Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures that your pancakes are light and fluffy by evenly distributing the leavening agents.
Preparing the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The melted butter adds richness to the pancakes, while the vanilla gives a subtle, comforting aroma.
Combining the Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Overmixing can result in tough pancakes.
Heating the Griddle:
- Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and add a lovely crisp edge to your pancakes.
Creating the Heart Shapes:
- If you have a heart-shaped pancake mold, place it on the griddle and pour the batter inside. If not, you can use a squeeze bottle to carefully outline and fill in heart shapes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
Flipping the Pancakes:
- Gently remove the mold (if using) and flip the pancakes. Cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serving:
- Serve the pancakes warm, topped with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, whipped cream, or any of your favorite toppings.
Notes
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week, heart-shaped pancakes are easy to store and reheat. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:- Storing in the Fridge: Let the pancakes cool completely, then stack them with a small piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing for Later: For longer storage, place the cooled pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about an hour). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between each pancake. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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Reheating:
- In the Microwave: Place a pancake on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
- In the Toaster: For a slightly crisp edge, pop the pancake in the toaster on a low setting. This method works well for frozen pancakes too!
- On the Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and warm each pancake for about a minute on each side.