Aug 28 2026
RestaurantsBayou Joes Marina & GrillSmiley Pancake And Bacon Recipe

Smiley Pancake And Bacon Recipe

Time35m
Serves4

Make Smiley Pancake And Bacon Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pancake batter

Method

Pancake batter

  1. 1

    Combine dry ingredients

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and aerated.

  2. 2

    Combine wet ingredients

    In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.

  3. 3

    Make the batter

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. A few small lumps are fine; do not overmix. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the griddle and bacon.

Bacon

  1. 4

    Cook bacon on the stovetop (method A)

    Place a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and crisp to your preference. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Sprinkle with black pepper if desired.

  2. 5

    Oven method (alternative)

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment in a single layer. Bake for 12–18 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness. Drain on paper towels and season with pepper if using.

Cook pancakes & assemble smiles

  1. 6

    Heat griddle

    Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Brush a little vegetable oil or melted butter to lightly grease the surface. The pan is ready when a few drops of water sizzle gently.

  2. 7

    Spoon batter for face

    Use a 1/3-cup measure (or a large spoon) to pour batter onto the hot griddle to form round pancakes about 3.5–4 inches (8–10 cm) wide. Cook 2–3 pancakes at a time depending on pan size, leaving space to decorate each one.

  3. 8

    Create eye and cheek indentations

    When bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to set (about 1.5–2 minutes), use the back of a small spoon or the tip of a skewer to gently press two shallow dimples for eyes and two small dimples for cheeks (or use the tip of a piping bag filled with batter to pipe features). These will hold the decorative items and help orient the smile.

  4. 9

    Flip and finish

    Flip each pancake carefully and cook the second side for 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove pancakes to a warm plate or oven set to low heat to keep warm.

  5. 10

    Decorate to make smiles

    Assemble the smiley faces: place two fresh berries or mini chocolate chips in the eye indentations. Slice the banana into coins and arrange a curved row for a smile, or use additional mini chips to form a mouth. Use berries or banana slices for cheeks if you like. Repeat for remaining pancakes.

  6. 11

    Serve

    Serve 2–3 smiley pancakes per person with 2 slices of bacon on the side. Drizzle with maple syrup and offer extra berries or butter. Enjoy immediately while warm.

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