How to Draw Latkes (Easy Step by Step)
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Latkes are crispy potato pancakes that families eat during Hanukkah, and this stack comes with a happy face. You can build the whole drawing from puffy rounded shapes, curved lines, and one big plate.
- Easy
- 15 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw latkes step by step
How to Draw Latkes · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: Top latke outline
Start with the top latke. Draw a bumpy, wavy line along the top left, then a rounded corner that curves down on the left side. Do the same on the right, and leave a gap in the middle of the top.
Step 3: Bottom of top latke
Draw a gently curved line across from the bottom of the left side to the bottom of the right side. Then, from each end, curve out and down with wavy sides to start the middle latke.
Step 4: Bottom of middle latke
Draw a long, gently curved line across to join the two wavy sides. This closes the bottom of the middle latke.
Step 5: Bottom of the stack
Add a long, gently curved line below the middle latke to close the bottom of the third latke. On the right, let a short curve swoop out and down, like the start of the plate.
Step 6: The plate
Draw a big flat curve under the stack for the plate. Start at the left side of the stack, curve down and around the bottom, and come up on the right to meet the plate edge.
Step 7: The applesauce dollop
On top of the stack, draw a small puffy cloud shape, like a scoop of applesauce or sour cream. Use a few round bumps, with both ends touching the top latke.
Step 8: Smiley face
On the middle latke, draw two small round dots for eyes. Between them and a little lower, draw a tiny curved smile.
Step 9: Finishing touches
Draw a short curved swoosh on the dollop. Then add a long, thin curved line on the plate, near the front edge.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your latkes? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a menorah or how to draw a dreidel next.
Tips for drawing latkes
- Keep the three latkes about the same width, with the sides bulging out a little, so the stack looks steady and not wobbly.
- The bumpy top edge is the trickiest part. Draw three or four small rounded humps in a row instead of one long wiggly line.
- Keep the face small, with the eyes at the same height and the smile in the middle between them.
Free latkes coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this latkes coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your latkes drawing
Try golden brown and light yellow for the latkes, white or cream for the applesauce dollop, and a blue plate for a Hanukkah feel. For a creative twist, color the dollop light pink like applesauce.
Latkes fun fact for kids
Latkes are fried in oil, and during Hanukkah the oil reminds people of the small amount of oil that kept a lamp burning for eight days in a long-ago story.
Questions about drawing latkes
What shapes do I need to draw latkes?
You need puffy rounded shapes for the stack, a small cloud shape for the dollop, and a wide flat oval for the plate. Two dots and a curved line make the face.
How do I make my latkes look cuter?
Give the middle latke a smiling face with two round dot eyes and a tiny smile. Keep the face small and centered.
How do I make the stack look like separate latkes?
Draw a curved line across the stack between each latke, and let the sides bulge out a little at each layer. This makes each one look round and thick.
