Pancakes can do more than just fill a plate, they bring color, creativity, and fun to the table. Whether you’re flipping them for a quiet morning, a holiday breakfast, or something eye-catching for social media, this list has something for every kind of mood. From traditional buttermilk stacks to bright green, purple, or even spaghetti-shaped versions, pancakes are endlessly adaptable. Some are sweet and nostalgic, others are bold and different, but all are worth heating up the griddle for.

Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These pancakes are soft, fluffy, and golden with that classic tang from buttermilk. They rise beautifully on the griddle and soak up syrup like a sponge. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunch with the family. Add a pat of butter and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Cinnamon pancakes topped with cooked diced apples.
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shredded or diced apples are folded into a cinnamon-spiced batter. The result is sweet, warm, and full of cozy fall flavor. A drizzle of maple syrup brings it all together. They taste like apple pie in pancake form.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Smores Pancakes

Smores Pancakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These dessert-style pancakes layer in chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbles, and mini marshmallows. They’re rich and fun, perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something sweet. Toast the marshmallows for extra flair. Syrup is optional—chocolate sauce works too.
Get the Recipe: Smores Pancakes

Cassava Flour Pancakes

Cassava Flour Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made with cassava flour, these pancakes are light, grain-free, and have a mild flavor. They cook up with a soft texture and golden edges. Great for those avoiding wheat or just trying something new. Serve with fruit or syrup to keep things simple.
Get the Recipe: Cassava Flour Pancakes

Lemon Quinoa Pancakes

Lemon Quinoa Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These pancakes mix cooked quinoa into the batter for extra texture and a little nutty flavor. The lemon adds brightness and balance. They’re soft, zesty, and slightly crisp on the edges. Top with fresh berries or a dusting of sugar.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Quinoa Pancakes

Chocolate Pancake Spaghetti – TikTok Recipe

Chocolate Pancake Spaghetti – TikTok Recipe. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

A viral favorite, this recipe involves piping chocolate pancake batter into long, spaghetti-like strands. It’s playful, easy to pick up, and fun to eat. Stack the “noodles” and top with whipped cream or sprinkles. Kids especially love this one.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pancake Spaghetti – TikTok Recipe

Red Velvet Pancakes

Red Velvet Pancakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These pancakes have the flavor and color of red velvet cake, complete with hints of cocoa and vanilla. They’re soft, vibrant, and eye-catching on the plate. Cream cheese glaze is the go-to topping. A fun twist on a brunch favorite.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Pancakes

Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes

Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Grated or puréed beetroot adds natural color and a slight earthy sweetness. The pancakes cook up soft with a bright pink hue. They’re as pretty as they are flavorful. Serve with honey, yogurt, or berries.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

A stack of strawberry shortcake pancakes on white stand with toothpick and mint leaves.
Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Layer fluffy pancakes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for this sweet stack. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for spring or summer mornings. Use vanilla-flavored batter to boost the shortcake feel. A drizzle of syrup seals it.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Chocolate Pancakes

Chocolate Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cocoa powder and chocolate chips turn a basic batter into a dessert-style breakfast. These are rich and slightly fudgy, with crisp edges. They’re great with whipped cream or strawberries. Serve warm while the chips are still melty.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pancakes

Banana Nutmeg Pancakes

Banana Nutmeg Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed banana and a touch of nutmeg give these pancakes warm, mellow flavor. They’re tender, sweet, and easy to make with pantry staples. Serve with syrup or peanut butter for extra richness. A classic flavor combo with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nutmeg Pancakes

Green Pancakes

Green Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These can be made green with spinach, matcha, or food coloring, depending on the vibe. The result is fun and unexpected on the plate. Great for St. Patrick’s Day or themed breakfasts. Flavor them with vanilla or keep them savory.
Get the Recipe: Green Pancakes

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Carrot Cake Pancakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Shredded carrots, cinnamon, and crushed pineapple make these pancakes taste just like carrot cake. Soft, spiced, and lightly sweet, they’re great with cream cheese glaze or syrup. Walnuts or raisins can be added for texture. A cozy option for brunch.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Pancakes

Easy Purple Pancakes

A stack of purple pancakes with blueberries and chocolate sauce on a white plate.
Easy Purple Pancakes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These get their color from ube, purple yam, or food coloring, depending on what’s available. The batter turns a deep lavender hue and cooks up with golden edges. Sweet and subtly earthy in flavor. Serve with condensed milk or coconut cream.
Get the Recipe: Easy Purple Pancakes

Lucky Charms Pancakes

Lucky Charms Pancakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Colorful cereal marshmallows are folded into the batter or sprinkled on top. They melt slightly while cooking, adding color and sweetness. A fun treat for kids or weekend breakfast parties. Top with icing drizzle or whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Lucky Charms Pancakes

Pineapple Buckwheat Pancakes

Pineapple Buckwheat Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buckwheat flour brings a nutty, hearty texture, while pineapple chunks add bright sweetness. These pancakes are filling and full of contrast. Cooked in butter, they get a crisp edge. Serve with maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Buckwheat Pancakes

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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