Best Pancake Art Wins $1,000

Ingredients

• 2 cups Pancake Mix (store‑bought, no extra leavening needed)
• 1 cup Milk (whole or 2% milk)
• 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for batter, plus extra for pan)
• 5 drops Food Coloring – Red (gel or liquid, for Spider‑Man, pizza sauce, etc.)
• 5 drops Food Coloring – Blue (for Spider‑Man mask, Fortnite eyes, etc.)
• 5 drops Food Coloring – Green (for emojis, Starbucks logo, etc.)
• 5 drops Food Coloring – Yellow (for emojis, pizza cheese, Starbucks)
• 5 drops Food Coloring – Purple (for Fortnite hair, pizza cheese twist)
• 5 drops Food Coloring – Orange (optional for pizza toppings)
• 5 drops Food Coloring – Brown (for pizza crust base)
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for greasing pan)
• to serve Maple Syrup (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare Basic Batter

   In a mixing bowl combine pancake mix, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and a tablespoon of melted butter. Whisk until smooth; a few small lumps are okay.

   Time: PT5M

2. Divide Batter for Colors

   Pour the batter into 8 small bowls (one per color). This makes it easier to add food coloring without cross‑contamination.

   Time: PT3M

3. Add Food Coloring

   Add the specified drops of red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, and brown food coloring to the corresponding bowls. Stir gently until the color is uniform.

   Time: PT7M

4. Transfer to Squeeze Bottles

   Fill each colored batter into a squeeze bottle or piping bag. Keep the bottles upright and store them on a tray for easy access.

   Time: PT5M

5. Preheat Skillet

   Place the non‑stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat with a thin layer of butter or oil.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 350°F

6. Draw Outline of Design

   Using a squeeze bottle, pipe a thin black (or dark brown) outline of the chosen design (e.g., Spider‑Man mask, emoji face) onto the skillet. Work quickly before the batter spreads.

   Time: PT4M

7. Fill In Colors

   Within the outline, fill each section with the appropriate colored batter. Use separate bottles for each hue to keep colors pure.

   Time: PT5M

8. Cook First Side

   Allow the pancake to cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2 minutes).

   Time: PT2M

9. Flip Pancake

   Using a spatula, gently slide under the pancake and flip it in one smooth motion. Cook the second side until golden (another 2 minutes).

   Time: PT2M

10. Transfer and Repeat

    Slide the finished pancake onto a plate. Wipe the skillet clean, re‑oil lightly, and repeat steps 6‑9 for each new design (emoji, pizza, Fortnite, Starbucks, self‑portrait, soccer jersey).

    Time: PT15M

11. Serve

    Serve the colorful pancake art warm with maple syrup, butter, or your favorite toppings.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

1 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Pancake Mix: All‑Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Sugar
• Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
• Instead of Eggs: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Melted butter
• Instead of Food Coloring – Red: Beet juice (natural)
• Instead of Food Coloring – Blue: Blueberry puree
• Instead of Food Coloring – Green: Spinach juice
• Instead of Food Coloring – Yellow: Turmeric (tiny amount)
• Instead of Food Coloring – Purple: Purple cabbage water
• Instead of Food Coloring – Orange: Carrot juice
• Instead of Food Coloring – Brown: Cocoa powder (tiny amount)
• Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Vegetable oil
• Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Agave nectar

Equipment Needed

• Non‑Stick Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Squeeze Bottles (or piping bags)
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups
• Timer (optional)
• Plate or Serving Tray

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Create evenly colored batter without over‑mixing.
• Pipe a clean, continuous outline before filling.
• Flip the pancake gently to keep the artwork intact.
• Maintain medium heat to avoid burning or color bleeding.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant, non‑watery hues.
• Keep a small bowl of water nearby to clean the tip of squeeze bottles between colors.
• Practice the outline on a piece of parchment before moving to the hot pan.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Freezer: Wrap individually in parchment and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving.

Room temperature: Best enjoyed within 2 hours of cooking; keep covered to prevent drying.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare colored batters up to 4 hours ahead; keep covered in the fridge.
• Store squeeze bottles upright to prevent leaks.
• Pre‑heat the skillet before each pancake to maintain consistent cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions