If you are looking for a fun, charming, and absolutely delicious way to brighten up your breakfast table, then you have to try the Strawberry Heart Topped Mini Pancake Stackers Recipe. These adorable mini pancake piles are perfectly fluffy and tender, with a sweet blush of honey and vanilla in the batter. Topped with vibrant strawberry hearts, they bring a splash of color and a burst of fresh fruity flavor that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making a delightful treat for family brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth to your morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is simple but crucial. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the self-raising flour providing the fluffiness, the honey adding a natural sweetness, or the strawberries giving those perfect heart-shaped pops of freshness and color.
- 140 g self-raising flour: This ensures your mini pancakes are light and fluffy with a lovely rise.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Adds extra lift and airiness to the batter.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- 125 ml milk (or dairy-free alternative): The wet base that brings everything together smoothly.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and richness to the pancakes.
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil: Keeps the pancakes tender and helps with the cooking process.
- 2 Tbsp honey: A natural sweetener that adds depth and a gentle floral note.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Pink or red food colouring (optional): For that charming rosy hue that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Butter or dairy-free spread for frying: Essential for cooking to golden perfection.
- 6 large strawberries: These become the delightful heart-shaped toppings that elevate the mini stackers.
- Bamboo skewers: To hold the stackers together neatly and give them that cute presentation.
How to Make Strawberry Heart Topped Mini Pancake Stackers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
Start by sifting your self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl to make sure everything is airy and lump-free. In another bowl or jug, lightly whisk the egg, then mix it with the milk, vegetable oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently but thoroughly until your batter is smooth and lump-free. If you’re going for that lovely blush-pink look, now’s the time to add a few drops of pink or red food coloring and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cook Mini Pancakes
Transfer the batter to a sauce bottle or piping bag for easy, controlled pouring. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat a pan over medium heat. Once hot, melt some butter or dairy-free spread, swirling it around to coat the pan. Pipe or spoon small circles of batter, making sure to leave enough space to flip them later. When bubbles start to form on the surface, it’s time to gently flip each pancake and cook until both sides are golden brown. Transfer the cooked mini pancakes to a plate and repeat until all the batter is used.
Step 3: Create Strawberry Heart Toppers and Assemble
Prepare your strawberry hearts by slicing each large strawberry with a mini heart-shaped cutter. Then halve each heart to get those precious little strawberry heart halves ready for decorating. Stack 4 or 5 mini pancakes on top of each other, then carefully thread a strawberry heart onto a bamboo skewer and push it through the center of the pancake stack. Repeat to create all your adorable mini pancake stackers. Arrange them on a platter or board to wow your guests the moment you serve.
How to Serve Strawberry Heart Topped Mini Pancake Stackers Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, consider dusting your stackers with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra honey. You can also add small fresh mint leaves around the platter to enhance the visual appeal and add a refreshing hint of green that contrasts beautifully with the reds and pinks.
Side Dishes
These delightful stackers shine on their own, but pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of yogurt can boost the creaminess and balance the sweet notes. A side of mixed berries or a fresh fruit salad always complements the strawberries perfectly and makes your breakfast look even more inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Strawberry Heart Topped Mini Pancake Stackers Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter to give them a handmade, festive vibe. You could even line the platter with edible flower petals or scatter some toasted nuts around the edges for a crunchy contrast. For kids’ parties, place each stacker in a paper cupcake liner or on a little decorative plate to make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that might be unlikely), store the cooled mini pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about one day, so you can enjoy them the next morning without losing their gentle fluffiness.
Freezing
Mini pancakes freeze beautifully! Separate each pancake with parchment paper before stacking to prevent sticking, then pop them into a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring your stackers back to life, reheat the mini pancakes gently in a toaster or a warm oven until they are soft and warm. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make pancakes a bit rubbery. Reassemble the stackers and add fresh strawberry hearts just before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising blend, and just keep an eye on the texture of the batter—it might be slightly different, but still delicious and fluffy.
What if I don’t have a mini heart-shaped cutter for strawberries?
No worries at all! You can carefully slice the strawberries into wedge shapes or try using a small knife to gently carve simple heart shapes. It’s the overall effect and taste that counts, not perfect shapes.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the toppings?
Fresh strawberries work best here because they retain their firmness and shape when cut. Frozen strawberries tend to be too soft and won’t hold the heart shape as nicely.
Is there an alternative to bamboo skewers for assembling the stackers?
You can use toothpicks or small decorative cocktail sticks instead. Just make sure whatever you use is safe and food-grade for easy handling and pretty presentation.
How sweet are these pancakes? Should I add syrup?
The honey in the batter gives a gentle sweetness that’s subtle and pleasant. You can absolutely add syrup, jam, or extra honey on top if you prefer a sweeter experience, but the strawberry hearts add a natural fruity sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Heart Topped Mini Pancake Stackers Recipe is one of those recipes that brings joy with every step and every bite. It’s whimsical, easy to make, and looks delightful on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this recipe is sure to become a favorite to turn any breakfast or brunch into a heartfelt celebration. Grab your ingredients and start stacking those tiny pancakes topped with strawberry hearts – you’ll love every moment in the kitchen and every bite at the table!
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Strawberry Heart Topped Mini Pancake Stackers Recipe
These delightful Strawberry Heart Topped Mini Pancake Stackers are perfect for a fun and festive breakfast or snack. Made with fluffy mini pancakes stacked and topped with sweet strawberry heart shapes, this recipe combines simple ingredients with a charming presentation that’s sure to impress kids and adults alike. Ready in just 20 minutes, the pancakes can be made ahead and quickly assembled for a colorful treat.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 140 g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 125 ml milk (or dairy free alternative)
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink or red food colouring (optional)
For Cooking and Garnish
- Butter or dairy free spread for frying
- 6 large strawberries
- Bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: Sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl. In a separate jug, lightly whisk the egg then combine it with milk, vegetable oil, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until combined and lump-free. Add a few drops of food colouring if using and stir until the batter is evenly coloured.
- Rest the batter: Transfer the batter into a sauce bottle or piping bag and let rest for 5 minutes to improve texture. Alternatively, leave it in the bowl if not using piping equipment.
- Heat the pan and melt butter: Warm a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add butter or dairy free spread and swirl to coat the surface thoroughly.
- Cook mini pancakes: Pipe or spoon small circles of batter into the pan, spaced apart for easy flipping. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip carefully and cook until golden on the other side. Remove cooked pancakes and keep warm on a plate.
- Prepare strawberry hearts: Use a mini heart-shaped cutter to cut heart shapes from each strawberry. Slice each heart in half for decoration.
- Assemble the stackers: Stack 4 to 5 mini pancakes, then push a bamboo skewer with a strawberry heart on top through the center to hold the stack together. Repeat for all pancakes.
- Serve: Arrange the pancake stackers on a platter or board and serve immediately for best taste. Alternatively, refrigerate cooked pancakes in an airtight container for up to 1 day before assembling.
Notes
- Mini pancakes are best served fresh and warm but can be stored in the refrigerator for a day if made in advance.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the pancakes from sticking and ensure easy flipping.
- Adjust the food colouring quantity to achieve desired pinkness without altering the flavor.
- Substitute milk with any dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly option except the egg, which is integral for structure.
- Strawberry hearts can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge until assembling.
- This recipe yields about 10 servings with approximately 4-5 mini pancakes per serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American