Kate Walton
Fluffy pancakes layered with sweet whipped cream and juicy strawberries, the Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack is the ultimate brunch showstopper. This decadent dish combines the comfort of homemade pancakes with the freshness of summer berries and the creaminess of whipped topping. Perfect for special mornings or a sweet weekend indulgence, every bite delivers soft, fruity, creamy goodness.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting brunch, or just craving something cozy and colorful, these stacked pancakes are a stunning treat. The strawberry syrup seeps into the layers, the whipped cream adds a cloud-like softness, and the fresh berries bring a bright tang. All together, it’s a shortcake-meets-breakfast masterpiece.
What Kind of Pancakes Should I Use?
You want thick, fluffy pancakes to hold up under the layers of cream and fruit. Buttermilk pancakes work wonderfully thanks to their soft texture and slight tang. If using a boxed mix, go for one that creates tall, tender pancakes—and feel free to add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon to give the stack more flavor depth.
Ingredients for the Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack
Pancakes: These form the base and layers of your stack. Choose a fluffy buttermilk pancake or your favorite homemade recipe.
Whipped Cream: Adds that classic shortcake creaminess. Use freshly whipped cream or a stabilized version if making ahead.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential. Slice some and keep a few whole for garnish.
Strawberry Sauce: A quick homemade sauce made by simmering strawberries with a bit of sugar until thickened.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting the top. Adds a lovely finish and a hint of sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla in the cream or sauce enhances the dessert flavor.
Butter (optional): Use a bit in the pan when cooking the pancakes for golden edges.
How To Make the Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack
Step 1: Prepare the Pancakes
Make your favorite buttermilk pancake recipe or use a mix. Cook them in a lightly buttered nonstick pan over medium heat until golden on both sides. Keep them warm in a low oven as you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sauce
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of chopped strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency (about 10 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Stack
Place one pancake on a serving plate. Add a generous layer of whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. Repeat the layering for 3 to 4 pancakes. Top the final pancake with more whipped cream, strawberry sauce, and fresh sliced and whole strawberries.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve immediately while the pancakes are still warm and the cream is fresh.
Serving and Storing the Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack
These pancakes are best served immediately after assembly to enjoy the warm pancake layers with cool whipped cream and fresh strawberry sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a dessert-for-dinner night, this stack is a crowd-pleaser that looks just as good as it tastes.
If you have leftovers, store the pancake layers, sauce, and whipped cream separately in the refrigerator. Reheat pancakes in the microwave or oven, then assemble again when ready to serve. Assembled stacks do not hold well for long as the cream and sauce can soak through the pancakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw and drain them first. They work well for the sauce but fresh strawberries are best for layering and garnish.
Can I make the components ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the pancakes, sauce, and whipped cream up to a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble right before serving.
What kind of whipped cream works best?
Freshly whipped cream tastes best, but stabilized whipped cream (with a touch of cornstarch or gelatin) holds up longer if needed.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free alternatives for the pancake batter, whipped cream (like coconut cream), and butter.
How do I keep the pancakes fluffy?
Don’t overmix the batter, and let it rest for a few minutes before cooking. Cook on medium heat to avoid flattening.
Is this good for special occasions?
Definitely! It’s visually stunning and indulgent, perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or weekend brunches.
Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings (1 tall stack or 3 mini stacks)
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack blends fluffy buttermilk pancakes with layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberry sauce. It’s a luscious twist on a dessert classic, perfect for brunch, celebrations, or an indulgent weekend treat.
Ingredients
Pancakes (homemade or mix, preferably buttermilk)
Fresh strawberries (sliced and whole)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sauce)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Butter (for cooking pancakes, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pancakes: Cook pancakes using your favorite buttermilk recipe or mix. Set aside and keep warm.
- Make Strawberry Sauce: In a saucepan, heat 2 cups chopped strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar until thickened (about 10 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Stack: Layer pancakes with whipped cream and strawberry sauce. Repeat 3–4 layers.
- Top It Off: Finish with more whipped cream, sauce, fresh strawberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve: Best served fresh while pancakes are warm and toppings are cool.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast