Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is an iconic restaurant chain known for its warm, rustic ambiance and a menu filled with classic Southern comfort food. From mouth watering fried chicken to hearty meatloaf, Cracker Barrel has a reputation for serving up delicious dishes that remind us of home-cooked meals.

Among the many delightful items on Cracker Barrel’s menu, one dish that consistently stands out is the Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes. These fluffy pancakes, generously studded with fresh blackberries, have become a fan favorite, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

How Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes Became Famous

The journey of Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes began with a commitment to authentic Southern cooking. Cracker Barrel, as an establishment, has always aimed to capture the essence of traditional Southern comfort food. Their pancake recipe is no exception.

Rooted in classic pancake-making techniques, Cracker Barrel’s recipe incorporates a secret ingredient: fresh, juicy blackberries. These berries not only add a burst of flavor but also a touch of Southern charm to every bite.

Why Make Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes at Home?

While the allure of dining at Cracker Barrel and savoring their iconic Blackberry Pancakes is undeniable, there are compelling reasons to consider recreating this beloved dish in the comfort of your kitchen. 

1. Cost Savings
2. Customization
3. Quality Ingredients

Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes Recipe

Equipment

Special Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Blackberry Topping: In a saucepan, combine the blackberries and sugar. Simmer until thickened, then set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease it lightly. Pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve: Stack the pancakes on plates and top with the warm blackberry sauce. Enjoy your Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes!

Nutritional Information

Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes are a delicious indulgence, but it’s essential to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Calories per serving (2 pancakes): Approximately 300-350 calories, excluding syrup and additional toppings.
• Protein: About 8-10 grams per serving.
• Carbohydrates: Around 50-60 grams per serving, mainly from the flour and sugar in the pancakes.
• Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams per serving, primarily from butter and any added toppings.
• Fiber: There is limited fiber content in the pancakes; most fiber comes from the fresh blackberries.

Tips for Making Perfect Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes

1. Use fresh blackberries for vibrant flavor and texture; avoid frozen or canned berries.
2. Cook pancakes on a non-stick skillet or griddle, ensuring it’s well-heated.
3. Maintain medium heat to prevent burning flipping when bubbles form on the surface.
4. Aim for a golden crust in about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep pancakes fluffy.
6. Consider using buttermilk for added creaminess and fluffiness.
7. Prepare the blackberry syrup with fresh berries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
8. Adjust syrup sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
9. Optionally, use a cornstarch slurry for a thicker syrup.
10. Drizzle warm blackberry syrup generously over the pancakes.
11. Enhance with whipped cream or powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
12. Explore other pancake recipes like Sweet Cream, Chocolate Chip, Strawberry, or alternatives without baking powder or milk.
13. Consider the nutritional content of Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes when planning your meal.

Cooking and Flipping Pancakes

Guidance on Choosing the Right Pan or Griddle: To achieve even cooking, use a non-stick skillet or griddle. Make sure it’s well-heated before pouring the pancake batter. You can also lightly grease it with butter or oil for a beautiful golden crust.

Temperature and Timing for Cooking Each Pancake: Maintain a consistent medium heat while cooking the pancakes. This allows them to cook evenly without burning. When you see bubbles forming on the surface, it’s time to flip the pancakes. Typically, this takes about 2-3 minutes per side, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Fluffy Pancakes: To make your pancakes fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Also, consider using buttermilk, as it adds a creamy richness and contributes to their fluffiness.

Preparing the Blackberry Syrup

The blackberry syrup is the crowning glory of Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients and Instructions for Making the Blackberry Syrup

1. Combine 2 cups of fresh blackberries, 
2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 
3. 1/4 cup water in a saucepan.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the berry flavor.

Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and add it to the simmering mixture.

Once thickened, remove it from heat and set it aside. The syrup should have a luscious, fruity consistency.

How to Adjust the Sweetness to Taste

The sweetness of the syrup can be adjusted by varying the amount of sugar used. Taste the syrup as it simmers, and add more sugar if needed. Keep in mind that the natural sweetness of the blackberries will also influence the overall sweetness of the syrup.

Serving Suggestions for the Syrup

Drizzle the warm blackberry syrup generously over your Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Pancake Recipe Alternatives

While Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes are a classic favorite, you can explore other pancake recipes for variety. Here are some alternatives:

1. Sweet Cream Pancakes: These are rich and creamy, offering a luxurious twist on traditional pancakes.
2. Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Perfect for chocolate lovers, these pancakes are studded with chocolate chips for a delightful treat.
3. Strawberry Pancakes: Swap out the blackberries for fresh strawberries to enjoy a different berry-infused pancake experience.
4. Pancakes Without Baking Powder: If you’re out of baking powder, there are alternative recipes that create fluffy pancakes without it.
5. Pancakes Without Milk: For those with dietary restrictions, there are dairy-free pancake recipes that use alternative milk options like almond or soy milk.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel Blackberry Pancakes are a cherished breakfast dish that brings the warmth of a homestyle meal to your morning table. The key to making these pancakes perfect lies in the freshness of the blackberries and mastering the art of pancake cooking. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can recreate the magic of Cracker Barrel’s beloved pancakes in your kitchen.

So whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend breakfast or looking to impress guests, these pancakes are sure to delight your taste buds. Don’t forget to savor the sweet, tangy goodness of the homemade blackberry syrup—it’s the perfect finishing touch to a breakfast masterpiece.