satisfying breakfast just like the restaurant version.
Instructions
- Add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a mixing bowl.
- Whisk to combine dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
- Gently whisk until just combined (do not overmix).
- Preheat griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly grease griddle with butter or nonstick spray.
- Use a ladle to pour batter onto hot griddle (about 1/4 cup per pancake).
- Cook until bubbles form on surface and edges look set (about 2 minutes).
- Flip pancakes with spatula and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Stack pancakes on serving plate.
- Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and banana.
- Melt butter (optional) and drizzle over pancakes.
- Warm maple syrup in a saucepan (optional) and pour over pancakes.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes from IHOP copycat recipe can be customized by substituting buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable. Fresh fruit toppings can be varied based on your preference or seasonal availability; frozen berries work well after thawing and draining excess moisture. Use a nonstick skillet if a griddle is not accessible to ensure even cooking and easy flipping of pancakes. If you prefer a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, keeping the texture moist and flavorful. Your syrup choice can range from classic maple to fruit syrups or honey to suit your desired sweetness level.
Tips
Ensure your griddle or skillet is properly preheated to medium heat before cooking pancakes to promote even browning and prevent sticking. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop gluten and result in dense, tough pancakes instead of light, fluffy ones. Use a ladle to portion batter uniformly, which helps cook pancakes evenly and maintain consistent size for stacking. When topping your pancakes with fruit, slice ingredients just before serving to preserve freshness and vibrant color for the best presentation and flavor.
Nutritions
Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, primarily from the all-purpose flour, buttermilk, eggs, and butter used in the batter. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas add dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and potassium, enhancing the nutritional value. Maple syrup and butter contribute to calorie density and fat content, so moderating portions helps maintain a healthier balance. Your breakfast benefits from these nutrients while delivering a satisfying and flavorful start to the day.
Storage
To store your Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes, place cooled pancakes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Separate the fruit toppings and syrup, storing them in individual sealed containers in the refrigerator to prevent sogginess. Reheat pancakes gently on a griddle or in the microwave before serving to preserve their fluffy texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the buttermilk with a mix of 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar tangy effect. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free pancake mix or almond flour, adjusting the liquid slightly. Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients, or swap some of the strawberries and blueberries for raspberries and blackberries for a different fruity twist. If you prefer a healthier alternative, try cooking pancakes on a nonstick skillet with coconut oil instead of butter and use honey as a natural sweetener instead of maple syrup.
Allergies
Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes contain common allergens such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk and butter), and gluten from the all-purpose flour. Those with allergies to strawberries, blueberries, or bananas should also exercise caution due to the fresh fruit toppings. Your best option is to check ingredient details and consult with IHOP staff if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes from IHOP are celebrated for their vibrant combination of fresh strawberries, vanilla cream topping, and buttermilk pancakes, creating a balanced blend of sweetness and fluffiness. Fans appreciate the dish's visually appealing presentation and the fresh fruit's contrasting texture against the soft pancakes. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy a customized version of IHOP's iconic offering made with your preferred ingredients and freshness. Making this dish at home provides both a fun cooking experience and the opportunity to recreate a beloved restaurant treat tailored to your taste.