This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom Thumb. All opinions are 100% mine.
Need a simple gift for a foodie in your life? Make them a festive breakfast gift basket with homemade gingerbread pancake mix (easy recipe included), gingerbread syrup, ground coffee, creamer, maple syrup, and a few other goodies. This makes a thoughtful gift during the fall & winter months, and especially around Christmas when everyone's craving warm spices & cozy foods. Keep reading for plenty of tips, tricks & inspiration!
I'm back with another DIY gift basket! This is the last one of the year, so I'm going all out to make it timely and festive.
One of my favorite things to do in December is walk through grocery store bakeries to smell all the cozy gingerbread treats. Surely I'm not the only one? It's heaven!!!
The combo of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in those baked goods gives me all the feel-good vibes. Everyone can use more of that right now. Ahem.
So, I thought I'd replicate the gingerbread goodness at home in the form of fluffy pancakes and infused simple syrup. It worked beautifully! The pancakes had a light gingerbread scent & flavor and the gingerbread syrup topping added just the right about of sweetness & spiciness. Yum!
But, I couldn't keep it all to myself, so I'm sharing the pancake recipe with you today, along with plenty of tips & tricks, so you can turn it into a breakfast gift basket that's perfect for the holiday season. Let's make some beautiful & delicious things this year to spread the holiday cheer, y'all.
What to Put in a Breakfast Gift Basket
There are lots of options for items to include in a breakfast gift basket; however, there are three main things you should definitely include:
- one major food item (ex: pancake mix, waffle mix, granola, muesli, overnight oats, etc.) that will become the "theme" of your basket
- beverage to pair with the food (coffee or tea usually, but you can go wild and do a bloody mary mix or orange juice + champagne for mimosas)
- mix-ins or toppings for the main food item (maple syrup, homemade pancake syrup, honey, yogurt, fresh or dried fruit, flavored syrups, jams, hot sauce, whipped cream, etc.)
- a pack of flavored biscotti (for dipping in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate)
- clotted cream, scones & fruit jam (for serving with black tea or coffee)
- a batch of freshly baked "breakfast" cookies (like these oatmeal breakfast cookies with blueberries or my banana oatmeal breakfast cookies)
- French toast kit (with a loaf of Brioche or challah, heavy cream or half & half, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon & nutmeg, and butter)
- biscuit & sausage kit (AP flour, baking powder, butter, salt, pastry cutter, biscuit cutter, ground breakfast sausage, heavy cream or half & half, and black pepper)
- bacon & eggs kit (thick-cut bacon, eggs, English muffins, bacon press, silicone spatula, small non-stick skillet OR medium cast-iron skillet)
- a batch of freshly baked asiago bagels with a few tubs of cream cheese (you could even include a package of lox and a jar of capers if your recipient enjoys that)
For today's gift basket, I chose pancake mix as the "theme", but since we're close to Christmas, I included gingerbread flavors to make it extra festive. And I supplemented the basket with complementary foods that pair well with warm spices (crystallized ginger, gingerbread syrup, candied nuts, citrus, and snickerdoodle creamer).
Ingredients For Gingerbread Pancake Mix
This dry pancake mix is so easy to stir together with simple pantry ingredients. If you like to cook & bake on a regular basis, there's a good chance you have everything you need on hand already.
- all-purpose flour: I use an unbleached & organic variety. I haven't tested the pancakes out with whole wheat flour or a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend yet, so let me know how it turns out if you decide to make that swap.
- baking powder & baking soda: these help our pancakes to rise
- kosher salt: this brings out the sweetness & makes the warm spices pop
- coconut sugar or brown sugar: this adds a touch of sweetness to the pancakes to balance out the warm spices - you can increase this by a tablespoon or so if you like sweeter pancakes or omit it altogether if you prefer.
- gingerbread spices (ginger powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, allspice powder, clove powder): You can tweak the ratios of these spices based on your personal preferences; however, ginger should definitely be at the top since it's the key ingredient. I used new bottles of ground spices from Signature SELECT® so they'd be fresh for this recipe. I typically add ground black pepper, as well, but left it out because I didn't know how spicy it would make the pancakes. I may try it next time!
- crystallized ginger (optional): This is an easy way to add extra ginger flavor without a bunch of heat. I like to keep this whole and store it on top of the mix so the recipient can decide whether they want to chop it up and fold it into the pancake batter OR sprinkle it on top of the cooked pancakes as a garnish.
NOTE: There are different varieties of ginger candy out there with varying textures (hard, chewy & soft). Crystallized ginger is soft and easy to bite into without pieces getting stuck in your teeth (yay).
TIP: For the most fragrant & fluffy pancakes, it's important to use fresh spices, baking soda & powder in your dry mix. Bottles of ground spices lose their potency after several months of being open, so buying new bottles (or grinding your own with whole spices) ensures your pancake mix will have a stronger gingerbread taste & smell (which we want).
Likewise, baking powder and soda can lose their effectiveness after a while and we need them to work properly so our pancakes rise. I recommend buying new bottles/cartons for this mix (use any extra to make flourless peanut butter cookies, double chocolate banana muffins, and cheddar drop biscuits), then write the date you opened it on the top so you know when to toss them next.
How to Make Your Gift Basket More Festive For The Holidays
To make your gift extra special, pair it with a few complimentary items that your recipient can use in their home to create a cozy & festive atmosphere.
- Decorate the basket with fresh herbs or fruits. This adds texture, color & natural fragrance. My favorites for the winter months are rosemary (what I used today), thyme, citrus (I used lemon), and fresh whole cranberries. Pine cones are another fun one if you can find real ones.
- Include a box ofinexpensive string lights or a candle. They can plug in the lights or light the candle during their breakfast meal to make the room feel soft & cozy.
- Pair the basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Everyone loves flowers and it's one of the easiest ways to add interest to a table, counter, or mantle. For today's basket, I used the alpine frost bouquet + white mason jar vase from Debi Lilly design™ (pictured above). Isn't it absolutely gorgeous? It's full of cool colors like blue, green & white that catch the eye and evoke a winter landscape. And I love that the bouquet was under $15 - so affordable!
TIP: To get the most bang for your buck when entertaining, break your bouquet into 2-3 bundles and place each one into a small vase or mason jar. Keep the smaller bouquets together to form a unique centerpiece (scatter some fresh herbs & fruit around them), or place them in different areas of your home to extend the fresh flower vibe.
Where To Find Everything For Your Breakfast Gift Basket
Want to hit the easy button & pick up everything you need for this recipe + gift basket all in one spot? Visit your local Albertsons & Tom Thumb stores, where you can find beautiful, high-quality seasonal gifting and home decor products + your favorite holiday baking and cooking essentials.
ABSCo’s exclusive brands (like debi lilly design™, Signature SELECT™, O Organics®, and Lucerne®) offer everything you need to create your favorite holiday recipes, all at a value. For gifting and creating special moments this year, you can find great products you are proud to share with your family and friends in-store or online at Tom Thumb.
Note: Live outside the Dallas area? I shopped at my local Tom Thumb but you can also find the same exclusive products at the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, and Vons.
TIP: Tom Thumb also offers Grocery Delivery and DriveUp & Go™ for convenient ways to shop!
How to Make a Pancake Breakfast Gift Basket
Here's everything I included in my basket in case you want to replicate it, otherwise use this as inspiration for your own version:
Supplies:
- gift basket (I used a 4-quart glass mixing bowl, which is functional since it can be used to fix the pancakes later): You can also use a wicker basket, wooden box, metal tray, or decorated cardboard box
- decorated kitchen towels and/or paper filling (for lining the basket, adding height & protecting your items): I used kraft paper filling + a red snowflake towel I got a Tom Thumb
- coffee mug(s) (for drinking the coffee later with the pancakes + holding our smaller items): you may want to pick a bigger container if you plan on including multiple mugs as they take up quite a bit of room
- flat spatula (for flipping the pancakes)
- mini whisk or wooden spoon (for stirring the pancake batter together)
- measuring spoons (for adding the vanilla extract & molasses when making the pancakes)
- vanilla extract: I grabbed a small bottle of pure vanilla extract from Signature SELECT
- ground coffee (for brewing & serving with the pancakes): I included a 12-oz bag of ground Kona Coffee Blend from Signature SELECT
- maple syrup (for topping the pancakes): I used a small bottle of pure maple syrup from O Organics®
- gingerbread pancake mix (recipe below): I packaged mine in a hermetic glass jar from Le Parfait (there are different brands you can choose from - they all have a flip-top lid with a metal hinge) but a regular mason jar works perfectly fine!
- gingerbread syrup (for topping the pancakes): I made a batch of homemade gingerbread syrup on the stove the day before with fresh ginger, whole spices, coconut sugar, molasses & water. This adds lots of extra gingerbread flavor and is so easy to make! Your recipient could even use it to make a gingerbread latte.
- candied pecans or walnuts (for topping the pancakes): I made a batch of homemade candied pecans in the oven the day before and packaged them up in a small bag lined with parchment paper. You can also make maple candied nuts on the stovetop!
- flavored coffee creamer (for pouring into the brewed coffee): I used the seasonal limited edition Snickerdoodle coffee creamer from Lucerne®
- lemon or orange (optional - for zesting into the pancake batter for a bit of citrusy brightness)
- fresh rosemary (for decoration - this adds some green "wintery" color & a fresh smell to the basket)
- unsulphured molasses: I didn't include it in my basket this time, but if your recipient doesn't keep this ingredient stocked in their pantry, it's smart to include a bottle so they can make the pancakes right away.
Instructions:
- First, make any homemade elements like your gingerbread pancake mix (recipe below), gingerbread syrup, candied nuts, or granola then package them into a cute glass or plastic container tied with a bit of plain or red twine.
- Find a sturdy gift basket that's big enough to fit your pancake mix, maple syrup, coffee, creamer, mugs & other goodies inside. You can choose a taller & deeper basket, a circular one, or a shallow and wide one. Keep in mind that the larger your basket, the more space you'll have to fill to make it look abundant.
- Now you're ready to assemble. Line the bottom of the basket with your preferred filler (I used kraft paper here but colorful kitchen towels work well). Place your tallest items at the back of the basket (in my case the coffee, maple syrup, spatula & whisk). Add more paper filler (or folded up towels) in front of the tall items to create height for the shorter things to rest on. If you're including a cute towel, lay it over the rim of the basket so it's half in, half out. Arrange your smaller items (mugs, pancake mix, candied nuts, etc.) in the front so each item is visible and nothing is completely hidden at the bottom.
- Once everything is positioned how you want it & secure (nothing falls out of the basket when you pick it up), you're ready to go. TIP: If you're making this ahead of time, store the coffee creamer (if using) in your refrigerator and only add it to the basket right before you leave so it stays cold.
- (Optional): Tie a hand-written tag to the basket's handle and cover the top with cellphone or wrapping paper (to keep it a surprise). If you cover it, make sure to let the recipient know there is something perishable inside (coffee creamer) in case they delay opening it.
More Gift Baskets You'll Love:
Gingerbread Pancakes + Dry Mix
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups ( 7.72 oz) of unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of ginger powder
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder (or freshly grated nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon of allspice powder
- 1 teaspoon of clove powder
- (optional) ½ cup of crystallized ginger
- 1 batch of gingerbread pancake mix (recipe above)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter
- for topping (optional): butter, gingerbread simple syrup, maple syrup, finely chopped crystallized ginger and/or candied pecans
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice & clove in a mixing bowl until all combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass jar, (optional) top with a square of parchment paper and the crystallized ginger, and cover with a lid. Store in the pantry and consume within three months for the best flavorful and fluffy texture.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the eggs, vanilla, and molasses. Mix until smooth and incorporated. Stir in the buttermilk and melted butter (make sure it’s cooled a bit if you microwaved it).
- Dump the gingerbread pancake mix into the bowl with the wet ingredients and gently combine with a spatula. The batter will be thick, so don't overmix it. A few lumps and/or tiny pockets of flour are okay. Set the batter to the side for 10 minutes to rest before proceeding (this helps keep them fluffy).
- Set a non-stick skillet to medium heat and spray lightly with cooking spray or add a small amount of butter. Scoop a heaping ⅓ cup of batter into the skillet and spread it into a 4-inch circle with a spatula (the batter will be thick and won’t spread on its own).
- Cook the pancake until bubbles form on top and the edges are dry. Flip and cook until browned on the other side. Keep an eye on them as the sugar in the batter makes them more prone to burning. Repeat with the remaining batter until it's all used up.
- Top the gingerbread pancakes with butter, warm maple syrup, gingerbread syrup, candied nuts, and/or finely chopped crystallized ginger.
Notes:
FRESHNESS: If you're giving the dry pancake mix as a gift, use new bottles of ground spices, baking powder & baking soda when you make it so the mix is fragrant and the pancakes turn out fluffy.
Adapted fromGrandma's Gingerbread Pancakes & The Simple But Perfect Pancake
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MEDICAL DISCLOSURE: The information included on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions expressed here are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own situation or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.
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