Pancake Art Challenge vs. Shady

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 2 Eggs (large, at room temperature)
• 1.5 cups Milk (whole milk or any plant‑based milk)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled slightly)
• 10 drops Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Red (for red characters (Among Us, Spider‑Man))
• 10 drops Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Yellow (for SpongeBob and yellow details)
• 10 drops Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Blue (for Among Us visor and Spider‑Man webbing)
• 10 drops Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Green (for Minecraft Creeper)
• 10 drops Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Brown (for emoji poop and shading)
• 10 drops Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Black (for outlines and eyes)
• to taste Maple Syrup (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare Basic Pancake Batter

   In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl beat the eggs, then add milk and melted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined; a few lumps are fine.

   Time: PT5M

2. Divide Batter for Colors

   Pour the batter into 6 small bowls (one for each color plus a plain base). Add the appropriate food‑color drops to each bowl: red, yellow, blue, green, brown, and black. Stir gently until the color is uniform.

   Time: PT5M

3. Load Squeeze Bottles

   Transfer each colored batter into a squeeze bottle or piping bag. Label the bottles with a piece of tape so you don’t mix colors while drawing.

   Time: PT2M

4. Heat the Skillet

   Place the non‑stick skillet over medium‑low heat (about 325°F/160°C). Lightly coat with a thin layer of butter or oil using a paper towel.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 325°F

5. Draw the Outline (SpongeBob Example)

   Using the black‑colored batter, pipe the outline of SpongeBob’s face, eyes, nose, and mouth directly onto the skillet. Work quickly; the batter should be wet enough to spread but not run.

   Time: PT3M

6. Fill Colors

   After the outline sets (about 30 seconds), fill the interior sections with the corresponding colored batters: yellow for the body, white (plain batter) for eyes, red for tie, etc. Use a gentle squeezing motion to avoid breaking the outline.

   Time: PT4M

7. Cook the First Side

   Let the pancake cook undisturbed until the surface is set and no longer liquid (about 1–2 minutes). Small bubbles will appear around the edges.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 325°F

8. Flip Carefully

   Using a wide silicone spatula, gently slide under the pancake and flip it onto the plate. If you’re not ready to serve, return it to the skillet for another 30‑45 seconds to finish cooking the other side.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: 325°F

9. Repeat for Remaining Characters

   Clean the skillet lightly with a paper towel, re‑oil, and repeat steps 5‑8 for Among Us, Spider‑Man, Creeper, and the Emoji (poop) designs. Adjust colors as needed.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 325°F

10. Serve or Store

    Arrange the finished pancake artworks on a serving plate. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired, or serve plain to showcase the colors. Leftover pancakes can be stored as described in the storage section.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

20 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

1 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend, Whole wheat flour
• Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (reduce liquid)
• Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of tartar + baking soda
• Instead of Salt: Sea salt
• Instead of Eggs: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
• Instead of Unsalted Butter: Vegetable oil, Coconut oil
• Instead of Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Red: Natural beet juice
• Instead of Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Yellow: Turmeric (tiny amount)
• Instead of Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Blue: Blueberry puree (diluted)
• Instead of Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Green: Spinach juice
• Instead of Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Brown: Cocoa powder mixed with water
• Instead of Food‑Grade Liquid Food Coloring – Black: Activated charcoal powder (tiny amount)
• Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Fruit compote

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Non‑Stick Skillet or Griddle
• Silicone Spatula
• Squeeze Bottles or Piping Bags
• Small Fork (optional)
• Plate

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Mix batter just until combined to avoid tough pancakes.
• Add food coloring to separate bowls; over‑mixing will bleed colors.
• Draw outlines with black batter while the surface is still wet.
• Flip the pancake gently to preserve the artwork.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use a non‑stick skillet with a thin layer of butter for the cleanest lines.
• Keep a small bowl of plain batter for white highlights; it helps the colors pop.
• Practice the shapes on a piece of parchment before committing to the skillet.
• For sharper edges, let the batter sit a few seconds after drawing before adding fill colors.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Freezer: Wrap individually in parchment and place in a freezer bag; keep for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet.

Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours due to moisture loss.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the plain batter up to 12 hours ahead and keep refrigerated; stir gently before coloring.
• Color the batters and store each in sealed jars; they keep for 24 hours in the fridge.
• Pancake art can be assembled and frozen uncooked; just flip and cook from frozen, adding 1‑2 minutes to cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions