My dad goes to McDonald’s every single morning for a large Diet Coke with no ice.

Sometimes, he surprises us with their hotcakes.

If you love hot pancakes, you’ve got to try McDonald’s Hotcakes with a side of real butter and sweet maple-flavored Hotcake syrup. 

At McDonald’s, the breakfast comes with 3 golden brown hotcakes.

McDonald’s Hotcakes Nutritional Facts

• 580 Calories
• Total Fat: 15 grams (19% Daily Value)
• Total Carbs: 101 grams (37% Daily Value)
• Protein: 9 grams 
• Saturated Fat: 6 grams (32% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2 grams (8% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 130 milligrams (10% Daily Value)
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Total Sugars: 45 grams
• Added Sugars: 40 grams (79% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3 milligrams (15% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 40 milligrams (14% Daily Value)
• Vitamin D: 0 micrograms (0% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 430 milligrams (10% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 530 milligrams (23% Daily Value)

McDonald’s Hotcakes, often referred to as “McGriddle Cakes” or simply “pancakes,” are a popular breakfast item offered on McDonald’s menus worldwide. 

They have gained popularity for several reasons.

1. Taste and Consistency

McDonald’s hotcakes are known for their fluffy and slightly sweet texture. They have a consistent taste and quality, making them a reliable and familiar choice for breakfast enthusiasts.

2. Iconic Flavor

The hotcakes are typically served with butter and maple syrup, creating a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. The iconic taste of McDonald’s pancakes has become a favorite among customers.

3. Nostalgia

Many people have fond childhood memories of eating McDonald’s hotcakes. This nostalgia factor contributes to their enduring popularity.

4. Ease of Consumption

Hotcakes are easy to eat on the go, making them a convenient choice for busy mornings or when people are traveling.

5. Customization

McDonald’s often offers variations of hotcakes, such as those with fruit toppings or the best breakfast combinations that include sausage patties or bacon. This variety allows customers to choose options that suit their preferences.

6. Affordability

McDonald’s hotcakes are relatively affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of customers.

7. Availability

McDonald’s serves delicious breakfast all day in some locations, allowing customers to enjoy hotcakes at any time, not just during traditional breakfast hours.

8. International Appeal

McDonald’s operates in many countries, and while they adapt their menus to local tastes, hotcakes are a universally appealing breakfast option, contributing to their global popularity.

Easy McDonald’s Pancake Recipe: Hotcakes Copycat

But maybe you want to try something other than that real thing and make them yourself at home.

McDonald’s would never share their pancake recipe with me, so here is my hotcakes copycat recipe.

Hotcakes Copycat Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Butter, olive oil, or vegetable oil for cooking
• Maple syrup for serving (and best results)

Hotcakes Copycat Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a wire whisk to mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another single bowl, beat the egg and then add the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

4. Heat the Griddle: Preheat a griddle, frying pan, or a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.

5. Cook the Pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.

6. Serve: Once cooked, transfer the Hotcakes to a plate, and serve them hot with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Have extra? Pop this easy breakfast in an airtight container or freezer bag and enjoy this homemade version later too! 

In my house, it makes for a fun weeknight breakfast-for-dinner dish.

Hotcakes Copycat Tips

To get the fluffiest pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter. It’s okay to have some small lumps.

Add a handful of chocolate chips or blueberries to the batter for a twist on the classic hotcakes.

Use your favorite toppings on your hotcakes with things like whipped cream, freshly-cut fruit, or a dollop of peanut butter for added flavor.

For the perfect breakfast combo, add a sausage patty or strips of bacon.

This recipe should give you hotcakes that are similar in taste and texture to McDonald’s. 

Now that you have the copycat recipe for making McDonald’s hotcakes at home, there’s no need to wait in long drive-thru lines for that beloved breakfast treat… unless you want the real deal. 

Whip up a batch of these fluffy pancakes, and relish the nostalgia of McDonald’s breakfast in your own kitchen for the entire family. 

For another delicious pancakes recipe with simple ingredients, click here.

(This is my husband’s family recipe and what the Nicholson’s consider the best pancake recipe.)

Find me on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay and let me know how this McDonald’s pancake recipe turned out.