Strawberry Sweetheart Pancakes
July 25, 2025
Fluffy heart-shaped pancakes topped with homemade strawberry whipped cream and mini strawberry hearts.
Strawberry Sweetheart Pancakes are an easy way to make breakfast feel a little more fun. You get soft, fluffy pancakes in cute heart shapes, topped with homemade strawberry whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day or just a weekend morning when you want to switch things up. With simple ingredients and a few cookie cutters, these strawberry sweetheart pancakes come together fast and feel like something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Heart-shaped pancakes feel fun and festive
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have
- Strawberry whipped cream adds a fresh twist
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day breakfast or brunch
- Kid-friendly and great for making together
- Easy to customize with toppings
- Strawberry sweetheart pancakes look impressive but are easy to make
Ingredient Notes
- Flour – All-purpose flour works best for light, fluffy pancakes.
- Strawberries – You’ll need fresh strawberries for both the whipped cream and the heart-shaped topping. Try to pick ones that are firm for easy slicing.
- Heavy Cream – Use cold heavy cream for best results when whipping. Chill your bowl beforehand to make it whip faster.
- Pink Food Coloring – Totally optional, but adds a pretty touch to the whipped cream.
- Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters – A mix of sizes helps create a layered look. Metal cutters work best when used directly on a hot skillet.
- Powdered Sugar – Used in both the whipped cream and for a light dusting over the pancakes. It adds sweetness without being too heavy.
- Butter – Melted for the batter and extra for the skillet. You can also use nonstick spray, but butter adds flavor.
Before You Make
Do I need heart-shaped cookie cutters to make this recipe?
They’re helpful for the shape and give that standout look, but if you don’t have them, you can carefully pour the batter into a heart shape using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving if needed.
What’s the best way to prevent pancakes from sticking to the cookie cutter?
Spray the inside of the cutter with nonstick spray before adding the batter, and wait until bubbles form before gently removing it.
Strawberry Sweetheart Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
- Strawberries (for topping and whipped cream)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting and whipped cream)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters – small, medium, and large
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined (a few lumps are fine). Set aside to rest while you prep the toppings.
- Slice several strawberries and use a small heart-shaped cutter to create mini strawberry hearts. For the whipped cream, finely dice 2–3 strawberries and mash them slightly with a fork. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until it starts to thicken, then add 1/2 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, the mashed strawberries, and a drop of pink food coloring if desired. Beat until stiff peaks form and refrigerate until serving.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low and lightly grease it. Place the medium and large heart cookie cutters on the skillet and spray the inside of each. Pour the batter into each cutter, filling only 1/4 to 1/3 of the way. When bubbles form and the edges begin to set, gently remove the cutter and flip the pancake. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Dust with powdered sugar, add swirls of strawberry whipped cream, and decorate with heart-shaped strawberries.
FAQ
Can I use pancake mix instead of homemade batter?
Definitely. Use your favorite mix and follow the same steps for shaping and topping.
How do I store leftover pancakes?
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet.
Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes—place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Is the food coloring necessary?
Not at all. It’s just for looks—skip it if you prefer a more natural color.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best for slicing into heart shapes and mashing into whipped cream, but thawed and well-drained frozen ones can work in a pinch.
Sprinkle of Fun
Make it a Valentine’s Day breakfast to remember! Serve the strawberry sweetheart pancakes with little love notes at each plate, heart-shaped fruit on the side, and fun toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips. Add pink milk or strawberry smoothies to complete the fun!
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