Name: Orange Pancakes with Medjool Dates Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cup all-purpose flour (can use 1:1 gluten free flour blend); 1 tbsp coconut sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup milk (regular or dairy free); 1 tbsp lemon juice (to make buttermilk); ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 1 large egg; 1.5 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped Medjool dates (pitted)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving something bright, sweet, and utterly comforting for breakfast or brunch, this Orange Pancakes with Medjool Dates Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine fluffy pancakes infused with fresh orange zest and juice, complemented perfectly by the rich, caramel-like chewiness of chopped Medjool dates. Each bite bursts with citrus sunshine and a natural sweetness that feels indulgent without being overpowering. These pancakes are simple to make but deliver a gourmet touch that brings warmth and joy to your morning table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of several small white bowls and dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. Starting from the top left, there is a black round plate with a yellow lemon and an orange. To the right is a tall, faceted glass filled with milk. Below the plate is a scalloped brown dish with melted butter or oil. Near the center is a white bowl filled with white flour. Below the flour is a small scalloped green dish holding chopped dates with one large date on top. To the left of the dates is a small green bowl with a brown powder or spice, and next to it is a small white saucer with a square of butter. Bottom left shows a wooden bowl with one white egg. Near the egg is a small black dish with some salt. To the right of the salt is a small white scalloped dish with a white powder, likely baking powder. Above that is a small white dish with sugar. In the bottom right corner is a small white dish with a light brown liquid, possibly vanilla or syrup. The ingredients are neatly placed with a soft natural light highlighting their colors and textures, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and a beautiful golden color in your Orange Pancakes with Medjool Dates Recipe. Each element works in harmony to elevate this dish beyond your typical stack.

1.5 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives your pancakes tenderness and structure; you can swap for gluten-free blend if preferred.
1 tbsp coconut sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that complements the dates without overpowering.
1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your pancakes are fluffy and light.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Zest of 1 orange: Brings fresh citrus aroma and bright flavor throughout.
1 cup milk (regular or dairy free): Provides moisture and richness, and works together with lemon juice to create homemade buttermilk.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds acidity to curdle the milk, giving pancakes that tender crumb.
¼ cup fresh orange juice: Intensifies the orange flavor and keeps the batter moist.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients and helps with fluffiness.
1.5 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps with browning.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity with warm, sweet notes.
½ cup chopped Medjool dates (pitted): These luscious, naturally sweet fruits add chewy texture and a caramel undertone.

How to Make Orange Pancakes with Medjool Dates Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Base

Start by mixing the milk with the lemon juice in a measuring cup and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This simple transformation creates a tangy, homemade buttermilk that tenderizes the pancakes and adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the zest of one orange. The orange zest not only boosts flavor but also gives the pancakes a lovely, fresh aroma while the dry ingredients create the structure you’ll want.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the homemade buttermilk, fresh orange juice, egg, melted butter or coconut oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. This wet mixture brings moisture, richness, and that beautiful citrus punch.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Fold in Dates

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. It’s perfectly okay if the batter is slightly thick and lumpy—that’s the texture you want for tender pancakes. Finally, fold in the chopped Medjool dates, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed to add those pockets of chewy sweetness throughout.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle to medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about ¼ cup of the batter per pancake into the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles start to form on top and the edges set, then carefully flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to golden perfection. Repeat until all the batter is used, savoring the smells that fill your kitchen.

How to Serve Orange Pancakes with Medjool Dates Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick, creamy batter that is light yellow with orange specks mixed throughout, showing a slightly glossy and smooth texture with small lumps. A gray spatula is partially submerged in the batter, angled toward the right side. Next to the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there is a small brown dish holding two cracked eggshell halves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping these pancakes with a drizzle of pure maple syrup is a classic move, but don’t stop there! Add a dollop of creamy yogurt for tang, sprinkle extra orange zest for a burst of citrus aroma, or layer with fresh orange slices to enhance the fruity vibe. Each garnish adds a fresh, flavorful pop that makes the dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

For a complete breakfast spread, serve your orange pancakes alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit like berries or melon adds brightness, while a simple spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette can offer a refreshing, light balance that complements rather than competes.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your pancakes high and insert thin slices of Medjool dates and orange segments between layers for a gorgeous visual and flavor surprise. You can also turn these pancakes into a parfait by layering them with Greek yogurt and toasted nuts in a glass, making an elegant but fun brunch presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel between layers to keep the pancakes from becoming soggy, preserving their delightful texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let pancakes cool completely, then separate with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pancakes maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 2 months—perfect for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat pancakes by warming in a toaster, oven, or on a nonstick skillet over low heat. This helps restore some crispness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and flavorful, making them taste almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates instead of Medjool dates?

While Medjool dates are ideal thanks to their soft, caramel-like texture and large size, you can substitute with other date varieties. Just keep in mind that some may be drier or less sweet, so you might want to adjust the amount slightly.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the egg with a flax or chia egg, use plant-based milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. The pancakes will still be delicious with a slight tweak in texture and flavor.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

It’s best to make the batter fresh since the baking powder and baking soda start reacting immediately; however, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before cooking to save time in the morning.

Why do I use lemon juice in the recipe?

Lemon juice works to acidify the milk, turning it into a homemade buttermilk. This reaction helps tenderize the pancakes and gives them a slightly tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the dates.

What if I don’t have coconut sugar? Can I use regular sugar?

Yes, regular granulated sugar or brown sugar can be used as substitutes. Brown sugar will add a bit more moisture and a deeper caramel note, while white sugar keeps it more neutral. Adjust to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Pancakes with Medjool Dates Recipe are a shining example of how simple ingredients and a bit of kitchen love can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re making them for a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick midweek treat, they bring a smile to the table with every bite. Give them a try—you’ll love how the bright orange zest and sweet dates transform ordinary pancakes into a morning masterpiece.