How to Build a Pancake Platter
When I entertain, I want my guests to be self-sufficient and, of course, impressed. With the holiday season approaching, I love sharing ways to make hosting easier and less stressful, and a board does exactly that. From my smoked salmon charcuterie board to a cheese platter, I am a huge fan of all things platters.
Pancakes are one of my favorite breakfast foods, which makes this pancake platter a guaranteed hit. In particular, there are so many fun combinations your guests can create. If you are not a pancake lover, you can swap them for waffles on a waffle board or go sweet with a French toast board.
The star of this platter is the pancakes, so I make mine from scratch. What’s more, I bake my bacon, because I like to multitask while I cook and it comes out slightly crispy and less greasy. As a result, the whole board is ready in about 30 minutes, the same way my Greek yogurt board and French fry board come together fast.
What Is a Pancake Platter?
In essence, it is a build-your-own breakfast board. A stack of pancakes sits in the center, surrounded by bacon, fresh fruit and small bowls of toppings, so every guest can make their own plate.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Self-rising flour (2 cups). The base of the pancakes; it already contains leavening.
- Sugar (1/2 cup). For lightly sweet pancakes.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon). A little extra lift.
- Milk (2 cups). Makes the batter pourable.
- Eggs (2). Bind the batter.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, melted). Richness in the batter.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon). Adds a gentle tang.
- Vanilla (1 tablespoon). Warm flavor.
- Bacon (1 pack). Baked until slightly crispy.
- Bananas (3, sliced), blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries (1 cup each). The fresh fruit.
- Chocolate chips and sprinkles (1 cup each). The fun toppings.
- Maple syrup (1 cup, warmed), butter (1 stick) and whipped cream (1 container). For serving.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Large Wooden Board
The base of the platter.
Small Bowls
Six that fit on the board, for fruit and toppings.
Griddle
Cooks several pancakes at once.
Pancake Turner
A thin, wide spatula for a clean flip.
Mixing Bowls
One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
Whisk
For a smooth batter.
Rimmed Baking Sheet
For baking the bacon.
Wire Baking Rack
Lifts the bacon so it crisps.
Syrup Pitcher
For warm maple syrup at the table.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
For the batter.
Batter Ladle
Even pancakes every time.
Small Serving Tongs
So guests can serve themselves.
How To Build a Pancake Platter
Step 1: Set Out the Board
Set out a wooden board and six small bowls that fit on the board.
Step 2: Prep the Fruit
Rinse the fruit and slice the strawberries. Place the strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in small bowls. Set aside.
Step 3: Bake the Bacon
Bake the bacon at 375°F until slightly crispy.
Step 4: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar and baking powder. In a second bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, apple cider vinegar and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly buttered griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour the batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden. Flip and cook until the second side is golden. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 6: Build the Board
Arrange the pancakes in the center of the board and add the bacon. Slice the bananas and add them to the board.
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Add the remaining fruit, sprinkles, chocolate chips and whipped cream.
Step 8: Serve
Serve with butter and warm maple syrup.
Pancake Platter with Homemade Pancakes
Ingredients
For the Homemade Pancakes
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
For the Platter
- 1 pack bacon
- 3 bananas sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup sprinkles
- 1 cup maple syrup warmed
- 1 stick butter for serving
- 1 container whipped cream
Instructions
- Set out a wooden board and six small bowls that fit on the board.
- Rinse the fruit and slice the strawberries. Place the strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in small bowls. Set aside.
- Bake the bacon at 375°F until slightly crispy.
- Make the pancake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar and baking powder. In a second bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, apple cider vinegar and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Heat a lightly buttered griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour the batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden. Flip and cook until the second side is golden. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Arrange the pancakes in the center of the board and add the bacon. Slice the bananas and add them to the board.
- Add the remaining fruit, sprinkles, chocolate chips and whipped cream.
- Serve with butter and warm maple syrup.
KEEP HOSTING
More boards and easy spreads to keep the gathering going.
Mini Frozen Pancake and Thai Chili Chicken Kabobs
Sweet-and-spicy chicken kabobs with a fun pancake twist.
Get the Recipe →
Peppermint Martini with Mocha Cream
A peppermint-mocha martini that tastes like the holidays in a glass.
Pour a Glass →
How To Make An Epic Veggie Tray
Build a generous, colorful spread for your next gathering.
Keep Reading →Variations
Use a Boxed Mix
Short on time? Swap the homemade batter for your favorite boxed pancake mix, prepared according to the package directions, and build the platter the same way.
Swap the Pancakes
Use waffles if you are not a pancake lover.
Change the Protein
Add sausage or ham in place of, or alongside, the bacon. My sausage French toast roll-ups are another option.
Add More Sides
Eggs, grits or hash browns all fit on the table.
Add Something Baked
Chocolate chip muffins or cinnamon rolls.
When I Love Serving a Pancake Platter
Holiday Mornings
Everyone serves themselves while you enjoy your coffee. More ideas are in my easy holiday entertaining tips.
Weekend Brunch
Furthermore, it is ready in about 30 minutes.
Sleepovers
Kids love building their own stack.
Birthday Breakfasts
Sprinkles make it a celebration.
Overnight Guests
Equally important, one board feeds the whole house.
Pajama Parties
Set it out with a hot chocolate bar.
What To Serve With a Pancake Platter
Eggs
An asparagus, goat cheese and mushroom frittata or a spinach and bacon quiche.
A Brunch Drink
A holiday mimosa bar or lemonade prosecco punch.
Something for the Kids
My strawberry smoothie or pumpkin hot chocolate.
A Sweet Bake
A very berry French toast casserole.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Serve warm. Build the board right after the pancakes come off the griddle.
- Warm the syrup. Hot maple syrup makes the platter.
- Prep ahead. Rinse and bowl the fruit before you start cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pancake mix?
Yes. A boxed mix works if you are short on time; I make mine from scratch.
How do I cook the bacon?
I bake it, so it comes out slightly crispy and less greasy.
What flour do the pancakes use?
Self-rising flour, plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes.
How many pancakes does it make?
About 10.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, my guests are happiest with hot pancakes, warm maple syrup, strawberries, a side of bacon and a cup of coffee or orange juice. Without a doubt, this platter delivers all of it on one board.
