Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin with the peach compote as it needs time to cool. Place the diced peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the mixture has thickened slightly. The peaches should break down but still maintain some texture. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool completely. This can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>For the cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. The folding technique preserves the air in the whipped cream, resulting in a lighter filling. Refrigerate until ready to use.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>For the pancake batter, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create extra-fluffy pancakes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. It's crucial not to overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough pancakes rather than light, fluffy ones. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. When a few drops of water sizzle on the surface, it's ready. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil. Pour about 60ml (¼ cup) of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The second side will cook faster than the first, so keep a close eye on it. Transfer to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil while you cook the remaining pancakes. You should get about 8 pancakes in total.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>To assemble, place a pancake on a plate and spread or pipe a generous layer of cream cheese filling on top. Spoon some peach compote over the filling, leaving a small border around the edge (this prevents too much spillage). Top with another pancake. You can either serve as individual stuffed pancakes or create stacks of 2-3 pancakes with filling between each layer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately, topped with additional peach compote, fresh peach slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. The warmth of the pancakes will slightly soften the cold filling, creating a delightful temperature contrast. Enjoy while warm!</li></ol>