Save to Pinterest A whimsical and delightful brunch board featuring fluffy pancakes decorated to resemble polar bears, served with fresh fruit, creamy spreads, and breakfast accompaniments—perfect for kids and family gatherings.
I love serving this polar bear pancake stack at family brunches because it brings smiles to kids and adults alike as they assemble and enjoy their own pancakes.
Ingredients
- Pancakes: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Polar Bear Decorations: 1 cup thick Greek yogurt (for snouts and ears), 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (for ears), 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or candy eyes (for eyes and noses), 1 banana, sliced (for ears and snouts)
- Accompaniments: 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1 cup strawberries, halved, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread, 1/2 cup whipped cream, 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Step 3:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined do not overmix.
- Step 4:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.
- Step 5:
- For each polar bear, pour one large pancake (about 1/3 cup batter) for the face, and two smaller pancakes (about 1 tbsp batter each) for the ears Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden Repeat with remaining batter.
- Step 6:
- Arrange pancakes in stacks on a large board place the large pancake as the face and two small pancakes as ears.
- Step 7:
- Use Greek yogurt and banana slices to create the snout and inner ears.
- Step 8:
- Place chocolate chips or candy eyes for the eyes and nose Use mini marshmallows or banana slices for the outer ears.
- Step 9:
- Fill the board with fresh fruit, maple syrup, chocolate spread, whipped cream, and toasted coconut as desired.
- Step 10:
- Serve immediately and let guests assemble or decorate their own polar bear pancakes.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become a cherished part of our weekend family brunches, creating joyful memories as everyone builds their own tasty polar bear pancakes.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowls, Whisk, Nonstick skillet or griddle, Spatula, Large serving board or platter, Small bowls for accompaniments
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), possible nuts (chocolate hazelnut spread). Check chocolate chips and spreads for possible allergens. Always verify ingredient labels for cross-contamination if serving to those with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 67 g, Protein: 10 g per serving.
Save to Pinterest This polar bear pancake stack is a perfect blend of fun and flavor for any brunch occasion.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the pancakes like polar bears?
Use one large pancake for the face and two smaller pancakes for the ears, arranging them on a board. Decorate with yogurt, banana slices, and chocolate chips to create facial features.
- → Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary needs without sacrificing texture.
- → What toppings complement this pancake stack?
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate hazelnut spread, and toasted coconut add flavor and texture variety.
- → How do I keep pancakes fluffy and light?
Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, and cook pancakes on a medium heat skillet until bubbles form before flipping.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for this dish?
Use plant-based milk, dairy-free yogurt, and a suitable egg replacer to make a vegan-friendly version of these pancakes.