There was a moment in my kitchen when I finally nailed these Chai Spiced Pancakes after quite a few tries. At first, I struggled with balancing the chai spice blend pancakes’ rich flavors without overwhelming the fluffy base. Once I found the right mix of warm spices and kept the batter light and airy, everything clicked. Now, this chai pancake recipe is a reliable go-to on mornings when I want something comforting and a little different from the usual.
This recipe fits seamlessly into my cooking routine because it’s straightforward and satisfying. The cozy masala chai flavor pancakes fill the house with a wonderful aroma that feels like a gentle warm hug first thing in the morning. I appreciate how approachable this is—no fancy ingredients, just pantry staples and a simple mix that yields consistently fluffy chai pancakes every time.
I love that these spiced breakfast pancakes bring a little extra joy to the table without any fuss. It’s one of those recipes I find myself returning to, especially when I want to impress friends without stress. If you’re looking to add a fresh twist to your pancake line-up, I encourage you to give this a try. You’ll find yourself reaching for this chai spice blend pancakes recipe whenever you crave something both familiar and new in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need for This Chai Spiced Pancakes:
Here’s a list of ingredients for this Chai Spiced Pancakes that keeps things simple and accessible:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can swap with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (brown sugar works perfectly for a deeper sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (plain yogurt thinned with milk is a simple substitute)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

You’ll find the spices for this chai spice blend pancakes at most grocery stores, usually in the baking aisle or where specialty spices are stocked. A quick shopping note: buying pre-made chai spice mix can save time, or you can blend your own from the spices above.
This chai pancake recipe is budget-friendly, too, since it uses ingredients many of us already have on hand. To save prep time, I like to mix all my dry ingredients well in advance—then the batter comes together in minutes. Also, store your spices in a cool, dry place to keep that masala chai flavor pancakes vibrant for longer. For a personal touch, I always add a little extra cinnamon—it lifts the pancakes even more.
How to Make This Chai Spiced Pancakes:
Let’s make these chai spiced pancakes step by step together. From start to finish, expect about 25-30 minutes.
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your chai spice blend (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg). This step makes sure your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for those fluffy chai pancakes.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth base that will keep your pancakes tender.
3. Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula. Aim to combine until just mixed—some lumps are okay. Overmixing can make your spiced breakfast pancakes tough, so patience here pays off.
4. Heat Your Pan
Warm a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. A helpful tip: brush lightly with oil or butter so your chai spice blend pancakes don’t stick.
5. Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip gently and cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Keep Warm
As your pancakes cook, keep finished ones warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F/90°C). While your chai spiced pancakes cook, you can tidy up or prepare toppings.
Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point—full of that cozy masala chai flavor pancakes bring. If your pancakes are browning too fast or staying too pale, adjust your heat accordingly. And don’t worry if the first pancake isn’t perfect—that’s your “tester” pancake.
For a time-saving shortcut, you can pre-mix your chai spice blend and keep it in a jar for quick chai spiced pancakes anytime. I’ve found that using freshly ground spices gives the best flavor, but pre-ground spices work well too.
How to Serve Your Chai Spiced Pancakes:
There’s something truly special about serving this chai spiced pancakes with just the right sides. I love pairing these fluffy chai pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess without overpowering the spices.
Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears complements the warm chai spice blend pancakes beautifully. Toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, add a satisfying crunch that friends and family always appreciate.
These spiced breakfast pancakes make a wonderful centerpiece for a weekend brunch or a cozy holiday morning. I’ve also enjoyed them topped with spiced apple compote during the cooler months—it’s like a hug on your plate.
For leftovers, try stacking chilled pancakes with a layer of cream cheese spread and a dash of cinnamon for a breakfast sandwich twist. Seasonal twists are fun too; in spring, I swap the apples for fresh strawberries and a touch of lemon zest.
Family and friends tend to ask for this chai spiced pancakes recipe after tasting it once because it feels like a warm, cozy treat without heavy sweetness. If you want another delightful tea-infused pancake to try, check out these Double Chai Spiced Pancakes – Brunch & Batter packed with even more spice goodness.

Common Questions About This Chai Spiced Pancakes:
Can I make parts of this chai spiced pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the dry ingredients including the chai spice blend ahead and keep them airtight for up to 2 weeks. Mix the batter fresh when you’re ready to cook. You can also make the pancakes ahead, then reheat in a warm oven or microwave before serving.
What’s a good substitute for buttermilk in this chai spiced pancakes?
Plain yogurt thinned with milk or a simple mix of milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar works well to mimic the acidity buttermilk provides. This balance helps those fluffy chai pancakes stay tender.
How can I adjust this chai pancake recipe for more or fewer people?
This recipe scales nicely. For fewer pancakes, just half the ingredients. To feed a crowd, double or triple and keep pancakes warm in a low oven as you cook in batches.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
I’ve seen readers swap the egg for a flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk with lemon juice for the buttermilk. Melted coconut oil replaces butter. The Vegan Earl Gray Chai Pancakes recipe from The PPK offers a fantastic guide if you want a dairy-free, egg-free version.
What if I don’t have all the chai spices?
No worries! Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom are the core of the chai spice blend pancakes. You can start with just those and add cloves or nutmeg if you like. Using a pre-made chai spice mix also works great.
How do I keep these pancakes from turning out flat or dense?
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and don’t overmix the batter. Letting the batter rest a few minutes can help, too. Cooking at medium heat keeps the pancakes fluffy without burning.
Can I freeze these chai spiced pancakes?
Yes! Cool completely, then stack with parchment paper in between and freeze in an airtight bag. Reheat gently in a toaster or microwave for a quick treat.
If you want to see a different take on chai-spiced breakfast, HapaNom’s chai spiced pancakes offer a great spin you might enjoy.
Final Thoughts on This Chai Spiced Pancakes:
This chai spiced pancakes recipe holds a special place in my collection because it’s part of those meals you look forward to—simple, comforting, and full of approachable flavor. It’s become a family favorite that’s easy to pull together yet feels like a treat.
My Top Tips for This Chai Spiced Pancakes:
- Use fresh spices or a quality chai spice blend for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix your batter to keep your pancakes fluffy.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven to serve a hot stack.
For variations, I love adding chopped crystallized ginger for a little zing, stirring in mashed banana for extra moisture, or topping with spiced apple compote for a cozy twist. The version that gets requested most often is the classic masala chai flavor pancakes with a touch of extra cinnamon.
I hope you enjoy sharing and making this recipe as much as I do. It’s approachable, satisfying, and brings that wonderful chai aroma right to your breakfast table. Give it a try and make it your own—you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe box. For another delicious morning treat, consider Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from Cakes Plus Taste—they pair wonderfully with chai flavors.
Remember, great cooking is about joy and confidence, and these chai spiced pancakes are here to add exactly that to your kitchen. Happy cooking, friends!
Chai Spiced Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes infused with aromatic chai spices, perfect for a warm and flavorful breakfast experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg).
- In another bowl, beat the egg with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet; cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, honey, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped toasted nuts or a dollop of spiced whipped cream on top.

