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.
This recipe is always a crowd-pleaser at family brunches with kids eagerly 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.
Save This board brings the family together as kids and adults bond over decorating their polar bear pancakes.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 67 g, Protein: 10 g per serving.
Save This polar bear pancake stack board is a playful and tasty way to make brunch special in just under an hour.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients give the pancakes their fluffy texture?
The combination of baking powder, baking soda, buttermilk, and eggs helps create light and fluffy pancakes with a tender crumb.
- → How can I make the polar bear decorations stick to the pancakes?
Use thick Greek yogurt as an adhesive for banana slices, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips to secure the facial features in place.
- → Are there any alternatives for dairy ingredients?
Dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk can be used in place of Greek yogurt and buttermilk to accommodate vegan or dairy-free diets.
- → How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the skillet?
Lightly grease the nonstick skillet or griddle with butter before heating to ensure pancakes flip easily without sticking.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Pancakes are best served fresh, but fruit and spreads can be prepped earlier. Store pancakes wrapped to keep them soft for a short time.
- → What toppings pair well with the pancake board?
Fresh berries, maple syrup, chocolate hazelnut spread, whipped cream, and toasted coconut flakes complement the sweet, fluffy pancakes perfectly.