Rainbow pancakes are a fun and vibrant take on a classic breakfast staple. Their visual appeal makes them the perfect treat for kids and any special occasion where you want to add a bit of colorful whimsy to the table.
The best part? Rainbow pancakes are incredibly versatile and fun to make! You can customize them with different colors, toppings, and even cooking methods. This recipe is easy and quick, making it a great option for a weekend brunch or a special weekday surprise.
In this guide, we’ll cover two different methods for making rainbow pancakes: the traditional griddle-cooked pancakes and an easy sheet pan version for baking a big batch at once.
What Makes Rainbow Pancakes Special?
Rainbow pancakes offer a few special features that make them more fun than your average short stack.
Visual Appeal and Fun Factor
Let’s face it: The bright, vibrant colors of rainbow pancakes make them instantly appealing, especially to children. And kids love helping to mix the colors and create their own rainbow breakfast art.
Versatility and Customization
You can customize the colors to match a theme, such as a holiday, a birthday party, or another special event. Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and colorful sprinkles for an even more appealing effect.
Simplicity and Accessibility
Rainbow pancakes can be made from ingredients you probably already have on hand. The process is relatively simple, so even beginner cooks can make a batch of rainbow pancakes.
Ingredients for rainbow pancakes
You probably have most of the necessary ingredients in your pantry and fridge already.
Core pancake ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the pancake batter:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Each ingredient plays a role: The flour provides structure, baking powder and baking soda make them fluffy, the milk adds moisture, and the eggs bind all the ingredients together.
The rainbow element: Food coloring
To get those vibrant colors, you’ll need food coloring. Gel food coloring is the best choice for its concentrated color. If you only have liquid food coloring, that’ll work too, but you may need to use more of it to get the colors you want.
Be sure to use food coloring that’s made for cooking so it’s safe to eat.
Making Rainbow Pancakes on a Griddle
If you’re using a griddle, here’s how to make rainbow pancakes:
Preparing the Batter
- Divide the pancake batter into separate bowls, using a different bowl for each color you want to create.
- Add food coloring to each bowl and mix well, until the color is consistent throughout the batter.
Cooking the Pancakes
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You can also grease the surface with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour the colored batter onto the hot griddle. Create individual pancakes using one color for each pancake, or combine colors for a swirled effect. Use a measuring cup or ladle to ensure the pancakes are a consistent size.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Then flip and cook for another minute or two, until golden brown on both sides.
Tips for Griddle Pancakes
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle. Cook in batches to maintain even heat distribution.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Stack your rainbow pancakes high, add a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy!
Sheet Pan Rainbow Pancakes
For a fun twist on the rainbow pancake theme, try making them on a sheet pan! This method is especially great for feeding a crowd or making pancakes in advance.
Preparing the Sheet Pan
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Piping the Batter
- Transfer each colored pancake batter into its own piping bag. If you don’t have piping bags, zip-top bags with a small corner snipped off will work just fine.
- Now comes the fun part! Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in whatever rainbow patterns you like. Stripes, swirls, polka dots – let your imagination run wild!
Baking and Serving
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the center of the pancake sheet bounces back slightly when you gently press it.
- Let the pancake sheet cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares or using cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- Serve immediately with whipped cream, syrup, fresh fruit, or any other toppings your heart desires.
Tips for Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; that’ll give you flat, tough pancakes.
- Spread the batter evenly on the sheet pan so the pancakes cook uniformly.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Rainbow pancakes are fun and festive, so don’t be afraid to go wild with toppings! Of course, you can always stick with the classics:
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Whipped cream
For something a little more colorful, try:
- Fresh berries
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
Or, if you’re feeling creative, consider these options:
- Fruit sauces
- Yogurt
- Edible glitter (for extra sparkle!)
How to store rainbow pancakes
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Keep your leftover rainbow pancakes in a container with a tight-fitting lid for up to three days.
- Freezer: Lay the pancakes flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Reheat in the microwave, oven, or toaster.
Final Thoughts
Rainbow pancakes aren’t just breakfast; they’re a celebration on a plate! They’re also super versatile, so you can enjoy them for brunch, dessert, or a fun snack.
So, grab your whisks and food coloring, and get ready to create your own colorful stack. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and toppings – have fun and enjoy!