Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack

Start your morning off right with this decadent Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack! Combining fluffy, homemade pancakes with sweet, juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream, this recipe is a perfect balance of light and indulgent. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but in the best way possible. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving a crowd for a special occasion, these pancake stacks are guaranteed to impress. The sweet strawberries and light, airy whipped cream transform a classic pancake breakfast into something extraordinary.

This recipe offers a fun and delicious twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, turning it into a stack of warm, comforting pancakes. The rich vanilla-flavored pancakes are the perfect base for the fresh, syrupy strawberries and creamy whipped topping. Every bite is bursting with flavor, making it a perfect dish for weekends, special breakfasts, or even brunch gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fluffy and Light Pancakes

The pancakes in this recipe are soft, airy, and melt in your mouth, making them the perfect base for the strawberry topping and whipped cream.

2. Fresh and Fruity Topping

The strawberry topping is fresh and vibrant, and a little bit of sugar and vanilla helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries.

3. Homemade Whipped Cream

There’s nothing like homemade whipped cream, and it’s easy to make! This fluffy cream adds a rich and silky texture that complements the pancakes and strawberries perfectly.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adjust the sweetness of the strawberries to your liking, and feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as a drizzle of syrup, nuts, or even chocolate shavings.

5. Perfect for Special Occasions

This strawberry shortcake pancake stack is perfect for celebrating holidays, brunch gatherings, or a fun family breakfast.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Buttermilk (or regular milk)
• Egg
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

• Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a few chocolate chips in the pancake batter for a delicious twist.
• Use Maple Syrup: Instead of whipped cream, you can top your stack with warm maple syrup for an extra sweetness boost.
• Berry Mix: If you’re not a fan of strawberries, try using other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, or a combination of them.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can use dairy-free milk and plant-based butter to make the pancakes and whipped cream dairy-free.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Experiment by adding a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the whipped cream for added flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the pancakes tough.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

While the pancakes are cooking, prepare the strawberry topping. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss them together and let them sit for a few minutes to macerate, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as it can turn into butter.

Step 5: Assemble the Pancake Stack

To assemble the pancake stack, place a pancake on a plate, then top with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture and a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the process, stacking more pancakes, strawberries, and whipped cream on top until you’ve created your desired stack. Finish with a final topping of strawberries and whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
• Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F or 90°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
• Adjust Sweetness of Strawberries: If your strawberries are especially sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the topping.
• Use a Cookie Cutter for Perfect Pancakes: For a fun and consistent shape, use a cookie cutter or ring mold to cook your pancakes into perfect circles.

How to Serve

Serve these strawberry shortcake pancake stacks with extra whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also serve them alongside other breakfast staples like bacon or scrambled eggs for a full breakfast spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the pancakes, strawberry topping, and whipped cream separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pancakes can be stored for up to 2 days, and the whipped cream for up to 1 day. The strawberry topping should be eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the pancakes for later use. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. After that, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, warm the pancakes in the microwave or toast them in a toaster for a quick breakfast.

Reheating

To reheat the pancakes, microwave them for 20-30 seconds or heat them on a skillet over low heat. For the whipped cream, it’s best to make it fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day and rewhip if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk, but buttermilk gives the pancakes a slightly tangy flavor and makes them extra fluffy.

2. Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pancakes in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. Just reheat them when ready to serve.

3. How can I prevent the whipped cream from melting?

For best results, make the whipped cream just before serving. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but avoid overwhipping.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Fresh strawberries are ideal, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.

5. Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of regular sugar, but make sure to check the package for proper substitution measurements.

6. How do I make the pancakes extra fluffy?

Be sure to not overmix the batter and allow the pancake batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking. This helps to create a lighter texture.

7. Can I make the whipped cream dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative made from coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream.

8. How long should I cook each pancake?

Each pancake should be cooked for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the heat of your skillet. Look for bubbles on the surface and golden edges before flipping.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

10. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to a special breakfast. With fluffy pancakes, sweet strawberries, and rich whipped cream, it’s a dish that brings the joy of strawberry shortcake to your morning table. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe will be a hit for Valentine’s Day, a brunch gathering, or simply as a fun weekend breakfast.

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• Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls
• Amazing Strawberry Baked Doughnuts Recipe
• Valentine’s Day Cupcakes Recipe

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