Strawberry Kefir Pancakes

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 we may have 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 a hint of fruitiness, giving the pancakes a subtle strawberry flavor. Add in fresh strawberries, and we're talking double the strawberry fun (our taste testers said it was the most strawberry-tasting pancake they ever had)!

Key ingredient

Strawberry kefir is the key to these strawberry-flavored pancakes, adding a light tang and subtle sweetness. We 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 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. 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 our pancake guide.

Swaps

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. We 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 our lavender lemonade for a summer vibe. If you're hosting, pair them with a savory option like our 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.

Kitchen questions

Can we use other flavors besides strawberry?

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.

Berries look good on you!