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 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Butter or oil for the skillet; Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); Maple syrup; Powdered sugar (optional)

Highlighted under: Celebration Cooking

I absolutely love starting my Valentine's Day with a special breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Pancakes have become my go-to choice. The delicate flavor of almond complemented by the sweet vanilla creates a romantic atmosphere right at the breakfast table. Light and fluffy, they are delightful to indulge in, especially when topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. I’ve tested various recipes over the years, but this one always gets rave reviews from family and friends. It's a perfect way to kick off the day with a sweet note!

Created by

Arden Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:25:34.717Z

Last Valentine's Day, I decided to elevate my breakfast game with these delightful vanilla almond pancakes. The combination of almond extract and vanilla creates a wonderfully fragrant batter that fills the kitchen with warmth and love. I learned that beating the egg whites separately gives these pancakes their fluffy texture, which is truly key to achieving the right lightness in your pancakes.

As I served them, topped with a scattering of freshly sliced strawberries and a drizzle of warm maple syrup, my loved ones' eyes lit up with joy. It was such a rewarding moment, knowing that I started our special day on a delicious note. Remember, a splash of almond milk can enhance the flavor even further!

Why You Will Love These Pancakes
Subtle almond flavor that beautifully complements vanilla
Fluffy and light texture, perfect for morning indulgence
Easily adaptable with toppings to suit your taste

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Vanilla Almond Pancakes plays a crucial role in achieving their delightful flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour provides the structure needed to hold the pancakes together, while the sugar adds not only sweetness but also helps in caramelization for a beautiful golden-brown color. The baking powder and baking soda are essential leavening agents, creating those light and fluffy pancakes that we all adore; without them, your pancakes could turn out dense and heavy.

Milk adds moisture and richness to the batter, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute it with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Eggs bind the mixture together while contributing to the structure. Both the vanilla and almond extracts impart their delightful flavors, creating a perfect balance—too much of either could overpower the other, so stick to the suggested measurements for best results.

Perfect Pancake Technique

When cooking these pancakes, patience is key. Prepare your skillet and ensure it's at medium heat—too low, and your pancakes will absorb oil; too hot, and you risk burnt outsides with raw insides. To check if your skillet is ready, sprinkle a drop of water on it; if it sizzles, you're good to go! Pouring the batter gently promotes even spreading, giving you uniformly shaped pancakes. Over-assembling the skillet can drop the temperature too much, leading to uneven cooking, so flip them only when bubbles form on the surface.

When flipping, use a thin spatula to slide under the pancake gently; this minimizes any potential splatter and keeps the pancake intact. If they browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to ensure they cook all the way through without burning the outside.

Ingredients

Pancake Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons melted butter
Butter or oil for the skillet

For Serving

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined; it's okay if there are a few lumps.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Stack the pancakes on plates and serve warm with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. Optionally dust with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before cooking. These pancakes can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick breakfast.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

For a twist on the classic flavors, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before cooking. They can introduce a wonderful texture and additional taste that pairs well with the vanilla and almond theme. Fresh seasonal fruits like peaches or bananas can be tossed into the pancake stack after flipping, allowing them to warm slightly, creating a juicy burst with every bite.

Serve your pancakes with a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the fluffy pancakes. A sprinkle of crushed nuts on top can provide an extra crunch, making each stack not just a meal, but a delightful experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning a special breakfast, you can prepare the batter the night before. Store it in the refrigerator—this allows the flavors to meld and can enhance the overall taste. Just remember to stir it gently in the morning as ingredients may settle. If you have leftovers, stack them between sheets of wax paper and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or on a skillet to restore some crispness before serving.

For longer storage, these pancakes can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap each pancake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop them in the toaster straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but almond flour is denser, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.

→ How can I make these pancakes dairy-free?

Substitute the milk with almond milk or another non-dairy milk of your choice.

→ Can I make the batter in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

→ What can I serve with these pancakes?

They go well with maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a special touch.