Santa Pancakes with Strawberries

INTRODUCTION

Santa Pancakes with Strawberries are a delightful and festive breakfast treat, perfect for the holiday season. These pancakes not only taste delicious, but they also look fun and adorable. The bright red strawberries make them resemble Santa, bringing joy to kids and adults alike. This recipe is perfect for holiday mornings, family gatherings, or just a fun breakfast any time of the year. Whether you are celebrating Christmas or simply want to enjoy a festive treat, these pancakes will surely add a cheerful touch to your meal.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love Santa Pancakes for many reasons. First, they are easy to make. Even if you are not an experienced cook, you can follow the simple steps to create a fun and tasty dish. The ingredients are simple and can be found at most grocery stores. Second, the pancakes are fluffy and delicious. Combining whole wheat flour with Greek yogurt makes them hearty and healthy. Third, the fun Santa design will make breakfast exciting for kids. They will enjoy eating Santa, which makes the meal more enjoyable. Finally, these pancakes can be customized with various toppings. You can add different fruits or even candies to make each pancake unique.

HOW TO MAKE Santa Pancakes with Strawberries

To make Santa Pancakes with Strawberries, you need to gather your ingredients and follow a few straightforward steps. This recipe combines both cooking and decorating, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here’s how you can create your own festive pancakes.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Griddle or frying pan
• Cooking spray
• Spatula
• Plate for serving

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour, whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, plus a bit extra for eyes
• 3/4 cup milk or milk alternative
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, stems removed
• Banana slices
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Mini chocolate chips

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Take a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these are mixed well, so the baking powder is evenly distributed.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, milk, oil, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until just combined. It is okay if there are a few lumps; do not overmix.
4. Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your griddle or frying pan to 325°F, which is a medium heat. Lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the heated griddle. Cook until the edges are dry and bubbles start to form on top. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
6. Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the pancakes are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Transfer and Repeat: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a platter and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
8. Decorate Your Santas: Take one pancake and place it on a plate. Cut strawberries in half and arrange them on top to resemble Santa’s hat. Use a banana slice as a pom-pom on the tip of the hat.
9. Create the Face: For Santa’s beard, place more banana slices around the bottom. Use Greek yogurt to create eyes with blueberries in the center. For the nose, you can use a raspberry, and add mini chocolate chips for a smile.
10. Serve Immediately: These pancakes are best served right away while they are warm and fluffy.

HOW TO SERVE Santa Pancakes with Strawberries

Serve Santa Pancakes warm with maple syrup on the side or drizzled on top. You can also add extra fruits like blueberries or raspberries around the plate for a colorful presentation. These pancakes are a hit during breakfast, especially during the holiday season. They are best enjoyed with family and friends, creating a wonderful holiday atmosphere.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Santa Pancakes with Strawberries

If you have leftover pancakes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, ensure they cool completely before sealing the container. If you wish to freeze the pancakes, stack them with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Place the stack in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster or microwave until heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Besides serving them as Santa-themed pancakes, try adding various toppings like whipped cream, flavored yogurt, or nut butter. You can also serve them alongside a fruit salad to add more freshness. These pancakes pair well with a glass of milk or fruit juice, making a complete breakfast.

VARIATIONS

There are many fun variations to Santa Pancakes. You can use other fruits instead of strawberries, like raspberries or chopped apples for the hat. For a twist, add chocolate chips directly into the batter for a chocolate pancake version. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon to the batter for added flavor. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free pancake mix instead.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.

2. Are these pancakes healthy?

Yes, these pancakes use Greek yogurt and whole wheat flour which adds protein and fiber, making them a healthier breakfast choice.

3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and mix them with the wet ingredients right before cooking the pancakes.

4. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can replace Greek yogurt with regular yogurt or even applesauce if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Santa Pancakes with Strawberries

To save time in the morning, you can make the batter the night before. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you wake up, just give it a quick stir before cooking. Another tip is to measure out all the dry ingredients and keep them in a bowl ready to mix with wet ingredients when needed. This way, you can enjoy a festive breakfast without spending too much time in the kitchen.

These tips can help you enjoy Santa Pancakes with Strawberries more easily, making the cooking experience fun and stress-free. Celebrate the season with this cheerful breakfast that everyone will love!

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