Who doesn’t love pancakes and ice cream? Combining these two favorites creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Our Ice Cream Pancake Recipe takes fluffy, warm pancakes and pairs them with creamy, cold ice cream for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Ice Cream Pancake Recipe, we need a selection of fresh ingredients that bring together fluffiness and creaminess in every bite. Here’s what we’ll need to create this indulgent dessert.
For the Pancake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk, at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ice Cream Topping
- 2 cups your favorite vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- ½ cup chocolate syrup (optional for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves for freshness
| Ingredient Group | Key Ingredients | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pancake Batter | Flour, baking powder, milk, egg, butter | Room temperature milk and melted butter improve texture |
| Ice Cream Topping | Vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup | Slightly soften ice cream for better topping flow |
| Optional Garnishes | Berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream | Adds color, texture, and extra flavor |
Equipment Needed
To create our delicious Ice Cream Pancake Recipe with perfect texture and taste, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Here’s what we need:
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium-sized bowls for combining dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately. This allows for thorough mixing and a smooth batter.
- Whisk: Essential for beating the egg and blending the wet ingredients. It also helps evenly distribute the baking powder and prevents lumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring ensures the perfect pancake batter consistency. We recommend using standard measuring sets for both liquid and dry ingredients.
- Non-stick Skillet or Griddle: A flat surface giving even heat distribution. This is crucial for fluffy pancakes that cook evenly without sticking.
- Spatula: Use a wide, flexible spatula for flipping pancakes gently to maintain their light texture.
- Ice Cream Scoop: For serving the ice cream topping uniformly. A scoop helps portion the ice cream nicely keeping the presentation clean.
- Serving Plates: Wide enough to hold pancakes with ice cream and optional garnishes without mess.
- Optional: Sifter: To sift flour and dry ingredients for a lighter, fluffier pancake.
- Optional: Ladle: To pour batter evenly onto the skillet, helping form perfectly round pancakes.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate dry and wet ingredients | Medium size for ease of use |
| Whisk | Blend wet ingredients and smooth batter | Prevents lumps and ensures texture |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement | Use standard sets for consistency |
| Non-stick Skillet | Even heat cooking for fluffy pancakes | Preheat for best results |
| Spatula | Flip pancakes without breaking them | Flexible and wide |
| Ice Cream Scoop | Portion ice cream topping | For neat and uniform serving |
| Serving Plates | Present finished dish | Wide plate recommended |
| Sifter (optional) | Lighten dry ingredients | Improves fluffiness |
| Ladle (optional) | Pour batter uniformly | Helps with shape and size control |
Having this set of equipment ready allows us to focus on crafting each layer of this indulgent Ice Cream Pancake Recipe with precision and ease. Ready to move to mixing our ingredients next?
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create our classic Ice Cream Pancake Recipe. Each phase focuses on transforming simple ingredients into a luscious dessert that combines fluffy pancakes with creamy ice cream.
Preparing the Pancake Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the following dry ingredients for airier pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients until smooth:
- 3/4 cup room temperature milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold using a whisk or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffy texture with light pockets.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Sifted |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon | Measured |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Measured |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons | Granulated |
| Milk | 3/4 cup | Room temperature |
| Egg | 1 large | Beaten |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Melted |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Measured |
Cooking the Pancakes
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil; wipe excess with a paper towel for even cooking.
- Using a ladle, pour approximately 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto the skillet.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.
- Carefully flip with a flexible spatula and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer finished pancakes to a warm plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm while cooking the rest.
Assembling the Ice Cream Pancakes
- Stack 3 to 4 warm pancakes on each serving plate to create a satisfying tower.
- Using an ice cream scoop, add 1 to 2 generous scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream on top of the stack.
- Optional enhancements include:
- Drizzling warm chocolate syrup for richness
- Sprinkling chopped nuts for crunch
- Adding fresh berries for bright, natural tartness
- Dusting with powdered sugar for delicate sweetness
- Topping with whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf for decoration
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of warm fluffy pancakes and cool creamy ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Ice Cream Pancake Recipe experience, we recommend serving it in ways that enhance both flavor and presentation.
Step 1: Plate Presentation
Use wide plates or dessert bowls to allow space for the stack of warm fluffy pancakes topped with creamy cold ice cream. This prevents melting messes and offers room for extra garnishes.
Step 2: Ice Cream Scooping
Scoop the ice cream just before serving using a cold ice cream scoop. This keeps the scoop perfectly round and adds visual appeal. Slightly softened ice cream distributes evenly over the pancake stack for a smooth texture contrast.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Toppings
Layer the dish with complementary toppings to add texture, flavor, and color. Popular choices include:
- Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle
- Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for tartness
- Powdered sugar dusted on top for a delicate sweetness
- Whipped cream to add light fluffiness
- Fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma and garnish
Step 4: Incorporate Temperature Play
The beauty of this recipe is the contrast between warm pancakes and cold ice cream. Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the melting indulgence.
| Serving Element | Purpose | Suggested Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Pancakes | Base warm comfort | 3-4 medium pancakes |
| Ice Cream Scoop | Cold creamy topping | 1-2 scoops per serving |
| Chocolate Syrup | Sweet richness | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Chopped Nuts | Crunchy texture | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Berries | Tart fresh flavor | ¼ cup |
| Powdered Sugar | Visual appeal and sweetness | Light dusting |
| Whipped Cream | Creamy fluffiness | 2 tablespoons |
| Mint Leaves | Garnish and fresh aroma | 2-3 leaves |
Step 5: Beverage Pairings
Serve alongside drinks that complement the rich and sweet flavors of the dish. Some excellent options are:
- Freshly brewed espresso or coffee
- Hot chocolate for extra indulgence
- A glass of cold milk or creamy chai latte
By following these Serving Suggestions we ensure each bite of our Ice Cream Pancake Recipe delivers maximum delight all around.
Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy our Ice Cream Pancake Recipe with minimal hassle, planning ahead is key. Here are essential Make-Ahead Tips that ensure your pancakes stay fluffy and your ice cream remains perfectly scoopable at serving time.
Preparing Pancake Batter in Advance
- Mix the batter up to 24 hours before cooking. Combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then blend them just before refrigeration to prevent overmixing.
- Store batter in an airtight container or cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap to avoid drying out.
- Re-stir gently before cooking to redistribute any settled ingredients without losing the batter’s airiness.
| Step | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing batter | Blend wet and dry ingredients separately | Up to 24 hours prior |
| Storing batter | Airtight container or plastic wrap | Refrigerate |
| Re-stir before cooking | Gentle whisking before pouring | Immediately before use |
Cooking and Storing Pancakes Ahead
- Cook pancakes fully and cool them on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Layer cooked pancakes between sheets of parchment paper.
- Wrap the stack tightly with plastic wrap or store in a resealable freezer bag.
- Freeze pancakes for up to 1 month or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat pancakes in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges.
Ice Cream Storage and Serving Tips
- Slightly soften ice cream in the fridge for about 5-10 minutes before serving to make scooping easier.
- Store ice cream in the back of the freezer for a consistent hard texture and avoid temperature fluctuations.
- For serve-ahead events, keep ice cream scoops on chilled trays inside a cooler to maintain their shape without melting.
“Make-ahead prep transforms a complex dessert into a quick and impressive treat when the time comes to serve.“
By following these Make-Ahead Tips for our Ice Cream Pancake Recipe, we can enjoy the warm and cold contrast effortlessly, even on busy days or special occasions.
Conclusion
This Ice Cream Pancake Recipe brings together the best of both worlds—warm, fluffy pancakes and cool, creamy ice cream—in a way that’s sure to delight. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dessert anyone can master and enjoy.
Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, the combination of textures and flavors makes every bite memorable. Plus, the make-ahead tips give us the flexibility to whip up this indulgence whenever the craving strikes.
Let’s keep this recipe handy for those moments when we want something comforting yet special. It’s a sweet treat that never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make the ice cream pancake recipe?
You need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, an egg, melted butter, vanilla extract for the pancakes, and your favorite vanilla ice cream. Optional toppings include chocolate syrup, chopped nuts, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and mint leaves.
What equipment is essential for making these pancakes?
You’ll need medium mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a non-stick skillet or griddle, a flexible spatula, an ice cream scoop, and wide serving plates. Optional tools include a sifter and a ladle.
How do I achieve fluffy pancakes for this recipe?
Use room temperature milk and melted butter, sift dry ingredients, whisk wet ingredients well, then gently combine them. Cook pancakes on a preheated skillet and flip once bubbles appear for a fluffy texture.
How should I serve the ice cream pancakes?
Stack the warm pancakes, add scoops of cold vanilla ice cream, and top with optional garnishes like chocolate syrup, nuts, berries, or whipped cream. Serve immediately on wide plates for best presentation.
Can I prepare the pancake batter in advance?
Yes, you can mix the batter up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently stir before cooking to maintain texture.
How do I store cooked pancakes for later use?
Cool cooked pancakes completely on a wire rack, then layer with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
What’s the best way to serve the ice cream?
Slightly soften the ice cream before serving for easy scooping. Keep it stored in the back of the freezer to maintain its texture until ready to use.
What drinks pair well with ice cream pancakes?
Freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate, or cold milk complement the rich flavors and enhance your dessert experience perfectly.