Save 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 making these polar bear pancakes because they bring smiles and laughter to our brunch table every time.
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 This recipe has become a beloved staple at our family brunches, sparking creativity and joy in every bite.
Notes
Try adding shredded coconut or lemon zest to the pancake batter for extra flavor. Garnish with edible flowers for a festive touch.
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.
Save Enjoy creating this adorable and tasty brunch that everyone will remember and love.
Kitchen Help
- → How do I shape the pancakes like polar bears?
Make one large pancake for the face and two smaller ones for the ears, assembling them on a platter to form the bear shape.
- → What ingredients create the facial features?
Use Greek yogurt and banana slices for snouts and ears, and dark chocolate chips or candy eyes for eyes and nose.
- → Can this be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend without altering the method.
- → What accompaniments complement the pancake stack?
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, maple syrup, chocolate hazelnut spread, whipped cream, and toasted coconut enhance flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this suitable for vegans?
Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based milk and use dairy-free yogurt for the decorations.