Heart-Shaped Pancakes
Heart-shaped pancakes are a fun and charming twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Soft, fluffy pancakes in the shape of little hearts bring a touch of joy and love to…
Tip: save now, cook later.Heart-shaped pancakes are a fun and charming twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Soft, fluffy pancakes in the shape of little hearts bring a touch of joy and love to your morning meal. Whether you drizzle them with syrup, scatter fresh berries on top, or add a dollop of whipped cream, these pancakes turn any breakfast into a special occasion.
I love making heart-shaped pancakes because they’re an easy way to show someone you care without needing fancy ingredients or extra time. Just using a simple pancake batter and shaping them with a mold or freehand makes breakfast feel a little warmer and brighter. It’s also a great idea to get kids involved—they always have fun flipping their own adorable heart creations.
These pancakes are perfect for holidays like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or really any morning when you want to add a bit of sweetness to the start of your day. I find they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on the side. Sharing heart-shaped pancakes is not just about the food but the little moment of happiness they bring to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives pancakes a soft, fluffy texture. If you want gluten-free, try a mix made for baking—just watch the batter thickness.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and makes pancakes tender. No buttermilk? Mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Baking powder and baking soda: These help the pancakes rise and become light. Make sure they’re fresh for the best fluffiness.
Butter: Melted butter enriches flavor and keeps pancakes moist. You can swap with oil if needed, but butter adds nice taste.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla boosts flavor. If you don’t have it, a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract can be fun alternatives.
How Can I Make Perfect Heart Shapes Every Time?
Shaping pancakes into hearts looks tricky but is simple with a few tips:
- Use a silicone heart mold on the pan and pour batter gently inside to keep the shape neat.
- If free-handing, pour two small circles touching at the sides, then drag the top middle slightly down with a toothpick to form the heart’s point.
- Cook on medium heat so pancakes don’t burn before the middle cooks through.
- Flip carefully with a thin spatula to keep the edges smooth.
- Practice makes perfect—don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect, they’ll still taste great!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – it cooks pancakes evenly and makes flipping easy.
- Heart-shaped pancake mold – helps you get perfect heart shapes without hassle.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry and one for wet ingredients to keep mixing neat.
- Whisk – great for mixing batter smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula – thin and flexible helps you flip pancakes without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add mashed bananas or blueberries to the batter for natural sweetness and fruit flavor.
- Stir in chocolate chips for a sweet, melty surprise inside the pancakes.
- Use almond or coconut extract instead of vanilla for a different twist.
- Top with yogurt and honey instead of syrup for a lighter, tangy finish.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Pancakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for cooking and serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Maple syrup
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 15 minutes to cook. So, in about 25 minutes, you’ll have charming heart-shaped pancakes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
2. Combine and Stir Gently
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spoon or spatula until they’re just combined. Some lumps are okay—don’t overmix or the pancakes may be tough.
3. Heat the Pan and Shape Pancakes
Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. To create heart shapes, use a heart-shaped pancake mold placed on the pan and pour the batter inside, filling about three-quarters full. Alternatively, freehand pour the batter carefully in a heart shape.
4. Cook and Flip
Cook the pancake until you see bubbles appear on top and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Keep Warm and Serve
Remove the cooked pancakes and keep them warm while you finish the rest. Serve warm topped with a pat of butter, fresh sliced strawberries on the side, and plenty of maple syrup drizzled over the pancakes.
Enjoy your warm, fluffy heart-shaped pancakes—a perfect way to brighten any morning!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess water before serving to avoid soggy pancakes.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a similar tangy effect for tender pancakes.
Can I Make Heart-Shaped Pancakes Without a Mold?
Absolutely! Pour two small circles side-by-side and gently drag a toothpick or spatula between them at the top to form a heart shape.
How Should I Store Leftover Pancakes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for best texture.