Save A playful, sweet&savory bar combining fluffy pancake, crunchy pretzel, melty cheese, and a cinnamon&sugar churro topping—a unique treat for breakfast or dessert.
When I first made these bars for brunch, my friends couldn&t believe how the cheddar paired with cinnamon&sugar—everyone asked for seconds!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp + 1/3 cup (divided, for base and topping)
- Whole milk: 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 2 large
- Butter: 1/4 cup melted (base) + 1/4 cup melted (topping)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Mini salted pretzels: 1 cup, roughly crushed
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 tbsp sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine:
- Pour wet into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add-ins:
- Gently fold in crushed pretzels and cheddar.
- Bake:
- Spread batter in the pan. Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare topping:
- Mix 1/3 cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Finish bars:
- When done, brush surface with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle cinnamon&sugar mixture evenly.
- Cool and serve:
- Cool 10 minutes in pan. Lift out, cool further, cut into bars, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Save My kids love helping sprinkle the cinnamon&sugar while the bars are still warm—a family brunch favorite we make together.
Flavor Variations
Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a new twist, or top with a handful of whole pretzels before baking for extra crunch.
Serving Ideas
Serve these pancake bars with cream cheese frosting or chocolate sauce for dipping, making each bite extra indulgent.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains about 245 calories, 10 g fat, 32 g carbs, and 6 g protein, making for a filling treat whether you enjoy it for breakfast or dessert.
Save Serve these bars warm for gooey cheese, or let them cool for easier cutting. Every bite is sweet, salty, and unforgettable.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the bars fluffy?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- → Can I substitute other cheeses?
Yes, try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile—both melt well and blend with the base.
- → How do I achieve a crunchy topping?
Sprinkle extra whole pretzels over the batter before baking and apply the cinnamon-sugar while warm.
- → What dips pair best with these bars?
Cream cheese frosting or chocolate sauce complement both sweet and savory notes in the bars.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve freshness.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this treat is vegetarian; just check that your pretzels don't contain animal-derived ingredients.