15 Colorful Pancake Recipes to Brighten the Morning

Pancakes don’t have to stick to the same routine. With a few tweaks, they can turn into something fun, colorful, or completely unexpected. This batch brings together creative spins that go far beyond the classic stack. From candy-covered to vegetable-packed, these pancakes are made for mornings that need something extra—whether that’s a pop of color, a bold new flavor, or just an excuse to make breakfast more exciting.

Smores Pancakes

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Graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows make these taste just like a campfire treat. They’re gooey, rich, and full of texture. Toast the marshmallows or add chocolate sauce for more fun. Dessert for breakfast done right.
Get the Recipe: Smores Pancakes

Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with powdered sugar and raspberries, garnished with pink flowers on a white plate. — Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Beets give these pancakes a bright pink hue without using dye. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, with a soft and airy texture. They’re fun to look at and even better to eat. Serve with yogurt or a light drizzle of honey.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes

Lucky Charms Pancakes

Mini marshmallows from the cereal melt into the batter for colorful bites throughout. They cook up soft and sweet, with a playful finish. Topped with whipped cream or icing drizzle, these are always a hit with kids. Great for weekend breakfast treats.
Get the Recipe: Lucky Charms Pancakes

Lemon Quinoa Pancakes

A stack of pancakes with a pat of butter on top, partially eaten, served with fresh blueberries on a white plate with a fork. — Lemon Quinoa Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These pancakes combine cooked quinoa and lemon zest for something light, zesty, and just a little nutty. The texture is soft with a bit of chew from the quinoa. They pair well with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. A nice break from sweeter stacks.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Quinoa Pancakes

Green Pancakes

The color comes from spinach or matcha, depending on what you’re using. They’re mild in flavor, with a soft texture and golden edges. Fun for themed mornings or sneaking in extra greens. Top with fruit, yogurt, or a touch of maple syrup.
Get the Recipe: Green Pancakes

Cassava Flour Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with blueberry compote, served with fresh strawberries and bacon on a white plate. — Cassava Flour Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grain-free and made with cassava flour, these pancakes are soft with a hint of crisp on the outside. The flavor is neutral and pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. They cook evenly and hold together well. A great option for alternative flours.
Get the Recipe: Cassava Flour Pancakes

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

A stack of pancakes layered with whipped cream and sliced strawberries sits on a white pedestal, with fresh strawberries and mint leaves around it on a wooden surface. — Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Soft pancakes are layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. They taste like dessert but come together quickly with a basic vanilla batter. Sweet, light, and full of flavor. Perfect for brunch or birthdays.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

Pineapple Buckwheat Pancakes

A plate with pancakes topped with pineapple slices and syrup, a fork resting on the plate, and a small pitcher of syrup nearby. — Pineapple Buckwheat Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buckwheat flour gives a deep, nutty flavor while pineapple adds bright sweetness. The pancakes are hearty and slightly chewy. Each bite is full of contrast, from the tropical fruit to the rustic grain. Serve with plain yogurt or a drizzle of syrup.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Buckwheat Pancakes

Christmas Morning Pancakes

These are made with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, often topped with crushed peppermint or sprinkles. The flavor is festive and cozy. Serve with whipped cream or a dusting of sugar for a holiday-ready stack. Great for kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Pancakes

Red Velvet Pancakes

close up of red velvet panckes — Red Velvet Pancakes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These pancakes are rich, soft, and flavored with cocoa and vanilla. They look just like red velvet cake and often come with a cream cheese glaze. The texture is slightly cakey and indulgent. Ideal for a special breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Pancakes

Chocolate Pancake Spaghetti – TikTok Recipe

A bowl of pasta topped with sliced strawberries and crumbled cookies sits on a table, with more strawberries and cookies in bowls nearby. — Chocolate Pancake Spaghetti – TikTok Recipe. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Piped into thin strands on the griddle, this pancake batter cooks into chocolate “noodles.” The result is playful and perfect for kids or themed breakfasts. Top with whipped cream, berries, or syrup. A social media favorite with good reason.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pancake Spaghetti – TikTok Recipe

Carrot Cake Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with cream, walnuts, shredded carrots, and raisins sits on a white plate with a gold fork. — Carrot Cake Pancakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grated carrots, cinnamon, and sometimes pineapple give these pancakes all the flavor of carrot cake. They’re soft, spiced, and satisfying. Add cream cheese drizzle or maple syrup on top. A comforting way to start the day.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Pancakes

Chocolate Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with chocolate sauce and surrounded by fresh raspberries, with a fork cutting into the pancakes. — Chocolate Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These are made with cocoa powder and sometimes chocolate chips for extra richness. They cook up soft and fudgy, with golden edges. Whipped cream and strawberries turn them into a full dessert-for-breakfast experience. Best served warm.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pancakes

Easy Purple Pancakes

A stack of purple pancakes topped with blueberries, pink candy pearls, and chocolate syrup on a white plate. — Easy Purple Pancakes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

The purple color comes from ube, sweet potato, or food coloring. The texture is light and the flavor is sweet and mild. They look great on the plate and taste just as good. A fun twist for brunch or themed events.
Get the Recipe: Easy Purple Pancakes

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Cinnamon pancakes topped with cooked diced apples. — Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shredded apples and a touch of cinnamon make these soft and naturally sweet. They taste like apple pie in pancake form. The batter is thick and easy to work with. Serve with maple syrup or apple butter.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes