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 recipe has been a hit at our family brunches bringing smiles and happy appetites to everyone.
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 Our family gathers around the board smiling as the kids get creative with pancake decorations every time we make this.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 430 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 67 g Protein 10 g per serving
Save This polar bear pancake board always brightens our mornings and makes brunch extra special and fun.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → How do you shape the pancakes to resemble polar bears?
Use one large pancake for the face and two smaller pancakes for ears. Arrange them on a board and decorate using Greek yogurt, banana slices, and chocolate chips for facial features.
- → What toppings complement the pancake stack?
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, maple syrup, chocolate hazelnut spread, whipped cream, and toasted coconut flakes enhance the flavors and presentation.
- → Can this be adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets?
Yes, substitute gluten-free flour blends and plant-based milk plus dairy-free yogurt to suit dietary needs without compromising taste.
- → What is the best way to cook the smaller pancakes for ears?
Use about one tablespoon of batter, cooking over medium heat until bubbles form before flipping to achieve a golden finish.
- → How should the pancakes be served for gatherings?
Arrange the decorated pancakes on a large board with accompaniments for a fun, interactive brunch where guests can enjoy assembling or customizing.