A batter template system and related methods of forming custom pancakes. The batter template system can include one or more template mats made from flexible, non-stick materials that are suitable for use with food and can accommodate conventional cooking temperatures. The template mat can have thermal properties allowing for rapid heating and can be non-perforated. Each template mat can include a permanently etched design on one or both sides of a non-stick sheet. The template mat can be sized and shaped to fit onto a cooking surface of a countertop griddle, cooking pan or even range top surface. One or more pancake batters can be traced or otherwise applied to the etched design to form a pancake depicting a visual design element.