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Birthday Cake Pancakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

Delight in these festive Birthday Cake Pancakes, featuring fluffy, buttery cakes filled with colorful sprinkles and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for a celebratory breakfast or brunch, these pancakes combine classic flavors with a fun twist that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pancake Batter

  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (480ml) buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup (85g) rainbow sprinkles (not nonpareils)
  • Butter or nonstick spray, for cooking

Vanilla Icing

  • 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1–2 Tablespoons milk

For Serving

  • Whipped cream
  • Additional rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter: Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter using a microwave or stovetop. Set aside to cool slightly so it is warm but not hot, ensuring it won’t cook the batter when mixed.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl with a pour spout, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. Slowly whisk in the cooled melted butter.
  4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently whisk until just combined, ensuring there are no dry flour patches. The batter will be thick with some lumps, which is normal.
  5. Rest Batter: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you heat the cooking surface. This resting period allows the batter to thicken slightly and improves texture.
  6. Heat Griddle or Skillet: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Generously coat it with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  7. Add Sprinkles: Fold the rainbow sprinkles carefully into the batter just before cooking. Avoid overmixing to preserve the colorful specks.
  8. Cook Pancakes: Pour a heaping 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until edges are set and bubbles form and pop on the surface, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add more butter or spray to the griddle as needed between batches.
  9. Keep Warm: Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet and keep warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) until all pancakes are ready to serve.
  10. Make Icing: Whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk to reach desired consistency.
  11. Serve: Drizzle the vanilla icing over the warm pancakes. Top with whipped cream and extra rainbow sprinkles for a festive finish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
  12. Store Leftovers: Allow leftover pancakes to cool completely, then cover and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

  • Use rainbow sprinkles specifically labeled as bakery or jimmies rather than nonpareils to prevent color bleeding in the batter.
  • Allow the melted butter to cool to avoid cooking the eggs or thickening the batter prematurely.
  • Resting the batter improves pancake fluffiness and texture.
  • Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low-temperature oven to serve all at once.
  • The almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor but can be omitted if not preferred.
  • Use buttermilk for tender pancakes; substituting with milk plus lemon juice or vinegar is acceptable if needed.
  • For fluffier pancakes, do not overmix the batter; lumps are fine.
  • Reheat leftover pancakes gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain softness.

Keywords: birthday cake pancakes, sprinkles pancakes, festive pancakes, breakfast pancakes, birthday breakfast, fluffy pancakes

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/birthday-cake-pancakes-recipe/