Pancakes have been staples in many homes for years as a breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner meals. Pancakes are one of the easiest foods to make any time of the day.
You can make pancakes' from store-bought mixes, such as Krustez, Aunt Jemima, Bisquick or any store brand pancake mix. Also some people, make pancakes from scratch.
Many people like to have just butter and syrup on their pancakes. However, there are just as many people who like other things on to top of their pancakes. As you probably have seen from the I-Hop commercials for their pancakes. They sell a variety of pancakes with a variety of toppings, such as fruits, different flavors of syrups, caramel, and whipped cream.
Now you can create your own pancake toppings right at home. You can purchase these pancake topping ingredients at the grocery store in the produce department, peanut butter and jelly isle, a dairy department, and baking isle.
Berry Topper for Pancakes
Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are the most common types of berries' uses for toppings for pancakes. The blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are normally left whole and “sprinkled” on top of the pancakes. Strawberries could be left whole. Nevertheless, you can slice the strawberries either in half or in slices for easier eating. However, you can place any of these berries between the layers.
Also when any of the berries are out of season, frozen berries, along with peaches, can be found in the freezer section near the pie shells and whipped toppings. Just thaw the frozen berries or peaches. When using frozen fruits, you can thaw them naturally, without placing the bag in water for faster thawing. Doing this can create a natural juice that you can thicken with a touch of corn starch for a thicker syrup.
Strawberry and blueberry glazes can be found in the produce department where the berries are kept for an added twist. You can mix the berries with the entire container or mix the berries with any amount of the glaze that suits your fancy in a bowl. Use this combination as a topping or a filler between the pancakes.
You can also add butter, whipped topping or even powdered sugar as an additional topping for your pancakes.
Apple or Peach Topper for Pancakes
You can slice your favorite apple as a topping for your pancake. The apple slices can be layered on top and in between the pancakes for an added crunch to your pancakes.
- Apple Oat Topper
- 3-4 apples ( your favorite kind), sliced*
- 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or regular sugar
- 1/4 cup of oats
- 1 - 2 tbsp of melted butter
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Use as a pancake topping. The butter, sugar, and cinnamon will create a simple syrup with the apple and oat mixture for your pancakes.
Additional ingredients for the apple oat topper:
- 1/4 cup of pecans
- 1/8 cup of coconut
- 1/4 cup of raisins
When adding any of the additional ingredients, more sugar, cinnamon, and butter may need to be added. Increase each of the ingredients just slightly to taste. *Peach slices can be substituted for the apples.
Banana Topper for Pancakes
Bananas can be used as a topper for your pancakes. The bananas will be sliced across for smaller bite size pieces. With the bananas as a topper, you can add peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and nuts for additional flavors to your toppings.
For example, spread the peanut butter across the top of one pancake, place a layer of sliced bananas, sprinkle a handful of nuts across the bananas, and drizzle chocolate syrup on the layers. Then continue with each pancake layer. A touch of whipped cream can be added on the top pancake and topping mixture.
While there are many more variations of toppers for pancakes, these three suggestions can and will get you started for a pancake breakfast party for your family or friends any time of the year. For those who are in college and can't have anything more than a microwave or toaster in your room, frozen pancakes can be used in place of making your own pancakes. Also, when you're in a hurry, the frozen pancakes can be used as well.
