Save It Ghost Pancakes bring a playful twist to any breakfast and are especially a hit for festive mornings around Halloween. Light fluffy pancakes are shaped like little ghosts making them a fun and irresistible treat for both kids and grown-ups. If you want a dish that sparks smiles and gets everyone excited to gather around the kitchen table these fit the bill perfectly.
The first time I made these my youngest burst into giggles watching me try to shape flying ghosts. Now it is our go-to weekend breakfast whenever we need an extra dose of fun.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: creates the classic fluffy base use fresh flour for best results
- Granulated sugar: brings subtle sweetness try organic cane if available
- Baking powder: gives those crucial air pockets for rise check freshness for max lift
- Baking soda: adds extra tenderness helps neutralize milk acidity
- Salt: balances flavors reach for sea salt when possible
- Whole milk: gives richness the texture is best with full-fat milk
- Large eggs: bind everything and add structure go for farm-fresh if possible
- Unsalted butter: melted for flavor and moisture European-style for deeper richness
- Vanilla extract: rounds out with warm aroma use pure not imitation
- Vegetable oil or extra butter for cooking: prevents sticking and adds flavor choose high smoke-point oil
- Powdered sugar: adds a gentle finish useful for stenciling sift well for best coverage
- Small chocolate chips or mini candies: make ghost faces fun use high-quality chocolate for easy melting
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a roomy bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt until fully blended. Take time to combine evenly so the rise is predictable and the salt does not clump.
- Blend the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl combine whole milk eggs melted butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and no streaks of yolk remain. This helps get an even batter later.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until just mixed. Lumps means the batter is not overworked which keeps pancakes tender and tall.
- Rest the Batter:
- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax and the leavening agents to activate for peak fluffiness.
- Heat and Grease the Pan:
- Warm up a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil or butter and swirl to coat well for nonstick performance.
- Shape and Pour Pancakes:
- Scoop about a quarter cup of batter per pancake onto the pan. Use the back of your spoon to gently nudge the edges into wide tops and narrow tapered bottoms. Drag a bit at the edge for a wavy ghost tail.
- Cook the Ghosts:
- Watch for bubbles on the surface and dry-looking edges about two to three minutes. Flip each pancake with a quick motion and cook for another one to two minutes until both sides are golden brown.
- Keep Pancakes Warm:
- Transfer cooked ghosts to a warmed plate and tent lightly with foil or place in a low oven. Regrease the pan between batches for even browning.
- Stencil and Decorate:
- Place your ghost-shaped stencil over each pancake. Sift powdered sugar through a fine mesh sieve right over the stencil. Lift carefully to reveal the ghost outline. Dot with chocolate chips or candies for eyes and mouth.
- Serve Immediately:
- Settle the ghosts on plates and bring out toppings like maple syrup or berries. Enjoy warm for soft pillowy pancakes.
Save It My favorite part is outlining the ghosts with my kids each pancake turns into a unique little character and we can never agree on which face is the funniest. Pancakes are our family’s answer when breakfast needs a dash of joy and creativity.
Storage Tips
Cool pancakes fully before storing. Stack them between parchment layers in an airtight container they keep in the fridge up to three days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven for crisp edges or microwave for fast mornings. Freeze ghost pancakes flat in a zip pouch for up to one month so you have a quick treat on hand.
Ingredient Substitutions
For dairy-free pancakes swap whole milk for oat or almond milk and use vegan butter. For gluten-free use a one to one gluten-free flour blend. Pumpkin spice extract is a tasty alternative to vanilla for autumn mornings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your ghost pancakes with maple syrup or warm fruit compote. Fresh raspberries or strawberries pair perfectly and offer a bright acidity. For brunch set out a toppings station so guests can custom decorate their pancake ghosts.
Cultural Context
Pancakes have been an American breakfast favorite for generations. Decorating them as ghosts is a playful twist inspired by classic autumn and Halloween traditions especially enjoyed in family homes and school gatherings.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch decoration colors for holidays use pink sugar for Valentine’s or colored candy eyes for birthdays Sub out cinnamon for pumpkin spice in October Make mini ghosts as party snacks for any festive occasion
Success Stories
Most kids recognize these pancakes from our spooky breakfasts and request them each year. Adults love how soft and pillowy they turn out even without fancy techniques.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To batch prep mix and shape pancakes as directed. Lay cooled ghosts out flat in a freezer-safe bag with wax paper between layers and freeze. To serve warm ghosts straight from the freezer in a dry skillet or microwave in thirty second bursts until just warm.
Save It Bring Ghost Pancakes to your next festive breakfast for guaranteed smiles. Share the decorating fun and savor every bite of pillowy joy.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the pancakes like ghosts?
Pour batter into the pan, then use the back of a spoon to make a wide top and taper down for the base, creating a ghostly outline.
- → What can I use for the ghost faces?
Mini chocolate chips or candies can be placed on the pancakes to form eyes and a mouth, adding a playful touch.
- → Can I make the stencil at home?
Yes, cut ghost shapes from parchment paper or clean cardstock to make your own stencil for powdered sugar decorating.
- → How do I keep the pancakes fluffy?
Do not overmix the batter and let it rest for five minutes before cooking to ensure a tender, fluffy result.
- → What toppings pair well?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add extra flavor to these playful pancakes.
- → Are there allergen considerations?
These pancakes contain wheat, milk, eggs, and butter. Always check ingredient labels if serving to guests with allergies.