Heart-Shaped Pancakes
Heart-Shaped Pancakes are a cheerful way to start any morning, especially when you want to add a little extra love to your breakfast table. Fluffy, golden pancakes crafted into perfect…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Heart-Shaped Pancakes are a cheerful way to start any morning, especially when you want to add a little extra love to your breakfast table. Fluffy, golden pancakes crafted into perfect hearts bring a fun and sweet touch to the classic breakfast favorite.
I love making these pancakes when I want to surprise my family with something special but simple. It’s such an easy way to brighten the day—just the shape alone makes everyone smile before even taking a bite. Whenever I make them, I like to toss in a handful of fresh berries or sprinkle a little cinnamon into the batter for a cozy twist.
Serving these heart pancakes with warm maple syrup and a pat of butter is my go-to, but they also pair nicely with yogurt or a drizzle of honey. I find that making breakfast feel a little extra special like this is a small thing that can make a big difference in the mood for the whole day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for fluffy pancakes. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend. I find it works well but might need a bit more liquid.
Baking Powder: This is what helps the pancakes rise and get fluffy. Make sure it’s fresh for the best bubbles and light texture.
Milk: Whole milk gives a richer flavor, but you can use any milk you have, including plant-based milks like almond or oat milk. Just keep the same amount.
Butter: Melted butter adds tenderness and flavor. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or a neutral oil if you want to avoid dairy.
Chocolate Chips & Fruit: I love adding chocolate chips for sweetness and fresh fruit for freshness. Blueberries, strawberries, and banana slices bring a nice balance and a pop of color.
How Can I Make the Pancakes Turn Out Perfectly Heart-Shaped?
Shaping pancakes into hearts can feel tricky, but here are some easy tips to help:
- Use a Mold: Silicone or metal heart-shaped molds make it simple. Just place the mold on your skillet, pour batter inside, and cook. Remove the mold carefully once the pancake lifts easily.
- Freehand Method: Pour batter in a small circle, then add a little batter on top to make the heart’s “point.” Use a spoon or spatula to shape the sides quickly before the batter sets.
- Cooking Temperature: Keep the heat medium to avoid burning before the pancake holds shape.
- Patience: Wait for bubbles to appear and edges to set before flipping. This helps keep the shape intact.
With a little practice, you’ll get pancakes that look just as cute as they taste!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – helps pancakes cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Heart-shaped pancake mold – makes shaping pancakes easy and consistent.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet; keeps things organized.
- Whisk – great for mixing batter smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula – lets you flip pancakes gently without breaking their shape.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix in blueberries or chocolate chips into the batter for little tasty surprises inside.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter to bring warm, cozy flavors.
- Swap milk for buttermilk to get extra tender and fluffy pancakes.
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or a dollop of yogurt for added texture and freshness.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Pancakes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- Chocolate chips, for topping
- Banana slices, for topping
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Fresh blueberries
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the batter and another 15–20 minutes to cook all the pancakes. You can quickly assemble toppings while cooking so everything is ready to serve warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, beat the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently until just combined — the batter should stay a little lumpy for fluffy pancakes.
2. Cook the Pancakes:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle on medium and grease lightly with butter or oil. Use a heart-shaped mold or freehand shape hearts by pouring batter and shaping quickly with a spoon or spatula. Cook until bubbles appear and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook another 2 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
Place two heart pancakes on each plate. Top with banana slices and sprinkle chocolate chips over them. Arrange fresh strawberries and blueberries around the pancakes. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your special breakfast treat!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just keep in mind the pancakes might be a bit denser, so consider adding a little extra milk to keep the batter smooth.
How Do I Keep Pancakes Warm While Cooking Multiple Batches?
Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet and keep them warm in an oven set to 200°F (90°C) while you finish cooking the rest. This helps keep them soft and warm without drying out.
Can I Make These Pancakes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the pancakes fully, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or on a skillet to bring back their fluffy texture.
How Do I Shape Pancakes into Perfect Hearts Without a Mold?
Pour batter in a small circle then quickly add a dollop at the top and use the back of a spoon or spatula to create the heart’s point and curves. Cook over medium heat and flip only once the edges are set and bubbles appear for best results.