Spaghetti Pancakes, also known as squiggle cakes, are the latest viral breakfast sensation. This playful variation of classic pancakes has surged across social media for its nostalgic look and simple technique.
To make spaghetti pancakes, thin ribbons of pancake batter are piped or squeezed onto a hot griddle and cooked until light golden brown. The result resembles spaghetti noodles and is typically finished with powdered sugar and syrup. The technique is easy to adapt — add fruit, chocolate, or savory sides to suit your breakfast preferences.
What Is Pancake Spaghetti?
Pancake spaghetti is a fun breakfast concept that cooks standard pancake batter in long, thin strips rather than in rounds. Once cooked, the strips are gathered into a bowl and dressed like a sweet “pasta” with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whatever toppings you prefer. The trend is often credited to the husband of TikTok creator @brianaarchuleta, who called them “squiggle cakes.” From there, the idea spread quickly as people tried different batters, toppings, and cooking methods.
This version is simple, customizable, and a great way to surprise family or friends. Top them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or add bacon and eggs for a savory contrast.
When Did It Go Viral?
The pancake spaghetti trend took off after a TikTok posted in October 2022 by @brianaarchuleta showed the technique. The short, visual demonstration easily translated to other platforms, and millions of viewers were inspired to try piping batter into noodley shapes. After that initial viral post, creators experimented with different batters, syrups, and garnishes, helping the trend spread across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Is This the Same as a Funnel Cake?
No — while both look like connected strands of batter, funnel cakes are made from a sweet batter that is deep-fried into a web-like shape. Pancake spaghetti uses standard pancake batter and is cooked in a skillet or on a griddle, typically in butter or oil.
Ingredients
These pantry-friendly ingredients make a light, fluffy batter suitable for piping into strips:
- Milk — any kind you prefer
- Butter — melted (salted or unsalted)
- Plain Greek yogurt — adds tenderness and fluff
- Egg — binder
- Sugar — a touch for sweetness
- Self-rising flour — for lift
- Baking powder — extra fluff
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract — optional
- Powdered sugar and syrup — for serving
How to Make the Viral Spaghetti Pancakes
Step 1: Melt the butter and combine it with the milk, Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla in a bowl. Whisk until blended.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir until just combined. A few small lumps are okay — overmixing will make pancakes tough.
Step 4: Transfer batter to a piping bag, squeeze bottle, or a sturdy zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.
Step 5: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter or brush with oil.
Step 6: Pipe thin, continuous zig-zag strips across the pan to form long noodle-like ribbons. Cook for about 30 seconds, flip, and cook another 20 seconds until lightly browned.
Step 7: Stack or coil the cooked strips into a bowl, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, and serve with desired toppings.
Tips for Success
- Leave some small lumps in the batter to keep pancakes tender.
- Adjust batter thickness to your preference — thinner for lighter, airier ribbons.
- Keep the pan temperature moderate so butter doesn’t burn; wipe and refresh fat after a couple batches.
- If flipping is tricky, pipe connected shapes so they’re easier to turn, or use tongs for assistance.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To prep ahead, store a dry mix (without wet ingredients) in an airtight container for up to six months. You can also combine wet and dry ingredients and freeze the batter for 2–3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Fresh batter is best used within two hours at room temperature; otherwise refrigerate up to three days.
Reheating
Cool cooked spaghetti pancakes to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer to restore crisp edges. The microwave will warm them quickly but can make them softer.
Serving Ideas
Pancake spaghetti works with sweet or savory options. Classic toppings include maple syrup, fruit syrups, powdered sugar, berries, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or chopped nuts. For a savory twist, serve alongside bacon, eggs, or sausage.
Review and Verdict
Spaghetti pancakes are a playful, Instagram-ready breakfast that’s simple to make but requires attention while cooking — the thin strips can brown quickly. Some reviewers find the dish slightly bland without flavorful toppings, while others enjoy the novelty and the texture. This recipe is a fun option for special breakfasts or for kids, and worth trying if you enjoy putting a creative spin on classic pancakes.
