When it comes to breakfast, pancakes are a classic favorite for many. Whether you like them fluffy, thin, or piled high with toppings, pancakes can be personalized in countless ways. But if you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game, strawberry vanilla pancakes offer the perfect combination of freshness, sweetness, and comfort.
The rich flavor of vanilla complements the vibrant, juicy sweetness of strawberries, making these pancakes a delightful and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any morning.
Here’s everything you need to know to create strawberry vanilla pancakes that will leave your taste buds craving more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these fluffy and delicious strawberry vanilla pancakes, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar to make buttermilk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for the pan)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- Optional toppings: Fresh whipped cream, extra strawberries, syrup, or powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter
Start by combining the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
2. Add the Fresh Strawberries
Once the batter is ready, gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries. The strawberries will add a touch of sweetness and juiciness to each pancake bite. If you like your strawberries more integrated into the batter, feel free to chop them into smaller pieces. For a bit more texture, leave some larger slices intact.
3. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add a small amount of butter to coat the pan. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the pan for each pancake, spreading it gently into a round shape. Cook the pancakes for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve and Enjoy
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Once the pancakes are cooked, stack them high on a plate, and top with extra fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup. For an added touch, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of vanilla bean for extra flavor. The combination of sweet strawberries, rich vanilla flavor, and fluffy pancakes will make each bite a mouthwatering experience.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The beauty of these pancakes lies in the balance of flavors. The vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the fresh strawberries. The strawberries provide a juicy burst of freshness with every bite, making these pancakes feel light and indulgent all at once.
Fluffy and Light
Thanks to the combination of baking powder and baking soda, these pancakes turn out light and fluffy. Each bite is soft and airy, allowing the rich vanilla flavor and sweet strawberries to take center stage.
Customizable
While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can easily switch up the fruit to suit your preferences. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced bananas. You can also experiment with adding a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice.
Great for Special Occasions
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or simply want to make a weekend breakfast extra special, strawberry vanilla pancakes are a great way to treat yourself and your loved ones. They’re sure to be a hit at the breakfast table!
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries offer the best flavor and texture, but if you’re making these pancakes out of season, frozen strawberries will work too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing pancake batter can lead to tough pancakes. Stir the batter gently until just combined for light and fluffy results.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter pancakes, you can increase the sugar in the batter or add more syrup and whipped cream on top.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you cook the remaining pancakes.
Strawberry vanilla pancakes are a fresh twist on your classic pancake breakfast, bringing together the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the rich, comforting flavor of vanilla. These pancakes are fluffy, light, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect treat for any morning. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special breakfast or sharing the love with friends and family, these strawberry vanilla pancakes are sure to bring a smile to everyone at the table.
So why not add a little extra sweetness to your morning? Try these pancakes today, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast!
