Looking for a sweet and simple breakfast idea that kids will love? These heart-shaped pancakes are lightly vanilla-scented, and topped with warm maple syrup for the perfect cozy finish. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a special weekend breakfast, or just adding a little love to your morning routine, this recipe is easy, festive, and fun for the whole family.
Even better? Kids can help mix, color, cook, and cut, turning breakfast into a hands-on activity they’ll remember.
Why These Heart Pancakes Are Extra Fun
Instead of just cutting hearts out, this recipe uses a swap method - red hearts go into vanilla pancakes, and vanilla hearts go into red pancakes. Kids love seeing how the colors flip, and it’s a great way to introduce simple kitchen skills like sequencing and precision.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered food coloring (Super Red)
- Butter, melted (for the pan)
- Pure maple syrup (for serving)
- 1 heart-shaped cookie cutter
How to Make Heart-Shaped Pancakes
1. Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. Divide and Color the Batter
Divide the batter evenly into two bowls.
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Leave one bowl plain vanilla.
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In the second bowl, add Super Red powdered food coloring, starting with 1 teaspoon and increasing gradually until you reach your desired red shade. Mix well after each addition.
3. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush the surface with melted butter, using a pastry brush to spread it evenly.
Cook the pancakes:
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Pour about ¼ cup of vanilla batter for several pancakes
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Pour about ¼ cup of red batter for several pancakes
Cook until bubbles form on the surface, flip, and cook until lightly golden. Set aside.
4. Cut and Swap the Heart Shapes
While the pancakes are still warm:
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Use one heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut hearts out of the red pancakes.
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Use the same cutter to cut hearts out of the vanilla pancakes.
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Insert the red hearts into the vanilla pancakes.
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Insert the vanilla hearts into the red pancakes, gently pressing them in so they fit snugly.
This creates the two-tone heart pancakes shown in the photo.
5. Serve
Stack the heart-shaped pancakes on a plate and pour warm maple syrup over the top. Serve immediately.
Optional Toppings for Heart Pancakes
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Fresh strawberries or raspberries
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Powdered sugar
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Whipped cream
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Chocolate chips
Why Kids Love Heart-Shaped Pancakes
Heart pancakes aren’t just cute. They’re interactive. From watching the batter turn red to cutting out heart shapes, kids stay engaged every step of the way. It’s a great opportunity to practice measuring, mixing, and following directions, all while making something delicious.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day Breakfast
These heart-shaped pancakes make a beautiful Valentine’s Day breakfast for kids, but they’re just as fun for birthdays, weekends, or anytime you want to add a little extra love to the table. Simple ingredients, hands-on fun, and a sweet result. That’s a win for everyone.
