S’mores Pancakes: Indulge in a Fluffy, Chocolatey Campfire Breakfast Treat
Transport yourself to a cozy campfire morning with these irresistible S’mores Pancakes. Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, generously studded with melty mini chocolate chips, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham cracker bits. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience, a sweet, nostalgic journey that combines the beloved flavors of a classic s’more with the comforting warmth of a fresh stack of pancakes.
Forget the ordinary breakfast routine. With this recipe, you can elevate your morning meal into an extraordinary treat. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the light and airy pancake base, the pockets of rich, melted chocolate, the soft, sweet chew of marshmallows, and the satisfying crunch of graham crackers. It’s a symphony of flavors that promises to brighten any day, making it perfect for a special weekend brunch or a delightful holiday breakfast.
The best part? Achieving this level of breakfast bliss is surprisingly straightforward. We’ve taken a classic, reliable buttermilk pancake recipe and infused it with the magic of s’mores. The result is a quick and simple preparation that comes together in approximately 20 minutes from start to finish. This means you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a breakfast that feels truly decadent and special, making it accessible even on busy mornings when you crave something truly extraordinary.
While the pancakes themselves are a star, the toppings are where the true s’mores spectacle unfolds. Drizzle generously with warm Hot Fudge Sauce for an authentic campfire feel, or opt for a rich and creamy Nutella for an extra layer of chocolate hazelnut delight. Don’t hold back on additional sprinkles of mini marshmallows, allowing them to gently melt into a sweet, sticky topping, or add a dollop of fluffy Marshmallow Fluff for that ultimate melt-in-your-mouth, cloud-like texture. A final scattering of extra graham cracker crumbs ensures every mouthful delivers that signature s’mores crunch and flavor.
Why These S’mores Pancakes Will Become Your New Favorite
- Comforting and Nostalgic – Every forkful of these S’mores Pancakes is more than just a meal; it’s a portal back to cherished memories of summer nights, crackling campfires, and shared laughter. The familiar combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker evokes a deep sense of comfort and joy, turning an ordinary breakfast into a heartwarming experience. It’s a delightful way to revisit those happy moments and create new ones around the breakfast table.
- Quick & Easy Preparation – In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. This recipe understands that, allowing you to whip up a batch of these delectable pancakes in just about 20 minutes. From gathering ingredients to serving a warm stack, the process is streamlined and hassle-free. This simple and fast recipe ensures that you can enjoy a luxurious and impressive breakfast without sacrificing precious morning time, making it perfect for both spontaneous cravings and planned indulgences.
- Ideal for Meal Prep – Planning ahead can make busy mornings much smoother. These S’mores Pancakes are wonderfully adaptable for meal preparation. You can easily double or even triple the batch to have extras on hand. Once cooled, simply freeze the pancakes in an airtight container or freezer bag. When a craving strikes or time is short, they can be reheated in minutes in the microwave, toaster, or oven, providing a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious breakfast option for even the most hectic days.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Versatile – Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a brunch, or simply treating yourself, these pancakes are sure to be a hit. Their universally loved s’mores flavor appeals to all ages, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings. Plus, they offer versatility in toppings, allowing everyone to customize their stack to their exact liking.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For the Fluffy S’mores Pancakes
- White Whole Wheat Flour – This ingenious flour provides the best of both worlds: all the robust nutritional benefits of traditional whole wheat flour (like increased fiber and nutrients) but with a significantly milder flavor and a lighter texture. It contributes to a hearty yet soft pancake. If you prefer a stronger, denser pancake, regular whole wheat flour is an option, though it will impart a more pronounced wheat flavor. For the lightest, fluffiest pancakes, classic all-purpose flour can be used as a direct substitute.
- Baking Soda – This essential leavening agent reacts with the buttermilk to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which are critical for giving our pancakes their signature light, airy, and fluffy texture. It’s what makes them rise beautifully on the griddle.
- Salt – A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavors of the pancakes. It brings out the subtle notes of chocolate and graham cracker, preventing the dish from tasting one-dimensionally sweet.
- Sugar – Just enough granulated sugar is added to provide a touch of sweetness to the pancake base, complementing the s’mores fillings and aiding in achieving that lovely golden-brown crust during cooking.
- Canola Oil – A neutral-flavored oil like canola ensures that the inherent flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker shine through without interference. It also contributes moisture to the batter, resulting in tender pancakes. Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil (if you don’t mind a slight coconut hint) can be used as alternatives.
- Buttermilk – The star ingredient for achieving truly tender and fluffy pancakes. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, causing the batter to rise and create an incredibly soft texture. Using low-fat buttermilk helps to keep these indulgent pancakes on a slightly lighter side without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – The “chocolate” in s’mores! Mini chocolate chips are preferred over regular-sized ones because they melt more evenly and distribute better throughout the smaller pancake surface, ensuring a gooey chocolatey bite in every piece.
- Mini Marshmallows – The “marshmallow” in s’mores, these mini versions are perfect for incorporating into the batter. They melt down into sweet, pockets of gooeyness within the pancake, creating that quintessential sticky, sweet s’mores experience.
- Crushed Graham Crackers – Providing the essential “graham cracker” crunch and flavor, these crushed bits are folded directly into the batter. They add a delightful textural contrast and infuse the pancakes with that distinct, slightly honeyed graham flavor.
Decadent S’mores Toppings
- Hot Fudge Sauce or Nutella – For an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, a warm drizzle of rich Hot Fudge Sauce amplifies the s’mores theme, or for a nutty twist, creamy Nutella adds a delightful richness that pairs perfectly with the other components.
- Mini Marshmallows – Sprinkling extra mini marshmallows on top of the warm pancakes allows them to soften and slightly melt, creating a beautiful, gooey, and irresistible crown.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – A final dusting of graham cracker crumbs adds a pleasing crunch and ensures that every element of the classic s’more is present in your delightful breakfast stack.
Pro Tip: Make Your Own Buttermilk at Home
Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily create a substitute using ingredients typically found in your pantry, ensuring your pancakes still achieve that desirable fluffy texture and tangy flavor. For every cup of milk (whole or 2% milk yields the best results), simply add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar. Give it a gentle stir and let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. During this time, the milk will slightly curdle and thicken, effectively mimicking the consistency and crucial tanginess of true buttermilk. This acidic reaction is vital for activating the baking soda in the recipe, leading to those wonderfully airy and tender pancakes.
Simple Steps to Your Perfect S’mores Pancakes
- Preheat Your Cooking Surface. Begin by placing your griddle or a reliable non-stick skillet over medium heat. Allowing it to properly preheat ensures even cooking and beautiful golden-brown pancakes. A quick test: flick a few drops of water onto the surface; if they sizzle and evaporate, it’s ready.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Once these are well combined, gently fold in the mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. This step ensures that these delicious s’mores elements are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, guaranteeing a perfect flavor and texture in every pancake.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients. Create a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the canola oil and the low-fat buttermilk. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together until just combined. It’s crucial to avoid overmixing; a few lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough and chewy pancakes.
- Cook the Pancakes to Golden Perfection. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, carefully scoop out portions of batter and pour them onto your preheated cooking surface. Give each pancake enough space to spread slightly. Cook for a few minutes until you observe bubbles forming on the surface and the edges beginning to look set and dry. This is your cue to gently flip the pancakes. Cook for an additional two minutes on the second side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue and are cooked through.
- Serve Warm with Generous Toppings. As soon as your pancakes are cooked, transfer them to plates and serve immediately while they are still warm and inviting. This is when the magic of the melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows is at its peak. Crown your stack with a lavish drizzle of Nutella or a rich hot fudge sauce, scatter extra mini marshmallows on top (letting them melt slightly from the pancake’s heat), and finish with a sprinkle of additional graham cracker crumbs for the ultimate s’mores experience.
Expert Recipe Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pancakes
- Make Your Own Buttermilk: As mentioned earlier, if you don’t have store-bought buttermilk, don’t let that stop you! Simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest with milk (up to 1 cup total). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This homemade version works beautifully to create fluffy pancakes.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is arguably the most important pancake tip! Stir the wet and dry ingredients together only until they are just combined. A few lumps are completely normal and will result in tender, light pancakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough and chewy results.
- Maintain Consistent Heat: A medium heat setting on your griddle or skillet is ideal. Too high, and your pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through; too low, and they’ll be dense and greasy. If your griddle has temperature settings, aim for around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Adjust as needed during cooking to maintain even browning.
- Prevent Stickiness: While a non-stick pan is helpful, a light greasing with a neutral oil or butter before each batch can prevent sticking and ensure your pancakes flip cleanly. Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess grease, leaving just a thin film.
- The First Pancake Rule: Don’t get discouraged if your first pancake isn’t perfect! It’s often used as a test to adjust the heat and batter consistency. The subsequent pancakes usually turn out just right.
- Variety of Toppings: While the s’mores toppings are divine, don’t be afraid to experiment! Consider adding fresh berries (like strawberries or raspberries), a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: When cooking a large batch, you can keep the cooked pancakes warm by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to its lowest setting (around 200°F/90°C). This ensures everyone gets to enjoy warm pancakes together.
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable. To make them gluten-free, simply swap out the white whole wheat flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum is often best for pancakes) and use certified gluten-free graham crackers. For a dairy-free version, use an unsweetened plain almond milk (with 1 tbsp of vinegar/lemon juice to create “buttermilk”), substitute canola oil with a plant-based butter or other neutral oil, and ensure your chocolate chips are vegan/dairy-free. These modifications will allow almost anyone to enjoy this delightful treat.
To ensure all your s’mores pancakes are warm and ready to serve simultaneously, preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius). As each pancake cooks, transfer it to a baking sheet in a single layer and place it in the warm oven. This method keeps them warm without overcooking or drying them out, so everyone can enjoy a hot stack together.
While it’s generally best to cook pancake batter immediately after mixing for optimal fluffiness, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before. Store them in airtight containers at room temperature (dry) and in the refrigerator (wet). Combine them just before cooking. If you mix the full batter ahead of time, the baking soda’s leavening power can diminish, and the pancakes might become less fluffy.
You can certainly adapt! If you only have regular-sized marshmallows, snip them into smaller pieces with kitchen shears. For chocolate, chop up a regular chocolate bar or use chocolate chunks. While mini versions are ideal for even distribution and melting, larger pieces will still provide delicious bursts of flavor and gooeyness.
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to crafting the most delightful S’mores Pancakes imaginable. This recipe is more than just a list of instructions; it’s an invitation to create a memorable breakfast experience, full of warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgic magic. Whether it’s a quiet morning at home or a lively brunch with loved ones, these pancakes are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the sweetest cravings. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and transform your breakfast into a truly extraordinary affair. Happy cooking!
S’mores Pancakes
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Ingredients
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoon sugar
- 2 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 1/2 cup low fat buttermilk
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 sheet graham crackers, , crushed
Toppings
- Hot Fudge Sauce or Nutella
- Mini marshmallows
- Graham Cracker crumbs
Instructions
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Preheat your griddle or a large non-stick skillet to medium heat, ensuring it’s evenly heated for optimal cooking.
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In a large bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir well, then fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed.
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Add the canola oil and low-fat buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine and will result in fluffier pancakes.
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Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour portions of batter onto the preheated pan. Cook until the edges begin to set and bubbles appear on the surface. Flip, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown.
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Serve your S’mores Pancakes warm with your desired toppings, such as hot fudge sauce, extra mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs, for the ultimate experience.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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