Cheesy Veggie Animal Pancakes
Adorable animal-shaped pancakes packed with hidden zucchini and carrots, topped with creamy yogurt 'cheese' and colorful fruit for a nutrient-packed breakfast that kids beg for. This American-inspired breakfast recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, layers whole wheat pancake mix, grated zucchini, grated carrot into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat pancake mix
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp applesauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup sliced strawberries
The griddle we’d cook this on → Best Griddles for 2026: Stovetop and Electric Picks + Buying Guide
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 1 cup whole wheat pancake mix, 1/2 cup grated zucchini, 1/4 cup grated carrot, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 tbsp applesauce in a bowl until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake and shape into animal forms (like bears) using a spoon, pressing edges to form distinct features.
- Step 3: Cook for 2-3 minutes on first side until golden edges form and bubbles appear on surface, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until second side is golden brown.
- Step 4: While pancakes cook, mix 1/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tsp honey until smooth; spread evenly over each pancake.
- Step 5: Top with 1/4 cup sliced strawberries and serve immediately while warm.









