When it comes to breakfast classics, IHOP stands out with stacks of fluffy buttermilk pancakes that have kept customers coming back for decades. But beyond the timeless menu, IHOP keeps things exciting with a rotating feature: the IHOP pancake of the month. Recently rebranded as the Pancake of the Moment, this promotion brings limited-time flavors designed to surprise and delight fans with each visit. From cheesecake-filled creations to seasonal pumpkin favorites, IHOP uses this special to spotlight bold flavors that go beyond the everyday short stack.
IHOP Pancake of the Month: 9 Irresistible Flavors for 2025
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Let us know how it was!Introduction to IHOP Pancake of the Month
What Is the IHOP Pancake of the Month?
The IHOP pancake of the month started as a way to highlight creative flavors not found on the standard menu. Each month, customers could expect something new, whether it was Reese’s Pieces Pancakes, Maple Bacon Pancakes, or New York Cheesecake Pancakes. These featured stacks quickly became favorites among diners looking for a twist on tradition.
Instead of keeping only the core buttermilk and specialty pancakes, this rotating menu item gave IHOP a chance to test trends, seasonal flavors, and customer favorites. Over time, many of these pancakes even influenced long-term menu items.
The Shift to Pancake of the Moment: Why It Changed
While the idea of monthly flavors was exciting, IHOP eventually shifted the promotion to Pancake of the Moment. The reason was simple. Keeping up with a strict monthly rotation proved challenging and sometimes limited creativity. Now, IHOP offers featured pancakes for longer stretches, giving fans more time to enjoy each flavor.
For example, in early 2025, Snickerdoodle Pancakes ran through January, followed by Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes for February, and New York Cheesecake Pancakes staying on the menu through May. Instead of changing flavors every month, IHOP can now highlight seasonal specialties or extend popular ones for extra weeks.
IHOP’s Pancake of the Month for 2025
January 2025 – Snickerdoodle Pancakes
IHOP opened the year with a warm and nostalgic favorite: Snickerdoodle Pancakes. These featured stacks were packed with cinnamon sugar swirls and drizzled with a rich cream cheese icing. The flavor reminded many fans of the classic holiday cookie while still feeling perfect for chilly winter mornings. It was a strong way to start the IHOP pancake of the month series in 2025.
February 2025 – Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, IHOP rolled out Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes. This decadent stack combined chocolate chip pancakes with cheesecake mousse, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and plenty of strawberries on top. It was a flavor designed for both chocolate lovers and anyone looking for a sweet breakfast date idea. The blend of rich cocoa and fresh fruit made it one of the standout specials of the year.
Check out our guide to sweet breakfast recipes and don’t miss Dubai Chocolate Strawberries – A Luxurious Treat You Can Make at Home.
March to May 2025 – New York Cheesecake Pancakes
In spring, IHOP decided to keep things classic with New York Cheesecake Pancakes. These buttermilk pancakes were filled with bite-sized pieces of cheesecake, then topped with glazed strawberries and whipped cream. What made them special was the balance between rich cheesecake filling and the light sweetness of the fruit topping. This flavor stayed for several months, showing that the IHOP pancake of the month approach now has flexibility.
Seasonal Pancakes at IHOP
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes for Fall
Every autumn, IHOP embraces the season with Pumpkin Spice Pancakes. These fluffy buttermilk pancakes are mixed with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then finished with a generous topping of whipped cream. Fans look forward to this release each year because it feels like the official start of fall at IHOP. The IHOP pancake of the month often includes pumpkin during this season.
Looking for inspiration? Try our guide to fall breakfast favorites or check out Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte – Creamy, Healthy Fall Favorite.
Holiday Specials and Limited-Time Flavors
IHOP often introduces limited-time pancakes that match the festive spirit of the holidays. During winter, diners may see flavors inspired by peppermint, gingerbread, or snickerdoodle. During spring and summer, fruity options like lemon blueberry or strawberry shortcake sometimes appear. These short runs of seasonal pancakes keep the menu exciting while giving guests a reason to come back before the flavor disappears.
History of IHOP Pancake Specials
How Pancake of the Month Began
IHOP created Pancake of the Month to bring variety and excitement to the menu. Customers quickly embraced the idea and returned often to try each new stack. The IHOP pancake of the month became a tradition that diners looked forward to.
Popular Past Flavors Fans Loved
Some of the most popular flavors included Reese’s Pieces Pancakes, Maple Bacon Pancakes, and seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice Pancakes. Other hits such as Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes and Banana Nut Pancakes left a lasting impression.
How IHOP Chooses Its Pancake of the Month
Flavor Testing and Fan Favorites
IHOP chefs test ideas in the kitchen and often draw inspiration from customer feedback. Popular flavors sometimes make a return based on strong demand. This process has kept the IHOP pancake of the month exciting and customer-driven.
Regional and Seasonal Influences
Seasonal ingredients such as pumpkin in autumn or strawberries in summer often inspire limited-time flavors. IHOP sometimes tests flavors regionally before making them nationwide.
Comparing IHOP Pancake of the Month vs. Regular Menu Pancakes
Signature Buttermilk vs. Limited Editions
IHOP’s buttermilk pancakes are timeless, while the IHOP pancake of the month offers bold, seasonal, or indulgent twists that appeal to adventurous eaters.
Price and Portion Differences
Specialty stacks may cost slightly more due to premium toppings like cheesecake mousse or fresh fruit glazes. They are often richer, making them feel more like a treat. Many fans see the IHOP pancake of the month as a special indulgence worth the price.
Tips for Enjoying IHOP Pancake Specials
How to Find Current Pancake Promotions
Check IHOP’s website, social media, and loyalty program for the latest specials and exclusive deals. The best way to never miss the IHOP pancake of the month is to follow these updates.
Pairing Pancakes with IHOP Combos for Best Value
Pairing a specialty pancake stack with a combo meal that includes eggs, bacon, or hash browns is often the best value. Sharing a stack with a friend is another smart option.
Conclusion
Why IHOP Pancake of the Month Remains a Fan Favorite
The IHOP pancake of the month keeps breakfast exciting with creative, seasonal, and indulgent stacks that customers love. From winter snickerdoodle to summer cookie butter and fall pumpkin spice, each release adds something new to the menu.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Next at IHOP
Future IHOP pancake of the month flavors will likely continue to highlight seasonal favorites and creative twists. Fans can look forward to more surprises that turn an everyday breakfast into a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About IHOP Pancakes
Is today IHOP free pancake day?
IHOP celebrates National Pancake Day every year, typically in early March. In 2025, it was held on March 4. On that day, guests could enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes at participating restaurants. This event often pairs with the IHOP pancake of the month, giving fans more reasons to visit.
What are the IHOP pancakes for July?
During summer 2025, IHOP featured Cookie Butter Pancakes as part of its Pancake of the Moment series. These pancakes were packed with cookie pieces and topped with Biscoff cookie butter, whipped cream, and cookie crumbles. Fans considered them one of the best IHOP pancake of the month flavors of the year.
Is IHOP doing five dollar pancakes?
Currently, IHOP does not have a permanent five dollar pancake promotion. However, IHOP runs specials such as Pancake of the Month flavors, Pancake Combos, and National Pancake Day.
What are the May pancakes at IHOP?
In May 2025, IHOP featured New York Cheesecake Pancakes. These were filled with cheesecake bites, topped with glazed strawberries, and finished with whipped cream. It remains one of the most popular IHOP pancake of the month offerings from recent years.