Ghost-Shaped Halloween Pancakes With Chocolate Chips Recipe
You’re about to discover how to transform ordinary pancake batter into adorably spooky ghost shapes that’ll make Halloween breakfast truly magical. I’ve spent years perfecting these fluffy phantoms, and I’ll share my secret technique for getting those perfectly rounded heads and flowing bodies every time. With just a squeeze bottle, some basic pantry ingredients, and strategically placed chocolate chips, you’ll create ghostly characters that are both delicious and Instagram-worthy. Let’s uncover the tricks to making these hauntingly good treats.
Why You’ll Love These Spooky Pancakes
These adorable ghost-shaped pancakes are guaranteed to make your Halloween breakfast extra special.
I love how they combine classic comfort food with spooky fun that’ll bring smiles to kids and adults alike.
You’ll appreciate how easy they’re to customize with chocolate chip eyes and mouths, plus they’re perfect for making ahead when you’re hosting a Halloween morning gathering.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
Making these ghostly pancakes doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. You’ll need basic pantry staples and a few simple tools to create these spooky breakfast treats.
| Ingredients | Tools | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Large mixing bowl | Ghost cookie cutter |
| Milk | Whisk | Squeeze bottle |
| Eggs | Griddle/pan | Candy eyes |
| Baking powder | Spatula | Food coloring |
| Sugar & salt | Measuring cups | Chocolate chips |
I always keep these items stocked in my kitchen, and you probably do too!
Step-by-Step Ghost Pancake Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients and tools, let’s create these adorably spooky ghost pancakes!
Pour your batter into a squeeze bottle and start with a round head shape, about 3 inches wide.
Add two smaller circles below for the body, each slightly larger than the last.
Drop mini chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth, then cook until bubbles form before flipping.
Tips for Perfect Ghost Shapes
Success in creating perfectly shaped ghost pancakes relies on mastering your batter consistency and pouring technique. You’ll want your batter slightly thinner than regular pancake mix – I’ve found that adding 2 extra tablespoons of milk per cup of mix works perfectly.
| Shape Part | Pouring Technique | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Start with round dollop | Pouring too fast |
| Body | Pull down slowly | Making too wide |
| Curves | Gentle S-motion | Sharp angles |
| Arms | Quick side sweeps | Uneven length |
| Base | Wider at bottom | Too narrow/thin |
Decorating Ideas and Variations
Once you’ve mastered the perfect ghost shape, it’s time to bring these spooky pancakes to life with creative decorations.
Add chocolate chip eyes and mouths, or use whipped cream to create floating spirits.
You can also drizzle maple syrup in a spider web pattern, dust with powdered sugar for an ethereal glow, or create colorful ghost pancakes using natural food coloring.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
While ghost pancakes taste best fresh off the griddle, you can still prep components ahead to make your Halloween breakfast less hectic.
Here’s how to store everything properly:
- Mix your dry ingredients the night before and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate prepared batter in a sealed pitcher for up to 24 hours – just give it a quick stir before using.
- Freeze cooked pancakes between wax paper sheets for up to 1 month and reheat in the toaster.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
To make these spooky ghost pancakes truly Instagram-worthy, I’ve found that presentation makes all the difference.
Serve them on a black plate for maximum contrast, and create faces using chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate.
You can arrange fresh berries around the ghosts for a pop of color, or drizzle maple syrup in a spider web pattern for extra Halloween flair.
Kid-Friendly Pancake Making Tips
Making ghost-shaped pancakes becomes even more delightful when you get the kids involved in the kitchen.
I’ve found that turning pancake-making into a family activity creates precious memories while teaching basic cooking skills.
- Let kids practice drawing ghost shapes with batter in a sandbox pan first
- Use plastic squeeze bottles instead of ladles for better control
- Keep the workspace at child height using a sturdy step stool