20 Fluffy Fun Pancake Recipes for Kids

Carmen Eldridge

April 13, 2025

Get ready to start your day off right with a stack of fluffy, fun pancakes that are sure to bring a smile to your little one’s face! Pancakes are a classic breakfast favorite that can be dressed up or down to suit any taste. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious and creative pancake recipes that are perfect for kids.

From classic buttermilk pancakes to more adventurous options like unicorn-themed treats and s’mores-inspired stacks, there’s something on this list for every kid (and kid-at-heart!). So grab a mixing bowl and let’s get started! In the next section, we’ll be diving into our first recipe: Rainbow Swirl Pancakes. These colorful treats are a great way to get kids excited about cooking and trying new flavors.

Rainbow Swirl Pancakes

Rainbow Swirl Pancakes
Brighten up your morning with these vibrant and delicious Rainbow Swirl Pancakes! Made with a simple batter and a fun twist of colored toppings, these pancakes are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple)
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and a few drops of food coloring (start with red and work your way through to purple).
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil.
5. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and swirl in a rainbow pattern using a spoon or spatula.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface. Flip and cook for another minute.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch (depending on size)

Chocolate Chip Smiley Face Pancakes

Chocolate Chip Smiley Face Pancakes
Start your day off right with these adorable and delicious pancakes that are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. With the simplicity of pancake mix and the addition of melted chocolate chips, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Whipped cream and additional chocolate chips for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet to form a circle.
4. Immediately add a few chocolate chips to create the “smiley face” design.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 minutes per batch (depending on skillet size).

Banana Split Pancake Stack

Banana Split Pancake Stack
A stack of fluffy pancakes, topped with sweet banana, creamy ice cream, and crunchy nuts – a breakfast or brunch twist on the classic Banana Split dessert!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 scoop your favorite ice cream (vanilla or strawberry work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Whipped cream and a cherry for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip and cook for another minute.
7. Repeat with remaining batter, making about 8 pancakes.
8. Assemble the stack by placing a pancake, sliced banana, and scoop of ice cream on top.
9. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top.
10. Add whipped cream and a cherry if desired.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes (depending on skillet heat and number of pancakes)

Unicorn Pancakes with Sprinkles

Unicorn Pancakes with Sprinkles
Bring a touch of magic to your breakfast routine with these whimsical unicorn pancakes, topped with colorful sprinkles.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Sprinkles of your choice (rainbow, pastel, or glittery)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Top with your favorite sprinkles while still warm.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes)

Mini Pancake Cereal Bowls

Mini Pancake Cereal Bowls
Start your day with a delightful combination of warm pancakes, crunchy cereal, and creamy yogurt in mini bowls. This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike who love a sweet and satisfying breakfast.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granola or cereal of your choice
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– Fresh fruit (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Whisk together pancake mix and milk until smooth. Add melted butter and whisk until combined.
3. Pour batter into mini muffin tin cups to form small pancakes.
4. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. In a separate bowl, combine granola and yogurt.
6. Assemble the bowls by placing a pancake on the bottom, followed by a layer of cereal mixture, and finishing with fresh fruit (if using).
7. Repeat layers one more time to create a stacked effect.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Animal-Shaped Pancakes with Fruit Toppings

Animal-Shaped Pancakes with Fruit Toppings
Create a fun breakfast or brunch with these adorable animal-shaped pancakes, topped with a colorful array of fruits.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for greasing the pan
– Fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, bananas) for topping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with vegetable oil.
5. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto the pan to form animal shapes (e.g., bear, cat, dog).
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Serve warm with your choice of fresh fruit toppings.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Cookie Monster Blueberry Pancakes

Cookie Monster Blueberry Pancakes
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these deliciously fluffy blueberry pancakes, inspired by the one and only Cookie Monster! These scrumptious treats are perfect for breakfast or brunch, and are sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Serve warm with confectioners’ sugar (optional).

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes
These Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes are a twist on the classic breakfast treat. Fresh strawberries and sweet whipped cream come together to create a delightful morning treat that’s perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sliced strawberries
– Whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve with sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and additional slices of strawberry if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancake Sandwiches

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancake Sandwiches
Transform your classic PB&J into a decadent breakfast treat by sandwiching it between fluffy pancakes.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 2 tbsp grape jelly
– 4-6 slices of bread (for the sandwich “buns”)
– Maple syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, and egg until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Pour in 1/4 cup of batter and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
4. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Spread peanut butter and jelly on two pancakes.
6. Sandwich with slices of bread, creating a “pancake sandwich.”
7. Serve warm and drizzle with maple syrup or honey, if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (4-6 pancake sandwiches)

Confetti Birthday Cake Pancakes

Confetti Birthday Cake Pancakes
Start your day off with a celebration! These fluffy pancakes are packed with colorful sprinkles and topped with a sweet buttercream frosting, making them the perfect treat for any birthday party or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sprinkles (confetti)
– Buttercream frosting, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in sprinkles.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
8. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Caramel Apple Pancake Skewers

Caramel Apple Pancake Skewers
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. These Caramel Apple Pancake Skewers combine fluffy pancakes, crunchy apples, and gooey caramel in one delicious bite.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2-3 apples, sliced into thin wedges
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, egg, and salt.
3. Cook the pancakes according to package instructions.
4. Thread a pancake, apple slice, and a dollop of caramel sauce onto a skewer.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 until all ingredients are used.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Pancake Pops

Pumpkin Spice Pancake Pops
Pumpkin Spice Pancake Pops Recipe

Warm up with these bite-sized treats that capture the essence of fall – Pumpkin Spice Pancake Pops! Fluffy pancake mix, pumpkin puree, and a hint of cinnamon come together in a delightful pop that’s perfect for snacking or as a fun party favor.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together pancake mix, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder.
2. Beat in the egg until well combined.
3. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of batter into the oil (about 1/4 cupfuls).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Drain pops on paper towels and serve warm.

Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total (includes frying time).

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancake Bites

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancake Bites
Lemon Poppy Seed Pancake Bites: A Delicious Breakfast or Snack Treat!

These bite-sized pancakes are packed with the brightness of lemon zest and the crunch of poppy seeds, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, lemon juice, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in poppy seeds and lemon zest.
6. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes total

Nutella-Stuffed Pancake Hearts

Nutella-Stuffed Pancake Hearts
Start your day off right with a delicious twist on classic pancakes. These adorable heart-shaped treats are filled with rich, chocolatey Nutella for an unbeatable flavor combination.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup Nutella
– Fresh fruit or powdered sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto the skillet or griddle to form hearts.
6. Place a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of each pancake heart.
7. Fold the pancake in half to enclose the filling.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry.
9. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes per batch.

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle
Start your day off right with these moist and flavorful red velvet pancakes, topped with a tangy cream cheese drizzle.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– Cream cheese drizzle: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, and red food coloring.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes per side or until bubbles appear on surface.
6. While pancakes cook, mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth.
7. Serve pancakes with cream cheese drizzle spooned over top.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on griddle heat)

Funfetti Pancake Tacos

Funfetti Pancake Tacos
Combine the magic of pancakes, tacos, and sprinkles for a delightful breakfast treat that’s sure to delight both kids and adults!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup funfetti sprinkles (color of your choice)
– Taco shells (corn or flour, as preferred)
– Whipped cream and additional sprinkles for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Add milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Fold in funfetti sprinkles.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until bubbles appear on surface and edges are golden.
6. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by placing a cooked pancake in a shell, followed by whipped cream and additional sprinkles if desired.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes for all pancakes, depending on skillet/griddle heat and size of batter drops.

Gingerbread Man Pancakes

Gingerbread Man Pancakes
Start your day with a deliciously festive twist on classic pancakes! These Gingerbread Man Pancakes are infused with the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them a perfect treat for any time of year.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg; whisk until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the pan.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Matcha Green Tea Pancake Art

Matcha Green Tea Pancake Art
Start your day with a delicate and Instagram-worthy breakfast treat that combines the subtle bitterness of matcha green tea with the fluffiness of pancakes.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons matcha powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and sugar until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil as needed.
5. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the batter onto the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry.
6. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 pancakes

Oreo Cookie Pancake Stack

Oreo Cookie Pancake Stack
Start your day with a sweet twist on traditional pancakes – Oreo cookie-infused pancakes stacked high and topped with whipped cream!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 6-8 Oreo cookies, crushed
– Whipped cream and additional Oreos for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in crushed Oreos.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the pan.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip pancakes and cook an additional minute.
8. Stack cooked pancakes with whipped cream and additional Oreos, if desired.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes for 6-8 pancakes.

S’mores Pancakes with Marshmallow Fluff

S
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these S’mores Pancakes, featuring the gooey goodness of marshmallow fluff. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this recipe combines the best of both worlds – pancakes and s’mores!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Marshmallow fluff (store-bought or homemade)
– Graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (batter should still be slightly lumpy).
5. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
6. Top with marshmallow fluff, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate chips.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.

Summary

Get ready for a pancake party like no other! In this article, we bring you 20 fluffy and fun pancake recipes that are sure to delight kids (and kids at heart). From rainbow swirl pancakes to cookie monster blueberry pancakes, these treats are almost too cute to eat. Try making unicorn pancakes with sprinkles, animal-shaped pancakes with fruit toppings, or peanut butter and jelly pancake sandwiches. And for special occasions, go all out with confetti birthday cake pancakes or gingerbread man pancakes. Whatever your kid’s taste buds desire, we’ve got a recipe to make it happen! 🥞

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