Heart-Shaped Pancakes
Heart-Shaped Pancakes are a fun and sweet way to start any morning, but especially special days like Valentine's or anniversaries. These fluffy pancakes are made just like your usual favorite,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Heart-Shaped Pancakes are a fun and sweet way to start any morning, but especially special days like Valentine’s or anniversaries. These fluffy pancakes are made just like your usual favorite, but shaped into cute hearts that bring a smile before you even take a bite. I love how the simple shape turns an ordinary breakfast into a little celebration.
One of my favorite things about making heart-shaped pancakes is how easy it is to get creative with toppings. I like adding fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar to make them feel extra special. Plus, kids love helping pour the batter into the heart shapes, so it’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
Whenever I make these pancakes, it feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s the perfect way to show someone you care, or just to treat yourself to something cheerful. I often make a double batch so there’s plenty to share and enjoy together, because happiness really does multiply when you eat pancakes in the shape of hearts.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for light and fluffy pancakes. For a gluten-free option, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. It might change texture slightly but still tasty.
Milk: I like whole milk for richness but you can swap for almond, oat, or soy milk to keep it dairy-free.
Egg: Eggs add structure and help pancakes rise. For an egg-free version, mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water as a substitute.
Butter or oil: Melted butter adds flavor, but vegetable oil or coconut oil works well too, especially for a neutral or tropical twist.
Chocolate chips & fruits: Mini chocolate chips melt nicely and add sweetness. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas make the pancakes colorful and healthy. Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits.
How Do I Make Perfect Heart Shapes Without a Mold?
Shaping pancakes into hearts freehand can feel tricky, but here are some easy tips:
- Heat your pan or griddle well but don’t overheat—medium heat is best to cook evenly without burning.
- Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to gently pour batter onto the pan. Pour a small amount in a circle, then quickly drag a small point down from the bottom for the heart’s tip.
- Fill in the top middle of the heart by adding a little extra batter on each side to form the lobes of the heart.
- Cook until bubbles appear and edges look firm before flipping carefully with a spatula.
- Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if the first few aren’t perfect shapes—they’ll still taste great.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – heats evenly and helps pancakes cook without sticking.
- Spatula – a thin, flexible one makes flipping delicate heart shapes easier.
- Squeeze bottle or spoon – great for shaping pancakes neatly, especially if you’re freehanding hearts.
- Mixing bowl and whisk – mix batter smoothly without lumps for fluffy pancakes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add blueberries or chocolate chips directly into the batter for little bursts of sweetness inside each pancake.
- Try cinnamon or vanilla extract in the batter for a warm, cozy flavor twist.
- Swap banana slices with kiwi or peach for a fresh, tangy topping option.
- Mix a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter into the batter to add richness and nutty flavor.
Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Berries, Banana, and Chocolate Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for cooking
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1 small banana, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- Maple syrup for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the batter and another 10 to 15 minutes to cook all the heart-shaped pancakes. You can add a few extra minutes for arranging toppings and serving, so plan for about 25 to 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will help your pancakes rise and taste just right.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and well blended.
3. Combine Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can make pancakes tough.
4. Cook Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Use a heart-shaped mold or carefully pour the batter freehand, shaping heart outlines with the back of a spoon. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake.
Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm while cooking the rest.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Top each pancake with two banana slices and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top, like the photo. Arrange the strawberry slices and blueberries around the pancakes. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if you like.
Serve immediately and enjoy your cute, delicious heart-shaped pancakes!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw frozen berries and banana slices before using. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid adding extra moisture to the pancakes.
How Do I Store Leftover Pancakes?
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir before cooking as it may thicken slightly.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Mold?
No worries! You can freehand the heart shapes using a spoon or pour the batter into a circle and then shape the bottom into a point with a spatula once cooking starts.