Sam Father’s Day breakfast deserves something a little extra—and that’s where my Maple Bourbon Pancakes come in. I make these fluffy stacks with real maple syrup and a splash of bourbon, creating a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor that always makes the morning feel special. Whether I’m serving them up for a cozy breakfast in bed or plating a tall stack for a laid-back family brunch, these pancakes hit all the right notes.
There’s something so satisfying about transforming a few basic pantry ingredients into something that feels gourmet. I love how these pancakes rise with a golden-brown finish, soft and tender in the center, but still hearty enough to hold all your favorite toppings. The bourbon adds a layer of complexity—vanilla, caramel, a little warmth—that pairs beautifully with the maple syrup. And while the flavor feels bold, the actual cooking couldn’t be simpler.
I usually start by whisking together the batter while the griddle heats up, letting the aroma of maple and vanilla start to fill the kitchen. As each pancake cooks to golden perfection, I know I’m crafting more than just breakfast—I’m building a moment. Sometimes I top them with crispy bacon or toasted pecans, other times I keep it classic with butter and warm syrup. Either way, these pancakes bring big flavor without a lot of fuss.
They’re perfect for dads who appreciate the small things done well—like a stack of pancakes with character, cooked from scratch and served with love. And if you’re wondering about the bourbon, don’t worry—it cooks off during the process, leaving just the depth and richness behind. It’s the kind of dish that makes Father’s Day feel thoughtful and homemade, and it’s always a hit whether I’m cooking for two or ten.
Looking for the science behind cooking with alcohol? Check out this USDA guide to alcohol cooking safety. Want to learn more about the benefits of real maple syrup? Explore this Harvard article on added sugars and why maple syrup can be a better option in moderation. Curious about pancake fluffiness? Want pancake with a touch of real fruit? Here’s my take on the Mango Pancake that truly feels like a Vacation!
Maple Bourbon Pancakes (Fluffy, Boozy & Dad-Approved)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter plus more for the pan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup warm
- Bourbon glaze or whipped cream
- Candied pecans or crispy bacon
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:In another bowl, whisk milk, maple syrup, bourbon, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Make the Batter:Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix. A few lumps are okay.
- Cook the Pancakes:– Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.– Add a small pat of butter or oil.– Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.– Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve and Enjoy:Stack pancakes high, top with warm maple syrup, bourbon glaze, and your favorite sides.
Notes
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American Brunch
- Servings: 10 pancakes (serves 3–4)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per 2 Pancakes):
- Calories: ~290
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
Budget Breakdown:
- Pantry staples (flour, eggs, baking powder): ~$2.00
- Maple syrup: ~$2.50
- Bourbon: ~$1.50 (from bottle)
- Butter and milk: ~$1.00
- Total Cost: ~$7.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.75
Why You’ll Love These Maple Bourbon Pancakes
- Fluffy, rich, and slightly boozy
- Made with pantry staples + a splash of bourbon
- Ideal for Father’s Day breakfast or brunch
- No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl and griddle
- Can be customized with mix-ins or toppings
Perfect For:
- Father’s Day breakfast in bed or family brunch
- Weekend pancake mornings
- Brunch parties with a gourmet twist
- Holiday breakfasts and breakfast-for-dinner
Behind the Recipe
This recipe was inspired by my dad’s favorite Sunday ritual: bourbon on the rocks and a tall stack of pancakes. So, one year, we combined the two and it was an instant hit. The bourbon doesn’t make it boozy—it makes it bold, bringing out the vanilla and maple flavors in a way that regular pancakes can’t.
We’ve since made these maple bourbon pancakes every Father’s Day, often serving them with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and a little extra drizzle of bourbon-infused syrup for good measure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup (warm)
- Bourbon glaze or whipped cream
- Candied pecans or crispy bacon
Ingredient Highlights
- Bourbon: Adds a subtle smokiness and warmth—choose one with caramel or vanilla notes.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor (not pancake syrup).
- Baking Powder + Baking Soda: Ensures pancakes rise tall and fluffy.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the edges.
How to Make Maple Bourbon Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk milk, maple syrup, bourbon, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix. A few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Add a small pat of butter or oil.
- Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
- Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Stack pancakes high, top with warm maple syrup, bourbon glaze, and your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter—lumps = fluffier pancakes
- Let the batter rest 5 minutes before cooking for better texture
- Use a measuring cup for uniform pancakes
- Wipe the skillet between batches to avoid burning residue
- For extra flair, reduce maple syrup with a splash of bourbon to make a glaze
Easy Variations
- Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter
- Fruit-Forward: Fold in blueberries or diced bananas
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and vegan butter
- Kid-Friendly: Swap bourbon with vanilla or bourbon extract
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Flash freeze, then store in bags up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in toaster, oven, or microwave
- Make-Ahead: Mix dry ingredients the night before; combine with wet ingredients in the morning
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Serve your maple bourbon pancakes with:
- Crispy oven-baked bacon or sausage
- Scrambled eggs or egg bites
- Bourbon-spiked whipped cream or maple glaze
- Fresh berries and Greek yogurt parfait
Round it out with our High Protein Egg Bites, 15-Minute Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, or Cottage Cheese Berry Bowl for a full Father’s Day breakfast menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Bourbon adds depth and a warm vanilla-caramel flavor. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich taste.
No. The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving a subtle smoky-sweet flavor without any boozy aftertaste.
Yes, if the alcohol is cooked. For extra caution, use bourbon extract or omit entirely.
Absolutely! Store in the fridge or freeze, then reheat as needed.
Maple syrup, bourbon glaze, whipped cream, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit.
You can, but homemade gives better control over flavor and texture.
Choose a mid-range bourbon with vanilla or toffee notes. Avoid highly spiced or overly strong varieties.
Yes! Just reduce the liquid slightly and follow your waffle iron’s instructions.
Try scrambled eggs, sausage, yogurt parfaits, or even a fresh fruit salad.
Use a mix of baking powder and baking soda, and let the batter rest before cooking to ensure light, fluffy texture.
Yes. The heat cooks off the alcohol, leaving only flavor. You can also use bourbon extract as a no-alcohol alternative.
Yes! Simmer maple syrup with a splash of bourbon until slightly thickened, then drizzle over pancakes.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Bourbon Pancakes are more than just a breakfast—they’re a celebration on a plate. Fluffy, flavorful, and just a little fancy, they bring a gourmet twist to your Father’s Day spread without requiring chef-level skills. With pantry staples, a splash of bourbon, and a whole lot of love, you can whip up a brunch Dad will remember.
Perfect for Father’s Day or any weekend that calls for something extra special, this pancake recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, with just enough edge to stand out. From the maple syrup to the bourbon glaze and crispy bacon on the side, it’s a complete experience built for memory-making mornings.
Looking to complete your Father’s Day menu? Add our Steak and Eggs Breakfast Skillet, Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes, or Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon to the lineup and make it a meal to remember.
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Fluffy, flavorful, and infused with real maple and bourbon—these brunch-worthy pancakes are made to celebrate Dad in delicious style!
