Valentine Breakfast Pancakes (Print Version)

Fluffy heart-shaped pancakes topped with sweet strawberries and a touch of maple syrup for a special morning.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pancake Batter

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for cooking)
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberry Topping

10 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

→ To Serve

13 - Whipped cream (optional)
14 - Maple syrup

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
03 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy—avoid overmixing to ensure fluffy pancakes.
04 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside to macerate while pancakes cook, allowing berries to release their natural juices.
05 - Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter, using just enough to coat evenly.
06 - Pour approximately 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the skillet. Use a heart-shaped mold or cookie cutter to create romantic shapes if desired.
07 - Cook for about 2 minutes until bubbles form across the surface and edges appear set and slightly dry.
08 - Flip pancakes carefully and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.
09 - Repeat with remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
10 - Plate warm pancakes topped with macerated strawberries and their juices. Add a dollop of whipped cream if desired and drizzle generously with maple syrup.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The buttermilk creates the most tender, fluffy interior that practically melts in your mouth
  • Heart shapes turn an ordinary breakfast into something that feels like a celebration
  • The macerated strawberries add a bright, fresh sweetness that balances perfectly with rich maple syrup
02 -
  • Your batter should rest for about 10 minutes before cooking, this lets the flour hydrate and creates fluffier pancakes
  • Medium-low heat is better than medium-high, because you want the inside to cook through before the outside burns
  • The first pancake is always a sacrifice, use it to test your heat and adjust before making the rest
03 -
  • Separate your eggs and whip the whites before folding them in for extra height and fluffiness
  • Keep finished pancakes in a 200F oven while you finish the batch, so everyone eats together

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