Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes: The Perfect Summer Pancake Dessert Idea

When it comes to pancake dessert ideas, nothing screams summer quite like Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes. This dish is a delightful combination of soft, fluffy pancakes layered with fresh strawberries with sugar, topped with whipped cream, and optionally drizzled with a sweet syrup or honey. Whether you’re looking for a delicious summer pancake recipe or an indulgent treat to pair with ice cream, this recipe is perfect.

If you love pancakes with strawberries or even a fruity twist with raspberry pancakes, this version will take your breakfast or dessert to a whole new level. Plus, if you’re searching for GF meals (gluten-free meals), you can easily modify this recipe to suit your dietary needs.

Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes, a dish that perfectly blends the sweetness of strawberries, the fluffiness of pancakes, and the richness of whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

1. A Perfect Summer Treat – The fresh, juicy strawberries make this dish a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer.
2. Versatile – You can serve it as a breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert.
3. Pairs Well with Ice Cream – If you love pancakes with ice cream, this dish goes exceptionally well with vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
4. Easy to Make Gluten-Free – Swap out regular flour for a GF meal option, and you have a gluten-free dessert.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

This recipe serves 4 people.

For the Pancakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or GF flour for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar (to macerate the strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Ice cream (vanilla, strawberry, or raspberry)
• Maple syrup or honey
• Additional raspberries for a raspberry pancake twist
• Crushed biscuits or shortbread cookies for added crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

To bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries, we will macerate them.

1. In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
2. Stir well and let them sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the pancakes. This process draws out the juices, making the strawberries soft and syrupy.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries for an extra fruity flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

1. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
2. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.
3. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown.
4. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Now comes the fun part—assembling your pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream.

1. Stack two or three pancakes on a plate.
2. Spoon some of the macerated strawberries over the pancakes.
3. Add a dollop of whipped cream.
4. Repeat the layers if desired.
5. Garnish with extra strawberries, raspberries, and a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

• Use fresh strawberries: The better the quality of your strawberries, the more delicious your pancakes will be.
• Macerate the strawberries: This step enhances the sweetness and creates a syrupy consistency.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Keeping the batter slightly lumpy ensures soft, fluffy pancakes.
• Serve immediately: These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh while warm.
• Try different flavors: Add raspberries to make raspberry pancakes, or mix in other summer fruits like blueberries or peaches.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version (GF Meals)

To make this dish suitable for a GF meal, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Option

• Use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk.
• Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.

Adding Extra Flavor

• Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing touch.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg: Sprinkle a bit into the pancake batter for extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes can be served in multiple ways:

• As a breakfast: Pair with fresh juice or coffee.
• As a dessert: Serve with pancakes with ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• For a summer brunch: Add a side of fruit salad or a mimosa for a refreshing touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Nutritional values may vary based on toppings and ingredient choices.)

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for pancake dessert ideas that are easy, delicious, and perfect for summer, Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes should be at the top of your list. Whether you enjoy them with ice cream, strawberries with sugar, or whipped cream, this dish will satisfy your cravings for something sweet and refreshing.

Try this recipe and bring the essence of summer to your table. Whether it’s a GF meal, a summer pancake brunch, or an indulgent dessert, these pancakes will leave everyone asking for more!