Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes: A Fluffy Delight

Wake up to a stack of these incredibly delicious Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes! This recipe combines the classic comfort of pancakes with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries and the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla. These pancakes are fluffy, moist, and bursting with fresh flavor, making them the perfect weekend breakfast or brunch treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees pancake perfection every time.

This recipe is more than just a basic pancake recipe with strawberries thrown in. We’re infusing the batter with vanilla extract for a subtle yet delightful aroma and taste. The strawberries are gently folded in, ensuring that each bite is filled with juicy sweetness. Whether you prefer to use fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed, of course!), this recipe is adaptable to your needs and preferences.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes

• Fluffy and Light: The use of baking powder and a few simple techniques ensures that these pancakes are incredibly light and airy.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and warm vanilla creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a simple weekday treat, these pancakes are sure to be a hit.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs or preferences by using gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these delightful pancakes. Don’t worry, most of these are kitchen staples!

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of our pancake batter. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Baking Powder: The secret ingredient for fluffy pancakes. Make sure it’s fresh!
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the pancakes.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps to bind the ingredients. You can use any type of milk, including dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.
• Egg: Adds richness and structure to the pancakes.
• Melted Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness to the pancakes. Use unsalted butter for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the pancakes with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. You can also use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained).
• Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, or any other toppings you desire!

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect batch of Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is crucial for fluffy pancakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is not too hot, as it could cook the egg. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can result in tough pancakes.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries

Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. Be careful not to crush the strawberries, as this can make the batter watery. Distribute the strawberries evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You can use butter or cooking spray to grease the pan. To test if the pan is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the pan is ready.

Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip the pancakes when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges appear set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

Here are a few tips to help you achieve pancake perfection every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix the batter until just combined, leaving a few lumps.
• Use Fresh Baking Powder: Old baking powder can lose its potency, resulting in flat pancakes. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
• Heat the Griddle Properly: The griddle should be hot enough so that the pancakes cook evenly and develop a golden-brown color. If the griddle is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before they are cooked through. If the griddle is not hot enough, the pancakes will be pale and soggy.
• Don’t Flip Too Early: Wait until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake and the edges appear set before flipping. Flipping too early can cause the pancake to tear or stick to the griddle.
• Keep Pancakes Warm: If you are making a large batch of pancakes, keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve. Place the pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You can add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, or spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Gluten-Free Pancakes: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the ingredients.
• Dairy-Free Pancakes: Use a dairy-free milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, in place of the regular milk. You can also use dairy-free butter or oil for cooking the pancakes.
• Vegan Pancakes: In addition to using dairy-free milk and butter, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.
• Chocolate Chip Strawberry Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the strawberries for a decadent treat.
• Banana Strawberry Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the batter along with the strawberries for extra flavor and moisture.
• Lemon Strawberry Pancakes: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

• Maple Syrup: The classic pancake topping! Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of decadence to the pancakes.
• Fresh Strawberries: Top the pancakes with fresh strawberries for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to the pancakes.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the pancakes for a chocolatey treat.
• Nutella: Spread Nutella over the pancakes for a hazelnut-flavored delight.
• Strawberry Sauce: Make a simple strawberry sauce by simmering sliced strawberries with a little sugar and water until thickened.
• Fruit Salad: Serve the pancakes with a side of fresh fruit salad for a healthy and refreshing breakfast.
• Bacon or Sausage: Add some savory bacon or sausage to the plate for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover pancakes, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerator: Store the pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or toaster before serving.

Freezer: Place the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or toaster before serving.

Recipe Card

Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6-8 pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
5. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip the pancakes when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges appear set.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

These Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy texture, sweet flavor, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a stack of pancake perfection!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #StrawberryVanillaPancakes! We can’t wait to see your delicious results.