If you're looking for a pancake recipe that tastes like summer, you have to try these Strawberry Kefir Pancakes. Made with strawberry kefir and studded with fresh strawberries, they're lightly tangy, perfectly sweet, and truly hard to resist.
Move over buttermilk, I may have just found the next best thing for fluffy pancakes. Kefir is a cultured milk drink with a tangy, yogurt-like flavor, and it makes pancakes incredibly soft and tender.
Using strawberry kefir adds just a hint of fruitiness, giving the pancakes a subtle strawberry flavor. Add in fresh strawberries, and we're talking double the strawberry fun (my taste testers said it was the most strawberry-tasting pancake they ever had)!
Jump to:
Key ingredient
Strawberry kefir is the key to these strawberry-flavored pancakes, adding a light tang and subtle sweetness. I used Lifeway Strawberry Kefir, which is typically found in the dairy aisle near the yogurt or milk.
If you can't find it, plain kefir works well; you'll just be missing the extra strawberry flavor. If you can find drinkable strawberry yogurt, that would be your closest match.
Step-by-step instructions
These kefir pancakes come together like any other pancake. Just be sure not to overmix the batter. You can fold the berries into the mix or scatter them on top while cooking (the latter will allow you to control the strawberry amount).
Step 1. Wash and dry the strawberries. Step 2. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately. Step 3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Step 4. Add ¼ cup of the batter to a heated skillet. Steps 5 & 6. Flip and cook on the other side until golden.
*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🍳Expert tips
- Dry the strawberries thoroughly. Fresh strawberries release a lot of moisture. After slicing the berries, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Add the strawberries while cooking. To prevent a watered-down pancake batter, add the strawberries after you've poured the batter onto the griddle. This allows for even scattering of the fruit and prevents a mushy batter.
- Cover the batter with a clear lid. This will ensure the pancakes cook through. For more tips and tricks, visit my pancake guide.
Variations
Want to switch things up a bit? Play with the flavors to make it our own.
- Mixed berry- Swap some (or all) of the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry twist. There's even a mixed berry kefir you can use!
- Add citrus- Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon or orange zest to the batter to make the strawberries pop.
- Spice it up- Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom for a subtle flavor.
Toppings and serving suggestions
The classics work for a reason! Load them up with maple syrup, butter, whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. I love topping them with warmed jam mixed with fresh strawberries (a simple way to make a quick strawberry sauce).
Serve strawberry kefir pancakes alongside crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory combo, or add a refreshing drink like my lavender lemonade for a summer vibe. If you're hosting, pair them with a savory option like my broccolini frittata.
What to do with leftover strawberry kefir?
Don't let it go to waste! Use it in smoothies, mix it into overnight oats, pour it over cereal, or even swap it for buttermilk in muffins or quick breads for a subtle strawberry flavor. You can also enjoy it straight from the glass for a tangy, refreshing drink.
Storage and prep
These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, toaster, or oven, and top with fresh berries or syrup for a quick breakfast any day.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Kefir comes in a variety of flavors. Try a peach, blueberry, or even rose-flavored kefir with the matching fruits, or mix and match kefir flavors with different fruits.
More strawberry recipes
Berries look good on you!
Made this recipe? I'd love to hear about it. Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below the recipe. Snapped a photo? Tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Strawberry Kefir Pancakes
Equipment
- electric griddle or non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup strawberry kefir, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries (patted dry with a paper towel), plus more for serving
- butter or ghee for the skillet
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Set aside.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt, 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, kefir, and vanilla. Slowly whisk in the cooled butter until combined.2 large eggs, room temperature, ¾ cup strawberry kefir, room temperature, ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined, with no visible streaks of flour. If desired, fold the strawberries into the batter (do not overmix), or add them directly to the pancakes while cooking. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes (it will become slightly thick and puffy).¾ cup diced fresh strawberries (patted dry with a paper towel), plus more for serving
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. When warm, add a little butter or ghee. When the butter sizzles, add a heaping ¼ cup of batter to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and begin to poke through the batter (if you reserved the diced strawberries, sprinkle them on now).butter or ghee for the skillet
- Flip the pancakes, and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the heat and keep warm in the oven (if using) until you finish cooking the remaining batter. Serve immediately with maple syrup, butter, or warmed strawberry jam.
Notes
- Adjust the heat as you go. The first pancake is always the hardest. Adjust the heat as needed so they don't burn.
- Keep the pancakes warm while cooking. Preheat the oven to 200F. Place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet and place them in the oven to keep warm until ready to serve.
- Dry the strawberries thoroughly. Fresh strawberries release a lot of moisture. After slicing the berries, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Add the strawberries while cooking. To prevent a watered-down pancake batter, add the strawberries after you've poured the batter onto the griddle. This allows for even scattering of the fruit and prevents a mushy batter.
- Cover the batter with a clear lid. This will ensure the pancakes cook through. For more tips and tricks, visit my pancake guide.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, measurements, and substitutions.
Gina Vetrano says
These were absolutely delicious. So tangy and the strawberry really came through. What a nice surprise. Can't wait for strawberry season!