If you’re looking for a fun and festive breakfast for St. Patrick’s Day, these Lucky Charms Pancakes are the ultimate treat.
They’re soft, fluffy, dyed a bright green, and topped with the nostalgic crunch of Lucky Charms cereal, sweet milk glaze, and whipped cream. It’s basically a rainbow on a plate—only better because it’s pancakes.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe always makes me smile. The first time I made these pancakes, I just wanted something fun to celebrate March without needing a lot of effort. These were it. They’re playful, colorful, and taste incredible. That hint of tang from the buttermilk paired with the sweet milk glaze is such a surprise. And who doesn’t love the crunch of cereal on pancakes?
- It’s festive without being complicated
- The pancakes stay fluffy and moist
- It’s a fun twist on classic comfort food
- You probably already have most of the ingredients
What You’ll Need
For the Green Pancakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tbsp 2% milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tbsp salted butter, melted and cooled
- ¼ tsp green food dye
Toppings
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup Lucky Charms cereal
For the Sweet Milk Cream
- ⅓ cup 2% milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Buttermilk + baking soda: The acid in buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create bubbles—this makes the pancakes extra fluffy.
- Extra egg whites: They add lightness without making the batter runny.
- Green dye: Just a small amount gives vibrant color without affecting flavor.
- Powdered sugar glaze: Dissolves instantly and adds a milky sweetness to balance the tangy pancake base.
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter: This can make your pancakes tough. Mix until just combined.
- Skipping the resting time: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to let the bubbles develop before cooking.
- Too hot griddle: Medium heat is best. Too hot and your pancakes brown too fast without cooking through.
- Pouring too much batter: Stick to ¼ cup per pancake for even cooking and easy flipping.
What to Serve With
- Crispy bacon or sausage links
- Sliced strawberries or kiwi for a fruity side
- A tall glass of milk or vanilla oat milk
- Hot coffee or mint tea
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in 1 cup buttermilk, 3 tbsp milk, 1 egg, 2 egg whites, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Whisk just until combined.
Step 3: Dye the Batter
Add ¼ tsp green food dye and mix again until color is even. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick frying pan or griddle on medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Sweet Milk Cream
In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup milk and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble
Stack 2–3 pancakes on each plate. Pour the sweet milk cream over the top. Add a big dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with Lucky Charms cereal.
Pro Tips
- Let your batter rest for a few minutes before cooking to get fluffier pancakes
- Use a cookie scoop or measuring cup for even-sized pancakes
- Make the sweet milk glaze just before serving so it stays pourable
- Don’t stack pancakes too soon after cooking—they can steam and get soggy
- For extra flair, top with gold sprinkles or edible glitter
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Nonstick griddle or frying pan
- Cooking spray
- Plate for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond milk or oat milk instead of 2% milk
- Replace green dye with spinach purée for a natural color
- Use a boxed pancake mix and add green dye to save time
- Top with mini marshmallows instead of cereal for a simpler version
- Add mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra sweetness
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the batter the night before and refrigerate. Stir gently before cooking.
- Cook pancakes ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat in the toaster for best texture.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze pancakes in a single layer, then stack in a zip bag. Reheat in toaster or microwave
- Keep glaze and toppings separate until serving for best results
FAQ
Can I skip the food dye?
Yes! Try spinach purée or matcha for a natural green color.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Make your own by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Can I use pancake mix?
Absolutely. Add ¼ tsp green dye to your prepared mix and cook as directed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double every ingredient and cook in batches.
Final Thoughts
These Lucky Charms Pancakes are festive, fluffy, and full of fun. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want to surprise someone with a whimsical breakfast, this recipe is an easy win. Let me know if you try them—leave a comment or rating and share your pancake magic!