Description

Have you ever wondered if a stack of pancakes could look like a spooky Halloween treat but taste like a warm, fluffy breakfast? Picture golden pancakes drizzled with a bright red strawberry sauce that looks like blood, complete with a knife on top for extra creepiness.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create fluffy pancakes and a spooky sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, why each one matters, and some substitutions:

For the Strawberry Sauce

Chopped Strawberries (3 cups): Provides the red, “bloody” flavor and color.
- Substitution: Use raspberries or cherries for a similar red hue.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the sauce.
- Substitution: Use honey or a sugar substitute.
Lemon Juice (from 1/2 lemon): Adds tanginess to balance sweetness.
- Substitution: Use lime juice or white vinegar.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Substitution: Use almond extract or omit.
Water (2 tablespoons): Helps cook the strawberries.
- Substitution: Use orange juice for extra flavor.

For the Pancakes

All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the pancake structure.
- Substitution: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Substitution: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Makes the pancakes fluffy.
- Substitution: No direct substitute; ensure it’s fresh.
Fine Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors.
- Substitution: Use kosher salt (same amount).
Milk (1 1/4 cups): Creates a smooth batter.
- Substitution: Use plant-based milk for dairy-free.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 stick, 4 tablespoons, melted, plus more for cooking): Adds richness and prevents sticking.
- Substitution: Use vegetable oil or vegan butter.
Large Eggs (2): Binds the batter and adds fluffiness.
- Substitution: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) for vegan.
Pure Vanilla Extract (dash): Enhances pancake flavor.
- Substitution: Use almond extract or omit.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants, making the sauce a nutritious topping. The eggs and milk offer protein and calcium, while the flour adds fiber, making this breakfast slightly healthy. The red sauce creates a spooky “blood” effect, perfect for Halloween. The ingredients are affordable, widely available, and adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets, making this recipe versatile for festive mornings.

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups chopped strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, juice of 1/2 lemon, and 2 tablespoons water over medium heat.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the strawberries break down, about 10 minutes.
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl, pressing on the solids with a rubber spatula to extract the juice.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature.

Tip: Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt.
In a medium bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups milk, 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and a dash of vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined (some lumps are okay).

Tip: Don’t overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with melted butter.
Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on top and the bottom is lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
Flip and cook until golden on the other side, about 1 minute more.
Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining batter, brushing the pan with more butter as needed.

Tip: Adjust heat to medium-low if pancakes brown too quickly.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Stack 3-4 pancakes per serving on plates.
Drizzle with the cooled strawberry sauce.
Insert a clean knife into the top of each stack for a spooky “stabbed” effect.

Tip: Drizzle sauce generously for a dramatic “bloody” look.