Strawberry Banana Pancake Skewers: Why They’re a Perfect Treat

In a world where finding healthy treats for children can be a challenge, especially with schools enforcing strict “no candy” rules for celebrations, these strawberry banana pancake skewers emerge as a brilliant solution. This recipe beautifully bridges the gap between fun and nutrition, satisfying both health requirements and children’s cravings for something special. Imagine the smiles on their faces when they realize they’re getting a treat that feels like dessert but is made with wholesome ingredients! It’s not just a snack; it’s an experience, transforming ordinary pancakes into an exciting, hand-held delight.

I’ve personally witnessed the universal appeal of these mini pancake skewers. They’re not just reserved for classroom treats or school events; I’ve made them for lively birthday parties, where they shine as a healthy yet utterly enjoyable snack option, and even as a creative, fun twist on a classic breakfast spread. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the impressive outcome. You spend minimal time in the kitchen, but the result is a beautifully presented, delicious dish that disappears quickly from any platter.

The harmonious combination of soft, fluffy mini pancakes, the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the creamy richness of ripe bananas creates an explosion of flavors and textures. Every bite offers a delightful balance, making this snack a favorite across all age groups. It’s truly a universally loved treat that brings joy without the guilt, making it a staple in my healthy recipe collection. The original inspiration for this fantastic recipe comes from the Dutch book Veggie Kidz, written by Eef Ouwenhand and Monique Jansse, proving that wholesome eating can be incredibly delicious and fun!

Gather Your Ingredients: What You Need for These Delightful Skewers

Preparing these vibrant strawberry banana pancake skewers requires just a few simple, fresh ingredients that are easily found at any grocery store. The true magic happens when these components come together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Below is a detailed look at the key ingredients and some handy tips for each. You’ll find the exact quantities conveniently listed in the comprehensive recipe card at the very bottom of this article.

• Strawberries: Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture. It’s crucial to wash them thoroughly before hulling (removing the green leafy tops). This ensures they don’t absorb excess water, which can dilute their natural sweetness and make them soggy. Simply rinse them gently under cool running water while the crowns are still intact. For an exciting variation, consider swapping strawberries with other colorful fruits like cubes of juicy watermelon, chunks of sweet pineapple, or seedless grapes for a different flavor profile.
• Bananas: Opt for bananas that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape on a skewer. Bananas are notorious for discoloring quickly once peeled and sliced. To minimize browning, prepare them just before assembling your skewers. A clever trick to keep them looking fresh for about an hour is to lightly brush the sliced banana pieces with a little lemon juice. If you need to prepare this treat much earlier, or simply prefer a different fruit, consider alternatives that don’t oxidize as quickly, such as melon cubes (cantaloupe or honeydew) or vibrant mango pieces.
• Mini Pancakes: The heart of this treat! You have two fantastic options here. You can embrace your inner chef and whip up a batch of homemade mini pancakes using a trusted recipe. For a truly authentic and delicious experience, I highly recommend my poffertjes recipe (Dutch mini pancakes). They are small, airy, and perfect for skewers. Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, store-bought mini pancakes work wonderfully and save you valuable prep time. Just ensure they are fully cooled before threading them onto the skewers, as warm pancakes can cause fruit to soften prematurely.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or pancake sizes to suit your taste and what’s available seasonally. Remember, fresh ingredients are key to a truly unforgettable and healthy treat!

Assembling Your Skewers: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful strawberry banana pancake skewers is surprisingly simple and can even be a fun activity to do with children. The process is straightforward, ensuring you’ll have a beautiful and delicious treat ready in no time. For a convenient, printable version of this recipe with detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card at the very end of this blog post.

1. **Prepare Your Fruit**: First, ensure your strawberries are thoroughly washed and hulled as described in the ingredients section. Slice each banana into three equal, manageable pieces. If you’re concerned about bananas browning, lightly brush them with a touch of lemon juice at this stage.
2. **Start with a Strawberry**: Take one wooden skewer. Begin by carefully threading a prepared strawberry onto the bottom, pushing it down gently until it’s secure near the end of the skewer. This creates a colorful and stable base for your treat.
3. **Add a Mini Pancake**: Next, slide a cold mini pancake (or poffertje) onto the skewer, resting it snugly against the strawberry. The fluffy texture of the pancake will complement the fruit beautifully.
4. **Introduce the Banana**: Follow the pancake with one of your banana pieces. Position it firmly against the pancake. The soft banana will add a creamy element to the skewer.
5. **Layer Another Pancake**: Add a second mini pancake, creating another layer of fluffy goodness and helping to hold the banana in place.
6. **Finish with a Strawberry**: Conclude your skewer with another vibrant strawberry at the top. This creates a symmetrical and appealing look, bookending your pancake and banana with fresh fruit.
7. **Repeat and Arrange**: Continue this process, building skewer after skewer, until you have used up all your prepared fruit and mini pancakes. You can adjust the number of items per skewer based on your preference and the size of your skewers. Arrange them artfully on a platter, ready to be served and enjoyed!

For best results, try to keep the elements relatively close together on the skewer to prevent them from sliding around. This method ensures each skewer is not only delicious but also easy to handle for little hands.

Creative Variations and Smart Tips for Your Skewers

While the classic strawberry banana pancake skewer is undeniably delicious, there are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some exciting variations and practical tips to elevate your treat:

• Chocoholics’ Dream: For those who adore chocolate, a drizzle of chocolate sauce takes these skewers to the next level. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the skewers just before serving, or provide a small bowl of melted chocolate for dipping. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or sprinkles can also add a festive touch!
• Delightful Dips: Enhance the experience by serving your skewers with a creamy, complementary dip. A simple Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey or maple syrup creates a perfectly creamy and sweet accompaniment. For a tangier option, plain yogurt with a squeeze of lime juice can cut through the sweetness. You could also offer a fruit purée, like raspberry or mango, for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
• Fruity Twists and Seasonal Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to strawberries and bananas! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Experiment with seasonal fruits like juicy blueberries, tangy raspberries, sweet melon cubes (cantaloupe, honeydew), or even kiwi slices for a burst of green. In the autumn, apple chunks (tossed in a little lemon juice to prevent browning) or pear pieces can make a lovely addition. The key is to choose fruits that hold their shape well on a skewer.
• Make Ahead Magic: To save time on the day of your event, you can prepare the mini pancakes in advance. Cook them, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This way, assembly becomes a quick and stress-free process.
• Chilling for Freshness: These skewers are best served chilled. After assembly, place them on a platter, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the fruits to cool down. This also helps the skewers hold their shape better.
• Kid-Friendly Assembly Line: Turn the preparation into a fun activity for children! Set out bowls of prepared fruit and pancakes, and let them assemble their own skewers. It’s a great way to encourage healthy eating and develop fine motor skills.

With these variations and tips, you can transform a simple recipe into a gourmet-looking treat that caters to diverse tastes and makes every occasion feel a little more special.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Andréa

Why These Skewers Are a Parent’s Best Friend

Beyond their delicious taste and charming presentation, strawberry banana pancake skewers offer numerous advantages for busy parents. They are quick to assemble, especially if you prepare the mini pancakes in advance, making them an ideal last-minute treat. Packed with natural sugars from fruit and complex carbohydrates from pancakes, they provide sustained energy without the sugar crash associated with traditional candies. This helps maintain a balanced mood for children, whether at a party or during a school day. Furthermore, they are an excellent way to encourage fruit consumption, turning healthy eating into an exciting and enjoyable activity that kids will willingly participate in.

Crafting Your Own Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes)

While store-bought mini pancakes offer convenience, making your own at home adds an extra touch of love and freshness. Poffertjes, the traditional Dutch mini pancakes, are light, airy, and perfectly sized for these skewers. The process is straightforward and rewarding. All you need is a simple batter made from flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of leavening. A special poffertjes pan with small indentations is ideal for achieving their signature shape, but a regular non-stick pan can also work with careful pouring. Preparing them fresh ensures optimal flavor and texture, making your skewers even more irresistible. Find my detailed mini pancakes recipe here.

Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion

These versatile skewers aren’t just for parties! Serve them as a fun, deconstructed breakfast alongside a glass of milk or juice. Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful midday treat that breaks up the routine. They make a fantastic after-school snack, providing a wholesome energy boost. For a light dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a light fruit sorbet. They can even be arranged artfully on a brunch buffet, adding a pop of color and freshness. Their grab-and-go format makes them perfect for picnics, road trips, or any occasion where you need a tasty and convenient snack.

Storage and Prep-Ahead Tips for Maximum Freshness

Given that these skewers feature fresh fruit, they are best enjoyed relatively soon after assembly. However, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to make serving easier. The mini pancakes can be baked ahead of time, cooled completely, and then stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to four days. You can also slice the strawberries and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. The bananas, being prone to browning, should ideally be sliced and brushed with lemon juice just before assembly. Once assembled, keep the skewers covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve, preferably within 2-3 hours to ensure the fruit remains fresh and vibrant. This strategy allows you to minimize last-minute stress while maximizing the freshness and quality of your delicious treats.

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