McDonald’s Pancakes Review | Can McDonald’s Make Good Pancakes?

McDonald’s pancakes have been a beloved McDonald’s breakfast menu item since 1977. Their spongy and fluffy texture has made them an iconic breakfast classic. But can McDonald’s make good pancakes? Read on the McDonald’s pancake review to find the answer.

McDonald’s pancakes (hotcakes) are indeed good. They have been a customer favorite ever since being featured on the menu. Thanks to their incredible flavors and texture.

It’s no surprise that McDonald’s breakfast menu has gained popularity worldwide. That’s because it serves some of the best breakfast options, like the hotcakes, that make for a delightful start to the day.

But if you have only heard about them and have yet to try them, this article will help you determine if the pancakes are worth the hype. For this, I will take you through what customers say about them. So, let’s get straight to business.  

What’s In McDonald’s Pancakes?

You may be excited to try the McDonald’s pancakes, but before you do, let me give you an idea about the ingredients of these pancakes. It’s essential to be well-informed about what you eat to keep fit. 

McDonald’s Pancakes Ingredients: 

1. Hotcakes: Water, Enriched Flour, Whey, Corn Flour, Soybean Oil, Sugar, Eggs, Leavening (baking Soda), Dextrose, Emulsifier, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavors, Beta Carotene (color), Soy Lecithin.

Contains: Wheat, Egg, Milk, Soy.

1. Hotcake Syrup: Corn Syrup, Sugar, Water, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Caramel Color.
2. Salted Whipped Butter: Sweet Cream, Salt.

Contains: Milk.

How Does McDonald’s Pancakes Taste?

McDonald’s pancakes have a simple flavor like any other pancake. But they turn out to be sweet and mildly buttery with the help of honey syrup and salted whipped butter. 

The pancakes at McDonald’s are made with refined flour, sugar, eggs, and leavening agents, which makes them extraordinarily fluffy and soft. Their light and airy texture makes them easy to cut and enjoyable to eat. You can tell they are perfectly cooked right after your first bite.

Moreover, McDonald’s pancakes are a classic breakfast item with a warm and pleasant flavor. They can also be customized to your liking by adding your favorite toppings.

When you order McDonald’s pancakes, you get three golden brown hotcakes topped with gorgeous golden syrup and butter that scream, “eat me”! According to McDonald’s website, the pancakes are best paired with their premium roast coffee, which makes the perfect breakfast combo.

What Do People Say About McDonald’s Pancakes?

McDonalds pancakes have received mixed reactions from customers. While for most of them, nothing beats McDonald’s hotcakes; some people have a different opinion about them. Take a look at them:

A Redditor notes: “I know they’re called hotcakes, but they’re the best pancakes I’ve ever heard of in terms of quality, consistency, fluffiness, and taste. The syrup and butter they give always deliver as well. They’re better than any IHOP, Denny’s, etc. And it’s much cheaper to eat there.” 

Another one says, “McDonald’s Hotcakes hit differently sometimes.” 

“My mother and I would die for these things. They don’t need syrup or butter— they’re soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness, and you can pick them up with your hands and eat them as is,” noted a third one. 

Sharing similar thoughts, Insider wrote: “With the first bite, I instantly got nostalgia-inducing public-school-cafeteria vibes, which is very much a compliment in my book.”

Per Mashed, “For pancakes made in a fast food restaurant, Hot Cakes are delicious, and their texture is spot on. They’re not overly fluffy but have the consistency to make the perfect on-the-go pancake. They’re served with salted butter, which is a little strange but works. But an upgrade in syrup could make these ten times better.”

Ranking McDonald’s pancakes on the number 1 spot, The Daily Meal writes, “Claiming top place in our ranking, McDonald’s Hotcakes have proven themselves to be the epitome of exceptional fast food pancakes.

“McDonald’s set the bar for fast food pancakes, showcasing a signature taste profile that keeps customers returning for more. McDonald’s also goes the extra mile by offering diverse toppings. Beyond the classic syrup and butter, customers can indulge in whipped cream, honey, and fruits. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, chocolate and caramel drizzles typically used for McCafe’s are available to enhance the experience,” they added.

A Chick Advisor reviewer described McDonald’s Hotcakes as tasting like fresh home-cooked pancakes. “They are light and fluffy and taste like fresh home-cooked pancakes.”

“I love McDonald’s hotcakes for breakfast! They are so fluffy, and a stack and a nice cup of coffee make my morning.”

Giving them five stars, a user wrote” “Absolutely love McDonald’s hotcakes! I could honestly eat ten of them in one sitting! They are so fluffy and delicious. So good slathered in syrup with a hash brown on the side. Thankful all-day breakfast is now a thing! Hotcakes for dinner, I think so!!

However, comments on this YouTube channel gave mixed reviews. One user says: “They’re too dry for me. I’ll still eat them when my kids get the Big Breakfast from there, but I never go out of my way to buy them.” 

Another said, “A lot of calories and sodium, I’m finding, but they are awesome!”

Furthermore, on another YouTube channel, someone noted: “I remember when McDonald’s used to have freshly made pancakes for breakfast. They were so much better than the new rubbery one.”

What Are My Thoughts On McDonald’s Pancakes?

After reading all those reactions from people, I’m sure you have the answer to whether McDonald’s makes good pancakes. But before you leave, here’s a final word from my side. 

McDonald’s pancakes are indeed one of the best items on their breakfast menu. They strike an impressive balance between a thick, fluffy texture and a moist center. 

As for their taste, they have a subtle sweet flavor on their own. But when paired with the honey syrup and butter, they hit the right spot. So, if you are looking to enjoy a light breakfast option, McDonald’s pancakes, or as they call them, hotcakes, are worth a try.

On our rate-o-meter, we give McDonald’s pancakes 4.5 stars. 

Are McDonald’s Pancakes Healthy?

No, McDonald’s pancakes are not healthy. They come loaded with calories and have a high amount of carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium.

The table below from McDonald’s official website will give you an overview of the pancake’s nutritional profile.

McDonald’s pancakes come with a significant amount of calories. Therefore, you must refrain from indulging in them frequently. Likewise, if you follow a plant-based diet, you must avoid McDonald’s pancakes/hotcakes as they are not vegan-friendly. 

Can You Make A Better Version Of The McDonald’s Pancakes At Home?

You can make a better version of McDonald’s pancakes at home with a handful of inexpensive ingredients. This way, they will also be healthy, as you will not add preservatives or artificial colors. 

Love McDonald’s pancakes too much? Well, you no longer have to go to their restaurants to enjoy these soft and fluffy pancakes, as we bring you this McDonald’s pancakes recipe to replicate at home. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, and the cooking takes no more than a few minutes.

Conclusion

For a good reason: McDonald’s pancakes and hotcakes are among the most popular breakfast items on the menu. They taste delicious and have an exceptionally great texture. Their moist center and fluffy texture make them a melt-in-the-mouth treat.

Moreover, the honey syrup and butter toppings make them even better. Therefore, if you still haven’t tried them yet, try them out during McDonald’s breakfast hours. Along with it, you can also enjoy some other delectable options from its menu.

But before that, why not look at McDonald’s Breakfast Bagel and Egg McMuffin reviews, which are popular among customers? Likewise, check out the reviews for McDonald’s Breakfast Burritos or McDonald’s Biscuit and Gravy.  

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