Name: Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300g/10½oz self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 large free-range eggs; 350ml/12fl oz buttermilk; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 heaped tsp vanilla bean paste; 45g/1½ oz caster sugar; 50g/1¾oz pecans, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve; Maple syrup, to serve (optional); 50g/1¾oz soft brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 65ml/4 tbsp maple syrup; 100g/3½oz cream cheese; 25g/1oz icing sugar, plus extra to serve; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

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If you’re like me and love waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon and sweet maple syrup during the holidays, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe. It’s the perfect cozy dish that blends the fluffiness of pancakes with the irresistible swirl of cinnamon rolls all baked into one glorious traybake. Seriously, it’s a showstopper for Christmas morning or any special winter brunch where you want a fuss-free but impressive breakfast.

What makes this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe extra special is how easy it is to prepare in one pan — less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy with loved ones. The cinnamon swirl and pecans add that nostalgic holiday touch while the cream cheese icing seals the deal, making every bite feel like a festive hug. I’ve made this for family gatherings, and the smiles and requests for seconds never disappoint!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a batter that’s fluffy, fragrant with cinnamon, and sweetened just right. A few pantry staples and some fresh pecans make this recipe simple to shop for, and using buttermilk really helps keep the pancakes tender and light.

Self-raising flour: The base for fluffy pancakes; self-raising flour already has baking powder, so double-check your baking powder measurement.
Baking powder: Gives extra lift alongside the self-raising flour — crucial for that soft texture.
Large free-range eggs: Eggs add richness and help bind everything together nicely.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with baking powder to give an airy fluffiness.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice topping both the batter and swirl, infusing warmth and that festive vibe.
Vanilla bean paste: Vanilla paste packs a punch in flavor compared to extract, making the dish extra fragrant.
Caster sugar: Sweetens the batter subtly without being overpowering.
Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty depth; roasting them lightly before adding can intensify flavor.
Soft brown sugar: For the cinnamon swirl; its molasses richness melts into the batter beautifully.
Maple syrup: Incorporated in the swirl and optional for drizzling at the end — the perfect natural sweetener.
Cream cheese: For the luscious topping; make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps in your icing.
Icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing.

Variations

I love making this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe my own by swapping in different nuts or experimenting with toppings. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—it’s all about what you enjoy most.

Walnuts or almonds instead of pecans: I once swapped pecans for toasted walnuts, which added a nice earthiness that my family really liked.
Gluten-free flour blend: I’ve tried a gluten-free self-raising flour in a pinch, and the texture was just as satisfying.
Vegan substitute: Use flax eggs and a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan twist—still delicious!
Berry compote swirl: Instead of cinnamon sugar, try swirling in fresh berry compote for a tangy surprise.
Extra spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add an interesting festive note to the cinnamon swirl.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Pancake Batter

Start by whisking together the self-raising flour and baking powder in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and caster sugar, stirring to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined — don’t overmix or your pancakes might turn out tough. Stir in the pecans last to distribute them evenly without breaking them up too much.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the soft brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. This swirl is where the magic happens — it’ll give that signature cinnamon roll flavor layered beautifully throughout the traybake.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl in Your Tray

Pour half the pancake batter into a greased baking tray, then dollop and spread half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it. Pour over the remaining batter, then spoon on the rest of the swirl. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter in a figure-eight pattern — this creates those gorgeous spirals that look just like cinnamon rolls once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for around 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will start filling your kitchen — trust me, that smell is pure holiday happiness. Let it cool slightly before adding your cream cheese icing.

Step 5: Whip Up Your Cream Cheese Icing

Beat the softened cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla bean paste together until smooth and creamy. Spread this over the warm (not hot) traybake so it melts slightly and creates a luscious finish. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans and a dusting of icing sugar on top.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe

The image shows a cinnamon swirl baked pie with one piece taken out and placed on a white plate below. The pie has one main layer with a light brown color mixed with dark cinnamon swirls on the surface, with a slightly coarse texture and a soft crumb visible where the slice is missing. The white pie dish holding the pie has a scalloped edge and is set on a wooden board, next to two cinnamon sticks and a metal pie server with a shiny, reflective surface. Above the pie, there is a small glass bowl filled with light brown raw sugar grains. The white plate with the slice of pie is placed on a textured gray cloth, resting on a white marbled table surface. The slice of pie on the plate shows the cinnamon swirl pattern clearly and has two small cinnamon stick-like cookies beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of icing sugar and a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I drizzle extra maple syrup right before serving — it adds such a lovely sweetness and glossy finish. Fresh berries on the side contrast the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully too!

Side Dishes

Pair this traybake with crispy bacon, sausages, or even scrambled eggs for a hearty Christmas breakfast. A pot of strong coffee or cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate is my go-to drink — it complements the cinnamon perfectly and helps keep you warm on those chilly winter mornings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday brunch spread, I’ve served this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by jars of extra toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, and flavored syrups. It makes for a fun, interactive meal where everyone can customize their slice. You could even cut it into bite-sized squares and serve as sweet pancake bites for a festive party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), cover the traybake tightly with cling film or transfer slices to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I find it’s best eaten fresh or within 24 hours to enjoy the soft, gooey texture at its peak.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual slices wrapped in parchment paper and placed inside a freezer bag. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently. It’s surprisingly good post-freezing, though the cream cheese icing is best added fresh after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Pop leftover slices into a toaster oven or microwave for a quick warm-up. If microwaving, heat in short bursts to avoid drying out, and refresh with a drizzle of maple syrup or a little extra cream cheese icing to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I make the Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake ahead of Christmas morning?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and cinnamon swirl the night before and keep it in the fridge. Assemble and bake fresh on Christmas morning for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, bake it fully and warm it when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 350ml of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This gives the tang and acidity that helps with the rise.
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla bean paste with an equal amount of vanilla extract. The paste has tiny vanilla seeds and a richer flavor, but the extract will still give a lovely aroma and taste.
How do I ensure the cinnamon swirl is well distributed?

After layering the batter and cinnamon swirl, use a skewer or butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture in figure-eight motions. Don’t over-mix; just enough to create beautiful streaks without blending it all together.
Is the pecan optional?

Definitely optional! Pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but if you or your guests have allergies, you can leave them out or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Traybake: Christmas Breakfast Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the best of two beloved treats—cinnamon rolls and pancakes—into one effortlessly delicious dish. It’s my go-to when I want to impress family without spending hours in the kitchen, and the cozy flavors never fail to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try this holiday season and trust me, it’ll become your festive breakfast tradition too!