I absolutely love sharing this fun and delicious twist on breakfast: the Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe. It’s playful, colorful, and perfect for turning any morning into an occasion. If you’re craving pancakes with a little extra magic (and marshmallows!), you’re going to adore this recipe as much as my family does. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every step with tips to make sure yours turn out perfectly fluffy and tasty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and Colorful: Lucky Charms add that pop of color and whimsy that kids and adults adore.
- Fluffy and Buttery: The batter creates perfectly tender pancakes that melt in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of them on hand, making these pancakes an easy go-to breakfast.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to swap in your favorite cereal or add chocolate chips for a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe calls for everyday pantry staples and of course, the star—Lucky Charms cereal. I like to use buttermilk when I have it because it adds a gentle tang that makes the pancakes even more tender, but regular milk works just fine.
- All purpose flour: The base for light, fluffy pancakes; make sure it’s fresh for best texture.
- Baking powder: Key to helping your pancakes rise and stay airy.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance flavors and aid browning.
- Milk (buttermilk or regular): Adds moisture; buttermilk offers a nice tang and tenderness.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to structure and richness.
- Melted salted butter: Adds flavor and moisture; salted butter balances sweetness nicely.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm sweetness.
- Pancake mix: We use Krusteaz for consistency, but follow the instructions on your box.
- Water: To mix with the pancake mix; be sure to measure carefully.
- Lucky Charms cereal: Adds color, crunch, and fun marshmallows.
- Ghirardelli white chocolate baking chips: Optional but highly recommended for a sweet, melty surprise.
- Butter (for cooking): Use enough to coat your griddle or pan to keep pancakes from sticking.
- Green sprinkles (optional): I like to add these for an extra pop of color and festivity. Use your favorite color!
Variations
I love tweaking this Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe to fit whatever mood we’re in—sometimes adding a swirl of peanut butter, other times swapping the cereal to suit kids’ preferences. Feel free to make it your own!
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and your favorite gluten-free pancake mix in place of the regular ones; the texture stays wonderful.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap milk with your preferred plant milk and use dairy-free butter; the pancakes are still deliciously tender.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: I like to double up on white chocolate chips or add mini semi-sweet chips for extra richness.
- Fruit Boost: Toss in some fresh blueberries or sliced bananas with the batter for a fruity surprise.
How to Make Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar. I like to whisk these together first to make sure the baking powder is nicely distributed—this really helps your pancakes rise evenly. It’s a simple step but makes a big difference!
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the milk (buttermilk if you have it), crack in the egg, add the melted salted butter, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to gently mix everything together, but don’t overdo it! Some lumps are perfectly fine here—too much mixing can make the pancakes tough. I learned this one the hard way; you’ll want to keep the batter just combined.
Step 3: Stir in the Lucky Charms and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the cup of Lucky Charms cereal and the white chocolate baking chips. The marshmallows get a little melty and add sweetness, and those crunchy bits bring such fun texture. Stir carefully so you don’t crush the cereal too much.
Step 4: Preheat and Butter Your Pan
Melt a tablespoon of butter over low to medium heat in your frying pan or on your griddle. If you’re making multiple pancakes at once on a large griddle, be sure to spread enough butter to coat the surface evenly to prevent sticking and create golden edges. This is key to getting that picture-perfect pancake.
Step 5: Cook and Flip the Pancakes
Using an ice cream scoop, portion out about a scoop and a half of batter per pancake onto the pan. Watch closely; when you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges start to look set, it’s time to flip. Cook the other side for about two minutes until golden and cooked through. Resist the urge to flip too early — that’s a rookie mistake I made often, and the pancakes turn out unevenly cooked.
Step 6: Keep Pancakes Warm and Serve
Stack your cooked pancakes on a plate and keep them warm as you finish the rest. When all are done, top with your favorite syrup or a drizzle of melted white chocolate and sprinkles for that extra wow factor!
Pro Tips for Making Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Keep the batter a little lumpy to make sure your pancakes stay fluffy and tender.
- Medium-Low Heat: Cooking on too high heat scorches the outsides before the insides cook; patience pays off here.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: This helps create evenly sized pancakes so everything cooks perfectly.
- Add Cereal Last: Stir in Lucky Charms gently at the end to avoid soggy textures—or crushed marshmallows.
How to Serve Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of extra Lucky Charms marshmallows on top for an irresistible look. Sometimes I sprinkle a few green or rainbow-colored sprinkles to make the plate pop—perfect for birthdays or weekend breakfasts that feel special.
Side Dishes
A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage offers a salty contrast to the sweet pancakes. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or banana rounds brightens the meal and adds freshness. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream if we’re really feeling festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday mornings or birthday breakfasts, I arrange pancakes into fun shapes—like a rainbow or stacks layered with colorful sprinkles in between. You can also serve with a side of warm white chocolate sauce for dipping, which is a total game-changer and makes the moment even more magical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. This way, I can quickly grab a few for a busy morning.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then stack them with parchment paper in between and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This trick lets you enjoy your Lucky Charms Pancakes anytime without extra prep.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a toaster or oven to keep the edges crispy and fluffy inside. Microwave works too but can make them a bit chewy, so I only use that option when I’m rushing. Just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes depending on your oven.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cereal instead of Lucky Charms?
Absolutely! The recipe is flexible—you can swap Lucky Charms for any cereal you love, like Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Just keep in mind that cereals with smaller pieces may blend into the batter more, affecting texture.
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Should I crush the Lucky Charms before adding?
I recommend stirring in the cereal whole to keep that delightful crunch and marshmallow bursts. Crushing can cause the cereal to become soggy and lose its magic.
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Why are my pancakes flat and dense?
That often happens if you overmix the batter or if your baking powder is old. Be gentle when mixing and check your leavening agent’s freshness for best puffiness.
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Can I make these pancakes vegan?
You can! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, a flax or chia egg substitute, and vegan butter. Just be sure your cereal choice is vegan-friendly too.
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Do I have to use white chocolate chips?
Not at all! The white chocolate adds a sweet creaminess, but feel free to omit or use chocolate chips of any kind, or even skip chocolate if you prefer to keep it classic.
Final Thoughts
This Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe has become one of our favorite weekend treats—it turns an ordinary breakfast into a celebration of color, texture, and flavor. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do. They’re easy enough for a casual morning but special enough to make smiles all around the table. Trust me, once you try them, your family will be asking for Lucky Charms Pancakes again and again!
Print
Lucky Charms Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your mornings with these colorful Lucky Charms Pancakes, packed with fun marshmallows and a touch of vanilla. Soft, fluffy pancakes infused with the sweet crunch of cereals and a hint of white chocolate make this recipe a family favorite breakfast treat perfect for all ages.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups Pancake Mix (e.g., Krusteaz)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk (buttermilk or regular, whole milk, 2% or skim are fine)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups water (for pancake mix)
Add-Ins and Toppings
- 1 cup Lucky Charms cereal
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- 2 cups Ghirardelli white chocolate baking chips
- 1 tablespoon green sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar until well mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gently whisk to blend all ingredients. Do not overmix; lumps are desirable to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Lucky Charms: Fold in 1 cup of Lucky Charms cereal carefully to avoid crushing the marshmallows.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan or griddle over low-medium heat, ensuring the surface is evenly coated to prevent sticking. Use more butter if the griddle is large for multiple pancakes.
- Cook Pancakes: Using an ice cream scoop, portion out about 1.5 scoops of batter for each pancake onto the cooking surface. Cook until bubbles form on the top surface.
- Flip Pancakes: Flip when bubbles begin to form and the edges look set. Cook an additional 2 minutes until the bottom is light golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Remove cooked pancakes and stack them on a plate to retain warmth as you cook the remaining batter.
- Serve: Once all pancakes are cooked, top with your favorite syrup, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Adding Lucky Charms cereal to pancake batter adds a fun, colorful twist and a sweet crunch.
- White chocolate chips complement the marshmallows perfectly; you may gently melt them on top for an extra indulgent touch.
- Use a non-stick pan or griddle and adjust butter quantities to prevent sticking.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense pancakes; lumps are okay.
- Optional sprinkles add a festive visual appeal; choose your favorite colors to personalize.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 263 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 124 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg