Skip to content 
Holiday mornings sparkle with joy, and nothing makes them brighter than a special breakfast. This recipe for adorable Reindeer Pancakes transforms your breakfast table into a festive scene. These delightful treats are incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy parents seeking a quick holiday fix. Get ready to involve your little helpers in crafting these memorable and delicious reindeer pancakes!
Why You’ll Love These Reindeer Pancakes
- These charming Reindeer Pancakes quickly become a beloved holiday tradition for your family.
- They use simple, wholesome ingredients, making them both healthy and incredibly delicious.
- Customizable decorations invite endless creativity, allowing everyone to personalize their reindeer.
- The quick prep and cook time means more fun and less fuss on celebratory mornings.
- This recipe perfectly encourages kids to get involved in the kitchen, fostering their culinary interest.
Ingredients
Creating these festive Reindeer Pancakes starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in developing their delightful flavor and texture. Using the specified measurements ensures your pancakes turn out perfectly fluffy and delicious every time.
Oats, a key ingredient, offer numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health and aiding in weight management due to their beta-glucan fiber content, as detailed by nutritional experts. Explore the many health benefits of oats.
- 1 1/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 3/4 cup oats, dry (rolled or quick-cooking)
- 1/4 cup flaxseed, ground
- 1 medium banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or butter)
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 large blueberries
- 2 cranberries, raw
Notes & Substitutions
- Pancakes: For alternative healthy bases, try whole wheat flour, protein powder, mashed sweet potato, or even chocolate chips added to the batter.
- Eyes: Chocolate chips offer a classic look, while candy eyes add a whimsical touch. You can also pipe on chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Nose: Use raspberries for a bright red nose, sliced strawberries, or dried cranberries. Mini Oreos or Nilla wafers also work for a fun, edible nose.
- Antlers: Pretzel rods are wonderfully crispy and perfect for antlers. For a softer option, pipe on some extra pancake batter or chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Milk: Feel free to use any dairy milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a one-to-one substitute for almond milk.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative can replace honey if desired.
Equipment
Gathering your tools beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. You won’t need many special items to create these adorable reindeer pancakes.
- A good quality blender is essential for smooth batter.
- A griddle or large non-stick pan provides ample cooking space.
- A sturdy spatula helps flip your pancakes with ease.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- A batter dispenser is optional but helps with neat shaping.
Instructions
Making these Reindeer Pancakes is a simple process, perfect for beginners and busy parents alike. Follow these steps to create a memorable holiday breakfast that tastes as good as it looks. Remember, practice makes perfect when shaping your festive flapjacks!
Prepare pancake batter:
Place the almond milk, dry oats, ground flaxseed, banana, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt, and baking powder into your blender. Blend until the oats are finely ground and the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds. Next, add the two large eggs to the blender. Pulse briefly, just until the eggs are incorporated into the batter. Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added.
Cook pancakes:
Heat your griddle or large non-stick pan over medium heat. Melt a teaspoon or two of coconut oil or butter to prevent sticking and add flavor. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each large pancake, forming the reindeer’s head. For the noses, pour smaller pancakes, roughly half the size of the heads. Create small oval-shaped pancakes for the ears. Cook the pancakes until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Flip carefully with your spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes until done.
Cook bacon:
While the pancakes cook, prepare your bacon. Cook the 8 slices of bacon in a separate pan or oven to your desired crispness. Once cooked, drain any excess fat by placing the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. These crispy strips will form the antlers for your adorable Reindeer Pancakes.
Assemble reindeer:
Begin assembly by placing two cooked bacon slices on each serving plate, positioning them as antlers. Next, add two oval ear pancakes just below the bacon. Top these with a large pancake, which will serve as the reindeer’s head. Place a smaller pancake in the center of the large pancake for the nose. Finally, use two large blueberries for the eyes. Halve the raw cranberries and arrange them for the bright red nose. Your festive Reindeer Pancakes are now ready to delight!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Batter consistency: If your batter feels too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If it seems too thin, incorporate a tablespoon of extra ground oats until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Perfectly round pancakes: Achieve consistently round pancakes by using a round cookie cutter or a metal ring on the griddle. Fill the ring with batter for neat circles.
- Even cooking: Avoid overcrowding your griddle or pan. Cook only a few pancakes at a time to ensure even browning and easy flipping.
- Temperature control: Maintain a consistent medium heat. Too high, and they burn; too low, and they won’t brown or become fluffy.
- Kid involvement: Assign simple, fun tasks to kids, like adding the blueberry eyes or arranging the cranberry nose. This encourages their participation.
- Make ahead: Prepare the pancake batter the night before. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then simply stir and cook in the morning.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These charming Reindeer Pancakes are a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays, but their versatility extends beyond just serving.
Serving suggestions:
Serve your warm Reindeer Pancakes immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh fruit. Pair them with hot cocoa or eggnog for a truly cozy holiday breakfast spread.
Storage:
Store any leftover cooked pancakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a toaster, microwave, or on a griddle.
Proper food storage is essential for safety and quality. The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines on safely storing cooked foods.
Creative variations:
- Themed toppings: Elevate your reindeer with holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes for extra sparkle.
- Flavor twists: Stir a pinch of pumpkin spice or a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the batter for different flavor profiles. A little orange or lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note.
- Different animals: Adapt this creative concept to make other fun animal pancakes. Use chocolate chips for bear ears, whipped cream for a snowman’s body, or berries for Santa’s hat.
Nutrition
Enjoying these delightful Reindeer Pancakes also means fueling your body with good nutrition. This recipe offers a balanced start to your day, packed with fiber and protein.
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 319 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g |
| Cholesterol | 96mg |
| Sodium | 507mg |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Potassium | 358mg |
| Vitamin A | 156 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3mg |
| Calcium | 245mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
FAQ
Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the batter the night before and store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before cooking.
Are these Reindeer Pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, they are! This recipe uses oats, which are naturally gluten-free. Ensure you buy certified gluten-free oats if you have a sensitivity.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
You certainly can. Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work as a 1:1 substitute in this recipe.
What are other fun holiday breakfast ideas?
Consider festive French toast bakes, cinnamon rolls shaped like trees, or a colorful fruit platter arranged like a wreath. These Reindeer Pancakes are just one delightful option.
How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the griddle?
Always ensure your griddle is properly preheated and lightly greased with coconut oil, butter, or cooking spray before pouring the batter. Maintain a consistent medium heat.
Can I add other mix-ins to the pancake batter?
Yes, feel free to stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit directly into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These delightful Reindeer Pancakes offer a simple yet magical way to celebrate the holiday season. They are incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks, promising a fun and delicious experience for everyone. Create lasting memories with this festive breakfast, designed to bring smiles and holiday cheer to your family table. So gather your ingredients, call your little helpers, and start a new tradition with these charming Reindeer Pancakes this year! Don’t forget to share your wonderful creations with us!
Equipment
- Blender
- griddle or non-stick pan
- Spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking sheet or skillet (for bacon)
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 3/4 cup dry oats (rolled or quick-cooking)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 medium banana
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (or butter), for cooking
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 large blueberries (for eyes)
- 2 raw cranberries, halved (for noses)
Instructions
- Place almond milk, oats, flaxseed, banana, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder into a blender. Blend until smooth (30–60 seconds). Add eggs and pulse briefly to combine.
- Preheat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add coconut oil or butter. Pour 1/4 cup batter for large pancakes (head), smaller portions for nose and ears. Cook 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Cook bacon until crispy using your preferred method. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- Assemble each reindeer: Place 2 bacon slices (antlers), 2 small oval pancakes (ears), 1 large pancake (head), and 1 small round pancake (nose). Add 2 blueberries for eyes and a halved cranberry for nose.
