Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake Stacks

Featured in: Garden-Inspired Meals

Experience a fusion brunch favorite with fluffy pancakes layered with sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon. Each bite offers a balance of savory heat and sweet undertones, thanks to drizzle of honey or maple syrup. These stacks are cooked golden on a skillet, then stacked high and garnished with extra cheese and fresh jalapeño rings. Ideal for bold palates, this dish can be customized for milder tastes or vegetarian preferences. Prep is quick, perfect for weekend mornings, and yields an unforgettable brunch centerpiece bursting with playful contrasts and satisfying textures.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:24:00 GMT
Fluffy Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake pancakes topped with crispy bacon and honey drizzle.  Pin
Fluffy Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake pancakes topped with crispy bacon and honey drizzle. | toastybasil.com

A bold, savory-sweet stack of fluffy pancakes loaded with sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of maple, finished with crispy bacon and a drizzle of honey. The ultimate brunch treat for adventurous palates!

The first time I made these, my friends were shocked by the combination, but every plate was cleared. This recipe is a firm favorite on lazy Sunday brunches when we crave a twist on the classic pancake stack.

Ingredients

  • Pancake Batter: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Savory Add-Ins: 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated), 2 fresh jalapeños (deseeded and finely chopped), 4 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
  • Toppings: 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, additional cheddar (grated for garnish), sliced jalapeño rings (for garnish), extra crispy bacon (optional)

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat eggs with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Blend Together:
Pour wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Add Savory Mix-ins:
Fold in cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and bacon.
Cook Pancakes:
Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease. Pour 1/3 cup batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear and edges look set (about 2-3 minutes). Flip and cook another 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Finish and Serve:
Keep pancakes warm while repeating with remaining batter. Stack pancakes on plates, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and top with extra cheddar, jalapeño rings, and bacon as desired.
Savory-sweet Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake pancake stacks garnished with fresh jalapeño rings.  Pin
Savory-sweet Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake pancake stacks garnished with fresh jalapeño rings. | toastybasil.com

These pancake mornings bring my family together in laughter, as everyone builds their own wild stack and debates exactly how much heat is too much. It’s not a quiet breakfast!

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, cheese grater, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Bacon contains pork, and all packaged ingredients should be checked for allergens if serving to those with sensitivities.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 485, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 18 g per serving

Indulge in Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake pancakes, a spicy twist on classic brunch favorites. Pin
Indulge in Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake pancakes, a spicy twist on classic brunch favorites. | toastybasil.com

Serve hot and let each person add their favorite toppings for the ultimate custom brunch. Prepare to have leftovers vanish!

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute the cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack offers a milder flavor, or try smoked cheddar for rich depth.

What can I use instead of bacon?

Sautéed mushrooms or meatless bacon strips make a delicious alternative for a vegetarian option.

How do I control the heat level?

Remove jalapeño seeds for a gentler spice, or leave some in for extra kick.

Can I make these pancakes ahead?

Prepare stacks in advance and reheat in the oven; toppings are best added just before serving.

What’s a good dip for serving?

Sour cream is a tangy choice that complements the savory and spicy flavors perfectly.

How do I make the pancakes fluffy?

Gently mix the batter and avoid over-stirring; this keeps them light and tender every time.

Cheddar Jalapeño Chaos Cake Stacks

Fluffy stacks jazzed with cheddar, jalapeño, bacon, and honey bring lively fusion flavor to your brunch table.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min


Skill level Medium

Origin American Fusion

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications None specified

Components

Pancake Batter

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 2 large eggs
07 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
08 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Savory Add-Ins

01 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
02 2 fresh jalapeños, deseeded and finely chopped
03 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped

Toppings

01 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
02 Additional sharp cheddar cheese, grated, for garnish
03 Sliced jalapeño rings, for garnish
04 Extra crispy bacon, optional, for topping

Directions

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended.

Step 02

Mix Wet Components: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing for optimal pancake texture.

Step 04

Fold In Savory Add-Ins: Carefully fold grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, and chopped cooked bacon into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 05

Prepare Cooking Surface: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with unsalted butter or neutral oil.

Step 06

Cook Pancakes: Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter per pancake onto the preheated surface. Allow pancakes to cook until bubbles form and the edges appear set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, until both sides are golden and cooked through.

Step 07

Keep Warm and Repeat: Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate or oven to keep warm while repeating the process with remaining batter.

Step 08

Plate and Garnish: Arrange pancake stacks onto serving plates. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, then garnish with extra grated cheddar, fresh jalapeño rings, and additional crispy bacon as desired.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains wheat (gluten); contains milk (cheese, buttermilk, butter); contains eggs.
  • Bacon contains pork.
  • Verify all packaged ingredients for allergens if serving to those with sensitivities.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbs: 48 g
  • Protein: 18 g