Mini pancake bites are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes. These small, fluffy bites are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a fun snack. Easy to make and versatile, you can customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Enjoy them plain, with syrup, or dipped in fruit compote for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Blueberries
- Diced strawberries
- Nuts
For Cooking:
- Additional butter or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter.
Step 2: Cook the Pancake Bites
- Preheat Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour Batter: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop small portions of batter onto the preheated pan, leaving space between each mini pancake bite.
- Cook: Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to set, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat: Continue with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the mini pancake bites warm, with your favorite toppings or dips.
- Toppings: Some popular toppings include maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Cooking Notes
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Mix-ins: Be creative with your mix-ins. You can add different fruits, chocolate chips, or even savory options like cooked bacon bits.
- Consistency: The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more buttermilk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Pancake Bites:
- Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Berry Pancake Bites:
- Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries.
Nutty Pancake Bites:
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Savory Pancake Bites:
- Skip the sugar and add cooked bacon bits, shredded cheese, or chopped herbs to the batter for a savory version.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Even Cooking: Make sure your pan is at the right temperature before adding the batter. Too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool and they won’t brown properly.
- Flip Carefully: Use a small spatula to carefully flip the pancake bites to avoid breaking them.
- Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked pancake bites warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Spread: Serve as part of a breakfast spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
- Brunch: Pair with a mimosa or freshly squeezed juice for a delightful brunch treat.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of fruit compote, yogurt, or Nutella for dipping.
Mini pancake bites are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pancakes in a bite-sized form. They are quick to make, versatile, and perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, plain or with mix-ins, these mini treats are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them hot off the griddle with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and delightful experience.
