How to Host an Epic Pancake Bar Party
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Break out the syrup, sprinkles, and whipped cream, because we’re throwing an epic Pancake Bar Party!
A Pancake Party Adults and Kids Will Love!
There’s no better party than a pancake party, where the toppings are plentiful and PJs are 100% acceptable attire. I’ve thrown together a couple pancake bars over the years, and it’s one of my favorite ways to celebrate pretty much anything. Birthdays, showers, girl’s brunch, Christmas…there’s always a good reason to throw a pancake party.
Table of Contents
This is a party you can easily prep ahead and customize to your family’s needs. The toppings options are endless, but the best pancake bar starts with the best pancakes.
I’ve been making these Perfect Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes for years now, and they never disappoint. They’re always thick, always light and fluffy, and always get that perfect golden ring around the outside. I don’t claim to have the best recipe very often, but this is one of them. However, if you want to mix things up, these Ricotta Pancakes are also amazing!
How to Put Together a Pancake Bar
To craft the ultimate pancake bar, start by making the pancakes. You can certainly make the pancakes the morning of the party, but I find it’s much easier to make a big batch the night before to save time.
Tips for Making Pancakes Ahead of Time
- I use this electric skillet to make multiple pancakes at once.
- Cook the pancakes as usual and let them cool completely in a single layer.
- Once the pancakes are cooled, stack them between sheets of parchment paper and place in an airtight container.
- Pancakes can be refrigerated for 48 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat pancakes in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat for 6-10 minutes or until heated through.
- To reheat pancakes in the microwave, place a stack of up to 3 pancakes on a plate and cover with a slightly damp paper towel. Reheat in 45 second increments until heated through.
And there you go! The easiest way to make a big batch of pancakes ahead of time! No more standing over a hot stove dishing out a few pancakes at a time while hangry souls clamor at your feet. Everyone gets hot and fresh pancakes at our pancake party!
Toppings for Pancakes
Once you’ve got your pancakes in order, pick out some fun toppings. I like to pick a few from each category of spreads, nuts, fruits, and sweet stuff for a nice variety.
Spreads for Pancakes
- Room temperature butter, obviously
- Peanut Butter
- Nutella
- Cookie Butter (Biscoff)
Fruity Toppings for Pancakes
- Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
- Sliced bananas
- Cherry Pie Filling
- Baked cinnamon apples
- Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
Nuts and Seeds
- Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almond slivers
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Chia seeds
- Slow Cooker Honey Nut Granola
Sweet Pancake Toppings
- Maple syrup, warm, because I’m not a monster.
- Sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
- Buttermilk Syrup
- Homemade Caramel Sauce
- Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup
Once you’ve picked out all your toppings and spreads, put them in some fun bowls (or just leave them in the jars. Let’s be honest, no one will care, because YOU’RE THROWING THEM AN EPIC PANCAKE PARTY).
The Best Pancake Bar Topping Combos
The topping combos for pancakes are endless, but here are my absolute favorites:
- Cookie butter + sliced bananas + pecans + maple syrup = A Christmas morning dream come true.
- Ricotta pancakes (add lemon zest to them for a real treat!) + blueberries + lavender syrup = A delicate treat that’s perfect for spring.
- Butter + Strawberries + Banana Slices + Maple Syrup = My every day favorite.
- Peanut Butter + Bananas + Sprinkles + Chocolate Chips + Whipped Cream = A Kid Favorite.
What to Serve with Pancake Bar
Sides for pancakes can be really simple. I like to cook bacon in the oven and add some Greek yogurt for protein. It’s also fun to add toppings to the yogurt!
If you’d like more protein, try adding an Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon or Sous Vide Poached Eggs.
Lay out your pancake buffet, and watch the kids’ eyes light up when they see they’re having sprinkles for breakfast. I’m convinced there is no greater joy.
Pancake Bar Party
Ingredients
For the pancakes
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 4 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs (separated)
- 8 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- Canola or coconut oil (for frying)
For the toppings:
- Whipped Cream
- Shredded coconut
- Cookie Butter
- Softened butter
- Peanut Butter
- Fruits (Strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or sauteed apples and peaches)
- Toasted nuts
- Sprinkles
- Warm maple syrup
- Nutella
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, soda, and baking powder.
- In another medium bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks, then whisk in the butter, buttermilk, and milk.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry mixture and stir gently until barely combined.
- Add lightly beaten egg whites to the mixture and gently stir until a thick, lumpy bumpy batter forms. Stop before the batter smooths out. Lumpy batter is good!
- Heat a griddle over medium heat and cover with a thin layer of neutral oil. Drop quarter cups of batter onto the preheated pan. Cook until bubbles start to appear on the exposed surface of the pancake. When bubbles appear, flip pancake and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until browned. Remove to a wire rack and allow to cool. Repeat with remaining batter. SEE NOTES FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON MAKING AHEAD AND FREEZING.
- To make the bar, place all of your toppings in bowls. Place them on your counter top or kitchen table and allow your guests to make their own creations!
Notes
- To make ahead: Once the pancakes are cooled, stack them between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a ziplock bag. Refrigerate or freeze for up to 2 months.
- When you’re ready to party, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Wrap the pancake stacks in foil or lay them on a sheet pan and wrap the sheet pan in foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until hot. There is no need to defrost the pancakes. Alternatively, place stacks of 2-5 pancakes in the microwave and microwave for 1 minute.Â
Nutrition
A pancake bar party, wow, that sounds awesome! Loved the idea!