This fun, build-your-own pancake board loaded with toppings is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even brinner. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing way to serve pancakes so everyone can customize their stack just the way they like it.
Pancakes are a weekend favorite at our house. My husband often whips up a batch while the kids watch cartoons and I squeeze in a quick run. We then gather for short stacks with a side of bacon or sausage. Everyone has their favorite pancake toppings: I like whipped cream and fresh berries, my husband prefers butter and maple syrup, and the kids often choose jam. That’s why this pancake board—full of topping choices—was such a hit when I spotted it in Maegan Brown’s book Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack Boards for Every Occasion. It’s ideal for feeding a group or just making a family breakfast feel special.
Maegan has been creating snack boards for years on her blog, The Baker Mama, and her book continues that creative spirit. My kids and I enjoyed browsing Beautiful Boards and have already marked ideas for holidays and gatherings. But first: the pancake board.
How to Make a Pancake Board
This breakfast board is easy to prepare and arrange. Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful, shareable spread:
- Start with your favorite pancake recipe. Buttermilk pancakes work especially well—light and fluffy make for perfect stacks.
- Choose a large board or platter. Maegan suggests a 15 x 20-inch board; I used an 18 x 24-inch board to fit more toppings.
- Keep cooked pancakes and bacon warm in a 200°F oven while you assemble the board so everything is hot when you serve.
- Offer syrups and spreads in their jars for easy refills, or transfer them to small prep bowls for a polished look.
- Arrange toppings around the edges of the board, leaving a clear space down the middle for the pancakes.
- Just before serving, slice bananas, add the pancakes to the center, and tuck bacon into a corner of the board.
- Place the board in the center of the table so everyone can build their own dream stack.
Enjoy a relaxed, interactive meal where guests or family members customize every bite.
Pancake Board Toppings
The topping options are nearly limitless—mix and match for endless flavor combinations. Here are some popular ideas to include on your pancake board:
- Salted butter, sliced into small pats
- Real maple syrup
- Peanut butter
- Nutella or other chocolate spread
- Jam or preserves
- Mini chocolate chips
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
- Crispy bacon
Many toppings double as sides, so you can build a stack and add fruit or bacon on the plate for a more complete meal. Serve with coffee or orange juice to round things out.
My kids enjoyed this pancake board so much that it’s now a go-to for weekend breakfasts. It’s equally suitable for a casual family morning, a brunch party, or a holiday breakfast—anywhere a shared, customizable meal will add fun to the table.
Build Your Own Pancake Board
This version serves about 8 and is designed for easy serving and entertaining. Prep time is roughly 20 minutes, cook time about 30 minutes, and total time around 50 minutes.
Ingredients
- About 18 buttermilk pancakes (use your favorite recipe)
- 10 slices bacon, cooked
- 3/4 cup raspberries
- 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 2 bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup salted butter, sliced into small pats (about 1 stick)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup Nutella
- 1 cup real maple syrup
Instructions
- Keep pancakes and bacon warm in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to assemble the board.
- Arrange toppings around the edges of the board, leaving a clear lane down the middle for the pancakes and one corner open for bacon.
- Keep spreads in jars for convenience or transfer them to small bowls or jars for a neater presentation.
- When ready to serve, add the pancakes to the center of the board, tuck bacon into the corner, and peel and slice bananas.
- Place the board in the center of the table and let everyone build their stack. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Board inspiration from The Baker Mama. Use the ingredient list as a guide and adapt amounts and toppings to suit your crowd. This concept works well for sweet, savory, or mixed-theme boards—try seasonal fruit or specialty spreads to keep the idea fresh.
,
Carbohydrates: 55 g
,
Protein: 8 g
,
Fat: 34 g
Have you tried this recipe? Leave a rating or review, or share a photo on social media if you make your own pancake board—people love seeing creative spreads and topping combinations.