Valentines Breakfast Vanilla Almond Pancakes

Name: Valentines Breakfast Vanilla Almond Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract

Highlighted under: Celebration Recipes

I absolutely love making these Vanilla Almond Pancakes for Valentine’s Day! They are the perfect way to start the day with a touch of sweetness and a hint of nutty goodness. The delicate flavor of vanilla paired with the rich almond essence creates a delightful breakfast experience. I enjoy serving them warm, topped with fresh fruits and a drizzle of maple syrup. It's a wonderful treat that not only pleases the palate but also brings joy to the breakfast table during this special occasion.

Created by

Gillian Sykes

Last updated on 2026-01-14T06:49:34.881Z

Preparing these pancakes was a beautiful experience where I found joy in every step. The aroma of vanilla and almond wafting through the kitchen was intoxicating. I decided to add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra warmth that perfectly balances the sweetness, and I was thrilled with the result!

What I love most about these pancakes is how fluffy and light they turn out. Using buttermilk not only enhances the flavor but also gives the pancakes their signature airy texture. This is a perfect recipe to share with loved ones, making breakfast feel special on any day!

Why You'll Love These Pancakes
Irresistibly fluffy and light texture
Delicious vanilla and almond flavor combination
Perfectly sweet and satisfying breakfast experience

The Magic of Almond Extract

Almond extract offers an aromatic, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the vanilla in these pancakes. While vanilla can shine through on its own, almond extract brings a depth that elevates the overall taste. Just a teaspoon is all you need—more than that can overwhelm the pancakes, turning them into a marzipan experience instead of a delightful breakfast treat. If you’re short on almond extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of hazelnut extract for a different yet still complementary flavor profile.

Integrating almond extract into your pancake batter not only enhances taste but also adds a subtle richness. Ensure you combine it well with the wet ingredients, allowing its flavor to infuse fully into the batter. When cooked, it helps in developing a slightly crispy edge while keeping the inside fluffy and soft, creating a wonderful contrast in textures.

Perfect Pancake Techniques

To achieve the perfectly fluffy pancakes you're aiming for, it's crucial to avoid overmixing the batter. The final mixture should be slightly lumpy; if you mix it until smooth, you risk activating the gluten in the flour, which would yield dense pancakes. Mix the wet ingredients separately before adding them to the dry, and only stir until just combined to maintain that ideal texture.

Another key technique is to control the cooking temperature. Preheat your skillet over medium heat, and be careful not to let it get too hot, as this will cause the exterior to brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked. A good indicator for flipping is when you see bubbles forming and popping on the surface—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The second side cooks faster, so keep an eye out for golden brown edges.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious batch of pancakes:

Pancake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

Mix all the ingredients well to create a smooth pancake batter.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect pancakes:

Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the pancakes fluffy.

Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease lightly. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Serve Warm

Serve pancakes warm with fresh fruits, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your delicious pancakes as a lovely start to Valentine's Day!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding sliced bananas or blueberries to the batter before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch of romance on Valentine’s Day, why not serve these pancakes with a variety of fresh fruits? Strawberries, blueberries, and sliced bananas not only add sweetness but also a vibrant color contrast, creating an appealing presentation. Consider creating a fruit compote by briefly simmering the fruits with a hint of brown sugar, which will intensify their flavors and add a lovely sauce to drizzle over the pancakes.

To enhance the flavor profile, you might also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty goodness. This not only complements the almond extract in the pancakes but also creates a delightful textural contrast. A dollop of whipped cream can provide a luxurious finish, transforming your breakfast into a decadent brunch experience.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover pancakes (which can be a rarity), they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, place a layer of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. For longer storage, consider freezing them—simply allow the pancakes to cool completely, then stack with parchment paper and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months and reheated directly from the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pancakes, reheat them in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through—about 3-4 minutes on each side should suffice. This method preserves their texture, keeping them fluffy rather than soggy. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds if you’re short on time, but note that they might lose a bit of their fluffiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk. Just add a tablespoon of vinegar to make it sour like buttermilk.

→ How can I store leftover pancakes?

Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze pancakes?

Absolutely! Place a piece of parchment paper between each pancake and store them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months.

→ What can I serve with these pancakes?

These pancakes pair beautifully with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, as well as whipped cream or yogurt.