29 Apr 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 cup self-raising flour
2 tbsp sugar
3/4 cup milk (1% fat)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Celebrate the festive season with a delightful and whimsical Christmas Pancake Tree! This recipe is perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch, offering a fun and delicious way to start your day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stack of fluffy pancakes that are both beautiful and tasty. The addition of heavy whipping cream adds a touch of richness, making these pancakes a holiday treat to remember.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour and sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
2. Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet with a small amount of butter or cooking spray.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake, forming various sizes from small to large (to create the layers of the tree).
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm. Continue this process until all the batter is used, making sure to create different sizes of pancakes.
3. Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Assemble the Pancake Tree:
- Start with the largest pancake as the base and place it on a serving platter or large plate.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream in the center of the pancake.
- Stack the next smaller sized pancake on top of the whipped cream, slightly off-center if you prefer a more whimsical tree shape.
- Continue layering the pancakes from largest to smallest, adding a dollop of whipped cream between each layer to create the tree appearance.
5. Decorate:
- You can get creative with the decorations. Dust the tree with powdered sugar for a snow effect, add fresh berries, small candy ornaments, or drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Christmas pancake tree with family and friends!
Tips:
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to cook the pancakes for an even and golden-brown result.
- To ensure fluffy pancakes, do not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined.
- For an extra festive touch, try adding a few drops of green food coloring to the pancake batter.
- Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut one of the pancakes and place it on top of the tree as a decorative star.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an added burst of flavor.
There you have it, a charming and delectable Christmas Pancake Tree that's sure to impress your family and friends. The fluffy pancakes, combined with the rich cream, create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy this festive breakfast during the holiday season and make it a tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.