Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Berries

Name: Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Berries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup fresh blueberries; Maple syrup for serving

Highlighted under: Hearty Food

I absolutely adore making Heart-Shaped Pancakes with Berries for my loved ones. Every Valentine's Day, my family gets excited when I surprise them with these delightful pancakes. They not only look charming, but the combination of fluffy pancakes and sweet, juicy berries creates a lovely breakfast treat. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup, they embody love in every bite. Trust me, once you whip these up, they will become a beloved tradition for any special occasion in your household.

Created by

Philippa Grantley

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:33:34.964Z

When I first tried making heart-shaped pancakes, I wanted to create something special for a loved one. I used a simple pancake batter, adding vanilla extract for extra flavor, and then employed a heart-shaped mold. The result was fantastic! Fluffy pancakes with the fun shape brought smiles to our faces.

I experimented by serving them with fresh strawberries and blueberries. The berry syrup drizzled over the pancakes not only enhanced the visual appeal but also added a refreshing burst of flavor. I suggest using seasonal berries for the best taste!

Reasons to Love These Pancakes
Delightful heart shape makes them perfect for special occasions
Bursting with the freshness of seasonal berries
Fluffy texture that's a delight with every bite

Creating the Perfect Pancake Batter

The success of your heart-shaped pancakes starts with the batter’s consistency. Make sure to whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid any lumps; this ensures a uniform texture. When combining wet and dry ingredients, you want to stir them together briefly—just until moistened—so that the pancakes maintain a fluffy texture. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to denser pancakes that lack that sought-after lightness.

Using room-temperature ingredients can also enhance your pancake's fluffiness. Cold milk or eggs can chill the batter, resulting in longer cooking times and uneven cooking. If you're short on time, just place them in warm water for a few minutes. You can also swap in whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier version, but be ready for a slightly denser pancake.

Perfecting Pancake Cooking Techniques

When it comes to cooking the pancakes, the heat setting is crucial. Medium heat is ideal, as it allows the pancakes to cook evenly without burning. Keep an eye out for bubbles forming on the surface—this is your signal to flip! If the edges look dry and slightly puffed, this is the perfect moment to turn them over. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the batter; a quick test is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the pan—if they dance and evaporate quickly, you’re ready to go.

Using a heart-shaped mold not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps control the pancake's size and shape. Lightly grease the mold with cooking spray or butter before pouring in the batter. This ensures that your pancakes release easily without any sticking. After cooking, let the pancakes rest for a minute to set before removing the mold, giving them a perfect heart shape without collapsing.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up the perfect heart-shaped pancakes:

For the Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup fresh blueberries
Maple syrup for serving

With these ingredients ready, you're just steps away from a wonderful breakfast!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your heart-shaped pancakes:

Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the heart-shaped pancake mold and pour in enough batter to fill the shape. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface, then carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pancake mold and stack your heart-shaped pancakes on a plate. Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creation!

Now that your pancakes are ready, gather your loved ones and enjoy this sweet breakfast together!

Pro Tips

For the fluffiest pancakes, let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. Experiment with different fruits based on the season to keep things fresh and exciting.

Serving Suggestions

While a drizzle of maple syrup is classic, experimenting with toppings can elevate your pancakes. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. You can also serve the pancakes with a side of yogurt for added creaminess, enhancing both flavor and texture. An additional scoop of seasonal fruit like raspberries or bananas can complement the sweetness and balance the dish even further.

For an extra special touch, warm the syrup slightly before serving. This can enhance the overall flavor and aroma, making it even more tempting. You could also infuse your maple syrup with vanilla or citrus zest for a unique taste sensation. Keeping your pancakes warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you cook the remaining batter can ensure that everyone is served a warm breakfast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning a big breakfast or brunch, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. Make it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir to bring it back together before cooking. However, keep in mind that the baking powder will lose some of its potency overnight, so it's best to use the batter within 24 hours for optimal fluffiness.

For leftovers, these pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or microwave briefly to keep them warm and fluffy. Alternatively, you can freeze any uneaten pancakes by separating them with parchment paper and storing them in a freezer bag, where they will keep for up to two months.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before cooking.

→ What other fruits can I use for topping?

You can use bananas, raspberries, or even peaches for a delightful twist.

→ Can I freeze leftover pancakes?

Absolutely! Allow them to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

→ Is there a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.