If you are looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. Fluffy pancakes infused with the sweet aroma of vanilla and studded with juicy fresh strawberries create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will brighten any morning. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, tender cake with bursts of natural fruit sweetness—making it a true crowd-pleaser whether for a weekend brunch or a special treat any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—whether to give structure, moisture, or flavor—to deliver pancakes that are tender, flavorful, and beautifully light. The fresh strawberries add vibrant color and a natural sweetness that takes these pancakes to a whole new level.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of any great pancake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the strawberries and vanilla without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the pancakes a light and fluffy rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to create the perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderness that makes the pancakes incredibly moist.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds extra liquid to perfect the batter’s consistency.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the fluffiness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Infuses richness and gives a golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: The star flavor that makes this Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe truly special.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Bursting with juicy freshness to balance the richness of the pancake batter.
- Extra butter or oil for cooking: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a beautiful, golden finish.
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps your pancakes rise evenly and keeps every bite consistent.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. The blend of buttermilk and vanilla adds depth to the batter, giving it a rich but fresh flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so keep it light and easy.
Step 4: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the batter, being careful not to break them up too much. These strawberries add bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite and make the pancakes irresistibly colorful.
Step 5: Heat and Grease the Skillet
Preheat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil to ensure your pancakes cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles start appearing on the surface, about 2 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wonderfully golden brown on both sides.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve your pancakes immediately while warm, topped with your favorite accompaniments like maple syrup or extra fresh strawberries. This is the moment those flavors and aromas come alive, promising a pancake experience that delights every time.
How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar make for a stunning, classic finish. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness in this Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe.
Side Dishes
Consider serving alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast that balances the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt can add refreshing notes and brighten the plate even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your pancakes into a colorful tower, layering in whipped cream or mascarpone between each pancake with sliced strawberries for a dessert-like twist. Alternatively, drizzle a fruit coulis or infuse your syrup with a hint of citrus to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep them from drying out, place a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze pancakes by layering them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to one month and make for a quick, delicious breakfast any time you want.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a toaster or microwave. The toaster gives a nice crisp edge while the microwave warms them through quickly. Adding a little butter before reheating can help revive that freshly-cooked flavor sensation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries create the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work if thawed and drained well, but be gentle folding them into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk and keeps your pancakes tender.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to mix the batter just before cooking to preserve the fluffiness, especially because of the baking soda and powder. However, you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them when ready to cook.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming and popping on the pancake surface and the edges starting to look set. This usually means the pancake is ready to flip for that perfect golden finish.
Is there a vegan alternative for this Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe?
You can swap the egg for a flax or chia egg, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Adjust the leavening if needed, and fresh strawberries remain a delicious addition.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the warm, comforting essence of vanilla, this Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients create something truly memorable. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these pancakes promise to fill your kitchen with joy and your belly with happiness. I can’t wait for you to try making them and enjoy that perfect first bite!
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Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fluffy Strawberry Vanilla Pancakes, bursting with fresh strawberries and infused with pure vanilla extract. Perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch, these pancakes combine the tang of buttermilk with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries to create a light, flavorful dish that serves 4 to 4.5 people.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For Cooking
- Extra butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix—the batter should still have small lumps.
- Add Strawberries: Carefully fold in the diced fresh strawberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them down.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, about 2 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each pancake gently and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup, extra fresh strawberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute regular milk for buttermilk, but the pancakes may be less tender.
- Adjust cooking heat as needed to avoid burning pancakes before they cook through.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute with plant-based milk and vegan butter.
