Valentines Breakfast Vanilla Almond Pancakes

Name: Valentines Breakfast Vanilla Almond Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Favorites

I absolutely love starting Valentine's Day with these delightful Vanilla Almond Pancakes. The combination of smooth vanilla and nutty almond flavors creates a breakfast that's both indulgent and comforting. I've experimented with various pancake recipes over the years, but this one holds a special place in my heart. The fluffy texture paired with the aromatic notes fills the kitchen with warmth, making it the perfect treat to share with someone special. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a beloved breakfast tradition.

Created by

Pippa Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:57:34.199Z

When I first made these pancakes, I was amazed at how the simple addition of almond extract transformed the classic pancake recipe into something special. The pancakes turned out incredibly fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. I found that letting the batter rest for a few minutes really enhances the texture, allowing the baking powder to create those lovely air pockets.

Pairing these pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of sliced almonds elevates them even further. The flavor combination is delightful, and they make for a visually stunning breakfast that impresses my family every time. I often serve them with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and add a burst of color to the plate.

        Why You'll Love These Pancakes
        Perfectly fluffy texture that's light and airy
Rich vanilla flavor balanced with almond notes
Quick to whip up for a lovely breakfast surprise
Can be topped with fresh fruits for added goodness

      

The Perfect Pancake Technique

Getting the right pancake texture is all about the technique, especially with these Vanilla Almond Pancakes. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's crucial to stir gently until just combined. Overmixing is a common pitfall that can lead to dense pancakes—your goal here is to keep some lumps in the batter for that fluffy finish. A well-combined mixture should look slightly lumpy, indicating you’ve achieved the right consistency without activating too much gluten.

When cooking, make sure your skillet is at the right temperature. A medium heat setting is ideal. If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly. You’ll want to see small bubbles form on the surface of the batter before flipping—this visual cue means the first side is beautifully golden and ready to turn. After flipping, keep an eye on them; they typically need about 1-2 more minutes to reach that perfect golden brown.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of vanilla and almond extracts in this pancake recipe creates a uniquely rich flavor profile. Both extracts are potent, so it's essential to measure accurately. Using high-quality extracts will significantly enhance the taste. If almond extract isn’t available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract, though the flavor will differ slightly. Alternatively, for a nut-free version, consider a few drops of coconut extract or simply increasing the vanilla extract.

Using unsalted butter is recommended because it allows you to control the saltiness of your pancakes better. Keep the butter melted until you're ready to mix it in; this keeps the batter smooth. For a lighter, dairy-free option, oat or almond milk works well if you're looking to maintain the vanilla and almond flavors. These alternatives can create pancakes with a slightly different texture but still deliciously fluffy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the perfect pancakes:

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Here’s how to make these delightful pancakes:

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.

Combine Both Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Heat the Pan

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.

Cook the Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup, sliced almonds, and your favorite fruits.

Enjoy your delicious pancakes!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or blueberries to the batter before cooking. This will enhance the sweetness and make the pancakes even more tempting.

Serving Suggestions

These Vanilla Almond Pancakes are wonderfully versatile when it comes to toppings. I love serving them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, which enhances their sweetness beautifully. You can also add sliced almonds for an extra crunch, pairing perfectly with the pancake's soft texture. Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas not only brighten up the plate but also add nutritional value—if you're feeling adventurous, a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this breakfast into a delightful dessert too.

For a fun twist, consider incorporating chocolate chips or blueberries into the batter right before cooking. This addition not only adds bursts of flavor but also creates a visually appealing dish. Just keep in mind that if you add too many mix-ins, it might affect the pancake's rise, so balance is key for that perfect lift.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to prepare these pancakes ahead of time, the batter can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, as it may thicken slightly. However, it’s best not to store the batter for more than 24 hours to ensure you still achieve that fluffy texture. For cooked pancakes, allow them to cool completely before stacking and storing in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for longer.

To reheat frozen pancakes, simply place them in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat them in short bursts to avoid overheating. This makes it easy to have a delightful breakfast treat ready to go on a busy Valentine's morning!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

→ What can I use instead of almond extract?

You can substitute with additional vanilla extract for a purely vanilla flavor.

→ How do I store leftover pancakes?

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the toaster or microwave.

→ Can I freeze these pancakes?

Absolutely! Allow the pancakes to cool, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag for up to 2 months.