Pin this 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.
This recipe has become a family favorite for weekend brunches as the kids love assembling their own polar bear pancakes.
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.
Pin this This recipe brings the family together with smiles and laughter while making creative breakfast memories.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 67 g, Protein: 10 g per serving
Pin this Serve promptly for best flavor and texture. Enjoy your polar bear pancake stack board with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape pancakes to look like polar bears?
Cook one large pancake for the face and two smaller ones for the ears. Arrange them on a board accordingly before adding toppings for features.
- → Which toppings work best for polar bear features?
Banana slices and Greek yogurt make excellent snouts and ears, while chocolate chips or candy eyes add definition for eyes and noses.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends, dairy-free yogurt, and plant-based milk to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What sides complement the polar bear pancake stack?
Fresh fruits like blueberries and strawberries, maple syrup, chocolate spread, whipped cream, and toasted coconut enhance flavor and presentation.
- → How long does preparation and cooking take?
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, totaling approximately 45 minutes.
- → What tools are needed to make this brunch board?
A mixing bowl, whisk, nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, and a large serving board are recommended for assembly and cooking.