Pancake Bar

Ingredients

For Homemade Pancakes (makes 12-15):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups buttermilk (or milk)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-Ins (add to batter):

• Chocolate chips
• Blueberries
• Sliced bananas
• Chopped strawberries
• Pecans or walnuts (chopped)
• Cinnamon chips
• Shredded coconut

Syrups & Sauces:

• Maple syrup
• Strawberry syrup
• Blueberry syrup
• Chocolate syrup
• Caramel sauce
• Honey
• Nutella

Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Sliced bananas
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts
• Coconut flakes
• Mini marshmallows
• Peanut butter

Instructions

Make the Pancakes:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (lumps are okay!).
4. Heat griddle: Heat griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
5. Cook pancakes: Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on surface (2-3 minutes).
6. Flip: Flip and cook until golden brown on other side (1-2 minutes more).
7. Keep warm: Keep finished pancakes warm in 200°F oven while cooking the rest.

For Mix-Ins:

1. Have separate bowls of batter available.
2. Let each person add their desired mix-ins to individual portions.
3. Cook their custom pancakes fresh!

Fun Pancake Variations

Themed Pancakes:

• S'mores Pancakes: Chocolate chips in batter, topped with marshmallow cream and chocolate syrup
• Banana Split: Banana slices in batter, topped with strawberries, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream
• PB&J: Spread peanut butter between pancakes, top with strawberry syrup
• Cookies & Cream: Crushed Oreos in batter, topped with whipped cream
• Cinnamon Roll: Add cinnamon to batter, drizzle with cream cheese glaze

Shaped Pancakes:

• Use squeeze bottles to create fun shapes (hearts, stars, animals)
• Make Mickey Mouse pancakes (one large, two small)
• Create alphabet pancakes to spell names

Quick Cream Cheese Glaze

Perfect for cinnamon pancakes!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined.
3. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
4. Stir in vanilla and drizzle over pancakes.

Tips for Success

• Don't overmix: Lumpy batter makes fluffier pancakes
• Test the heat: A drop of water should sizzle on the griddle
• Time-saver: Use boxed pancake mix for easier prep
• Make ahead: Cook pancakes ahead and reheat in toaster
• Keep batter cool: Refrigerate batter between batches for best results
• Assembly line: Have 2-3 people cooking while others prepare toppings

Activity Ideas

• Pancake art contest - who can make the best shaped pancake?
• Create a "pancake passport" and try making pancakes from different countries
• Pancake eating contest (just for fun!)
• Have everyone create and name their own signature pancake stack
• Pair with fun breakfast-themed games or activities