Strawberry Pancake Tacos: A Delicious & Easy Breakfast Recipe

Strawberry pancake tacos: just the name alone conjures up images of pure breakfast bliss, doesn’t it? Forget everything you thought you knew about pancakes and tacos, because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Imagine fluffy, golden pancakes, gently folded and cradling a vibrant filling of sweet, juicy strawberries and a dollop of creamy goodness. It’s a breakfast revolution!

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, the concept of pancake tacos cleverly marries two beloved food staples. Pancakes, a breakfast staple enjoyed worldwide in countless variations, meet the playful spirit of tacos, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. This fusion creates a delightful and unexpected treat that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

What makes these strawberry pancake tacos so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy pancakes provide a comforting base, while the fresh strawberries offer a burst of sweetness and a touch of tartness. The creamy filling adds richness and ties everything together. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a fun brunch idea, or a delightful dessert, these pancake tacos are sure to be a hit. Get ready to experience a breakfast that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Strawberry Pancakes:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries, plus more for garnish
• Optional: Red food coloring (a few drops, for a more vibrant color)
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
• For the Strawberry Salsa:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for a little kick)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of salt
• For Garnish:
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate shavings (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Preparing the Strawberry Pancakes:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps ensure a light and fluffy pancake.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. If you’re using food coloring, add it now and whisk until evenly combined. Remember, a little goes a long way!
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough pancakes.
4. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Heat the Griddle or Pan: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. I usually test it with a tiny bit of batter first.
6. Pour the Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. You can make them slightly larger or smaller depending on your preference for taco size.
7. Cook the Pancakes: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake, and the edges will start to look set. Flip them carefully with a spatula.
8. Keep Warm: As the pancakes are cooked, keep them warm in a preheated oven (around 200°F or 93°C) or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. This will prevent them from drying out while you finish cooking the rest.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy filling. If you forget, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix again.
4. Adjust Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny.
5. Chill (Optional): If you have time, chill the cream cheese filling in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help it firm up a bit and make it easier to work with.

Preparing the Strawberry Salsa:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
2. Add Lime Juice and Honey: Add the lime juice, honey or agave nectar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix Gently: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salsa and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spiciness to your liking. You might want to add a little more lime juice for tanginess or a touch more honey for sweetness.
5. Let it Sit: Allow the salsa to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

Assembling the Strawberry Pancake Tacos:

1. Prepare Your Work Station: Lay out your cooked pancakes, cream cheese filling, strawberry salsa, and any desired garnishes.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto one half of each pancake.
3. Add the Salsa: Spoon a generous amount of strawberry salsa over the cream cheese filling. Don’t be shy!
4. Fold the Pancake: Carefully fold the pancake in half to create a taco shape.
5. Garnish: Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, whipped cream (if using), chocolate shavings (if using), and sprinkles (if using). Get creative and have fun with it!
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the strawberry pancake tacos immediately and enjoy! They are best when the pancakes are still slightly warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Gluten-Free Pancakes: To make these pancakes gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
• Vegan Pancakes: To make these pancakes vegan, use a plant-based milk alternative (such as almond milk or soy milk), a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and vegan butter. For the cream cheese filling, use a vegan cream cheese alternative.
• Other Fruit Options: Feel free to experiment with other fruits in the salsa, such as blueberries, raspberries, or mangoes. You can also add other toppings, such as chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
• Chocolate Pancakes: For a chocolatey twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the flour by 2 tablespoons. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter.
• Make Ahead: You can make the pancakes and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. The salsa is best made fresh, but you can chop the strawberries and red onion in advance and store them separately.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the strawberry salsa.
• Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of honey or agave nectar in the salsa to your liking. Some strawberries are sweeter than others, so you may need to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
• Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, dust the finished tacos with powdered sugar or drizzle them with chocolate sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Pancake Tacos!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Strawberry Pancake Tacos are more than just a breakfast; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly balances the comforting familiarity of pancakes with the fun and innovative twist of a taco. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face, from the little ones to the grown-ups. The combination of fluffy pancakes, sweet strawberries, and creamy filling is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen and make breakfast feel like a special occasion, even on a regular weekday.

Why You Absolutely Need to Make These

Honestly, the best part about these Strawberry Pancake Tacos is their versatility. They’re not just for breakfast! Imagine serving them as a fun dessert at a summer barbecue, or packing them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat. The possibilities are endless! And let’s be real, who can resist a taco filled with deliciousness, especially when that deliciousness involves pancakes and strawberries?

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While the recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! For a richer flavor, try using a buttermilk pancake recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pancake batter. For the filling, consider swapping the whipped cream for a tangy Greek yogurt or a decadent mascarpone cheese. You could even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra indulgence.

Here are a few more ideas to spark your imagination:

• Berry Bonanza: Use a mix of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries along with the strawberries.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add chocolate chips to the pancake batter and drizzle with melted chocolate.
• Tropical Twist: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple into the filling for a tropical flavor.
• Savory-Sweet Surprise: Add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon to the filling for a salty-sweet combination.
• Vegan Delight: Use a vegan pancake recipe and a plant-based whipped cream alternative.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try these Strawberry Pancake Tacos. I know you’ll love them as much as I do. They’re the perfect way to start your day, end your meal, or simply brighten up any occasion. The delightful combination of textures and flavors is truly something special, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll create a breakfast (or dessert!) masterpiece that everyone will rave about. And most importantly, have fun with it! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so relax, get creative, and let your imagination run wild.

Once you’ve made these amazing Strawberry Pancake Tacos, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you try any of the suggested variations? Did you come up with your own unique twist? I’m eager to see what you create and learn from your culinary adventures. Let’s spread the pancake taco love and inspire others to try this fun and delicious recipe!