Let me tell you, the sight of those ruby-red strawberries glistening alongside fluffy mini pancakes threaded onto a skewer is enough to make any morning feel downright magical. The first time I made these Fresh Cupid’s Arrow Breakfast Skewers with Strawberries & Pancakes, I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. It was years ago, on a chilly Valentine’s morning when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and my mom whipped these up as a surprise. The combination of juicy strawberries and tender pancakes, all stacked like little love notes on a stick, still feels like a warm hug to this day.
Honestly, my family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the platter (and I can’t really blame them). These skewers quickly became a staple at our cozy weekend breakfasts and even made appearances at potlucks and brunch gatherings. You know what? They’re dangerously easy to assemble, bursting with fresh flavor, and provide that pure, nostalgic comfort you want when starting your day right. Perfect for brightening up your Pinterest cookie board or setting a romantic mood for a special morning, these skewers are exactly what you didn’t know you were missing. And yes, I’ve tested this recipe multiple times in the name of research, of course—it’s now my go-to whenever I want to impress without stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Fresh Cupid’s Arrow Breakfast Skewers recipe isn’t just another pretty breakfast idea; it’s a blend of simplicity, flavor, and charm that makes every bite memorable. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute romantic surprises.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy groceries needed; you probably have everything in your pantry and fridge already.
- Perfect for Romantic Mornings: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a sweet weekday treat, it sets the tone for love and warmth.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults rave about the fresh strawberries paired with soft pancakes—what’s not to love?
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combo of juicy fruit and fluffy pancakes makes every bite feel like a mini celebration.
What sets this recipe apart is the playful presentation—threading strawberries and mini pancakes onto skewers feels like a little breakfast love arrow, shooting straight to the heart. Plus, the balance of sweet, fresh fruit and tender pancakes is just right, not too heavy but still satisfying. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you close your eyes and savor, a reminder that comfort food can be light, bright, and downright charming. If you want to impress your sweetheart or simply treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe will be your new best friend.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry or fridge staples, and substitutions are easy if needed.
- Mini Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adds a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds warmth and depth)
- Fresh Strawberries:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (look for firm, ripe berries for best flavor)
- Optional Toppings & Extras:
- Maple syrup or honey for drizzling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Wooden skewers (about 6-8 inches long)
For the mini pancakes, I personally recommend using Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose flour for a consistent texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, almond flour works beautifully but expect a slightly nuttier flavor. Fresh strawberries are the star here, so choosing bright, firm berries makes all the difference. In summer, swapping strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries is a lovely twist. And hey, if you want to keep it vegan, swap buttermilk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg.
Equipment Needed
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – I prefer a cast iron skillet for even heat, but a non-stick pan works fine too.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients, one for wet.
- Whisk or fork for mixing batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.
- Wooden or bamboo skewers – about 6 to 8 inches long, sturdy enough to hold pancakes and strawberries.
- Spatula – a thin, flexible spatula helps flip those mini pancakes gently.
If you don’t have a griddle, a large non-stick frying pan will do just fine. For budget-friendly options, lightweight bamboo skewers from the grocery store work perfectly. And if you’re using cast iron, just remember to season your pan regularly for smooth pancake flipping!
Preparation Method

- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. In another bowl, mix ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you prep the strawberries.
- Prep the Strawberries: Rinse 1 pint fresh strawberries under cold water. Hull and halve them so they’re bite-sized and easy to thread onto skewers. Pat dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess on the skewers.
- Cook Mini Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Using a tablespoon measure, pour batter onto the skillet to form mini pancakes about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set. Flip carefully and cook another 1 minute until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat until all batter is used. You should get about 20 mini pancakes.
- Assemble the Skewers: Take a wooden skewer and start threading a mini pancake, followed by a strawberry half, then another pancake, and so on, alternating until the skewer is filled (about 4 pancakes and 3 strawberries per skewer). Leave a little space at the ends for easy handling.
- Serve: Place the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Quick tip: If your batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it slightly. And when flipping mini pancakes, a thin spatula is your best friend to keep them from tearing. These little pancakes cook fast, so watch closely to avoid burning. The aroma of vanilla and butter cooking in the pan is a telltale sign that you’re on the right track!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Making these Fresh Cupid’s Arrow Breakfast Skewers comes with a few tricks I’ve learned over time. First, don’t overmix your batter—overworked batter leads to tough pancakes, and nobody wants that! Letting the batter rest for a few minutes helps the gluten relax, giving you tender, fluffy results.
When cooking mini pancakes, keep your pan at medium heat—too hot and they’ll burn outside while raw inside; too low means pale, floppy pancakes. A bit of practice helps you find the sweet spot. Also, greasing your pan lightly but regularly keeps pancakes from sticking and makes flipping a breeze. Trust me, once you get the hang of the timing, flipping mini pancakes is almost therapeutic.
Threading the skewers is a fun part, but be gentle; strawberries can get squished if you’re too rough. Alternate them with pancakes so the colors pop and the skewer feels balanced. For extra flair, add a small mint leaf or a cube of cream cheese for a hint of creaminess between layers.
One last thing—don’t wait too long to serve. These skewers taste best fresh. If you have to keep them, cover loosely with foil at room temperature for no more than 30 minutes to avoid sogginess.
Variations & Adaptations
One of the reasons I love this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are three ways to change it up to suit your mood or dietary needs:
- Vegan Variation: Use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg, swap buttermilk for almond or oat milk with a splash of apple cider vinegar, and cook pancakes in coconut oil. Strawberries stay the same, naturally sweet and fresh.
- Seasonal Twists: In spring or summer, swap strawberries for fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches. In fall, try grilled apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon for cozy vibes.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for warmth, or fold in mini chocolate chips for a decadent touch. You could also layer in a smear of nut butter between pancakes for extra richness.
Personally, I once tried adding a little lemon zest to the batter and it brightened the whole flavor profile beautifully. Feel free to experiment—you might stumble on your own signature spin on these skewers!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These Fresh Cupid’s Arrow Breakfast Skewers are best served warm or at room temperature. Present them on a pretty platter, perhaps with a small bowl of maple syrup or honey for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a mimosa, or even a light herbal tea.
If you have leftovers (though rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave for about 20 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without drying them out.
Keep in mind that strawberries release moisture over time, so these skewers are best enjoyed fresh. The flavors meld nicely after a short rest, but the pancakes lose a bit of their fluffiness if stored too long. For longer storage, keep pancakes and strawberries separate, then assemble fresh before serving.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
A serving of these skewers (about 2 skewers) provides a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and natural sugars, making for a satisfying breakfast without weighing you down. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, great for a little immune boost, while the pancakes offer energy-giving carbohydrates.
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping flour and dairy-free by using plant-based milk and egg alternatives. The fresh fruit adds fiber and hydration, making it a lighter choice compared to heavier, syrup-soaked breakfast dishes. Just watch the syrup portion if you’re mindful of sugar intake.
From a wellness perspective, starting your day with fresh fruit and homemade pancakes feels like treating yourself kindly—without guilt, just good, honest food.
Conclusion
So, why is this Fresh Cupid’s Arrow Breakfast Skewers recipe worth your time? Because it’s charming, simple, and downright delicious. It’s perfect for setting a romantic morning mood or just adding a little fun and freshness to your weekend routine. You can easily tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs, and honestly, it’s a great way to sneak some fruit into breakfast without feeling like you’re making a fuss.
I love these skewers because they remind me of special mornings with family, those little moments when food feels like love on a stick. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becomes your new go-to for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want to feel a bit special. Please share how you customize yours or any fun twists you’ve discovered—I’m all ears!
Happy cooking and even happier mornings!
FAQs
Can I make the mini pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mini pancakes the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the skewers.
What can I use instead of strawberries?
Fresh blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, or apple slices work beautifully. Just pick firm, ripe fruit for easy threading and best flavor.
Are these skewers kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the fun presentation and sweet flavor. Just make sure to cut strawberries into manageable sizes to avoid choking hazards.
Can I freeze the pancakes or assembled skewers?
You can freeze the mini pancakes but not the assembled skewers. Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat before serving.
What if I don’t have skewers?
No worries! You can serve the mini pancakes and strawberries stacked on a plate or threaded onto small cocktail picks for a similar effect.
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Fresh Cupid’s Arrow Breakfast Skewers with Strawberries
A charming and easy-to-make breakfast featuring mini pancakes and fresh strawberries threaded onto skewers, perfect for romantic mornings or cozy weekend treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 skewers) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- Maple syrup or honey for drizzling (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Wooden skewers (about 6-8 inches long)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, mix 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Prep the Strawberries: Rinse 1 pint fresh strawberries under cold water. Hull and halve them so they’re bite-sized and easy to thread onto skewers. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Cook Mini Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Using a tablespoon measure, pour batter onto the skillet to form mini pancakes about 2 inches in diameter. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and edges look set. Flip and cook another 1 minute until golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used, making about 20 mini pancakes.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread a mini pancake, followed by a strawberry half, alternating until the skewer is filled (about 4 pancakes and 3 strawberries per skewer). Leave space at the ends for handling.
- Serve: Place skewers on a platter. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes tender. Let batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking. Use a thin spatula to flip mini pancakes gently. Serve skewers fresh to avoid sogginess. For vegan variation, use flax or chia egg and plant-based milk with vinegar. Store leftover pancakes and strawberries separately for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 skewers per
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: breakfast skewers, mini pancakes, strawberries, romantic breakfast, easy breakfast, Valentine's Day breakfast, gluten-free option, vegan option


