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. These Cheesy Pretzel Buffalo Ranch Churro Cake Pancake Pops are perfect for parties or anytime you want a playful snack.
I first made these for a game night with friends, and everyone was amazed at how well cheesy pancake pops paired with churro coating and spicy ranch. They quickly became a new crowd-pleaser.
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:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Add wet to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add cheese:
- Fold in cheddar cheese and cream cheese until evenly distributed.
- Fill pan:
- Spoon batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and set. Let cool 5 minutes before unmolding.
- Make churro coating:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for the churro coating. Brush each pop with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Prepare drizzle:
- Mix ranch dressing and buffalo sauce for the drizzle. Set aside.
- Add crunchy topping:
- Roll each pop in crushed pretzels to coat the bottom half. Sprinkle with chives if desired.
- Finish and serve:
- Insert sticks into each pop. Drizzle with buffalo ranch sauce just before serving.
Save My family laughed the first time I brought out pancake pops on sticks, but they were gone before halftime. The crunchy pretzel and spicy ranch won over even the skeptics.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, cake pop or mini muffin pan, pastry brush, measuring cups and spoons, sticks/skewers
Allergen Information
This snack contains wheat (gluten), dairy (cheddar, cream cheese, butter, buttermilk, ranch dressing), and egg. Ranch and buffalo sauce may have extra allergens, so always check labels if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 5 g
Save Serve immediately for best results. These pancake pops always bring smiles with their unique flavor twist.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different cheese varieties?
Yes, swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or other favorites for unique flavor profiles.
- → How can I make these pops spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne or extra buffalo sauce to the batter or drizzle for more heat.
- → Are these best served warm or cold?
Serving warm enhances the gooey cheese texture and keeps pretzel coating crisp.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, bake ahead and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes before serving.
- → Which tools do I need for preparation?
Use mixing bowls, a whisk, cake pop or mini muffin pan, pastry brush, measuring utensils, and sticks/skewers.
- → How do I adjust for dietary restrictions?
Swap dairy and egg for plant-based alternatives, and check ranch/buffalo sauce labels for allergens.