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 whimsical board always delights my kids and makes family brunches extra special and memorable.
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 brings joy during family brunches as everyone enjoys assembling and decorating their own polar bear pancakes.
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 This fun and tasty polar bear pancake board always makes brunch feel special and interactive.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients make up the pancake batter?
The batter includes all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract for a fluffy texture.
- → How are the polar bear shapes created?
Large pancakes form the faces, while smaller pancakes make the ears. Decorations like banana slices, Greek yogurt, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips add facial features.
- → Can this be adapted for dietary preferences?
Yes, using gluten-free flour blends and dairy-free substitutes allows for gluten-free and vegan variations without sacrificing taste.
- → What accompaniments enhance the pancake board?
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, maple syrup, chocolate hazelnut spread, whipped cream, and optional toasted coconut flakes complement the flavors beautifully.
- → How long does preparation and cooking take?
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, with 20 minutes for cooking, totaling roughly 45 minutes to assemble the entire board.
- → What tools are recommended for assembly?
Large mixing bowls, a whisk, a nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, and a serving board or platter are ideal to prepare and present the stack.