If you are on the hunt for a fun, delightful treat that’s simple to whip up and guaranteed to please, this Mini Pancake Bites Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine all the warmth and comfort of classic pancakes transformed into bite-sized morsels packed with sweet chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a playful snack. These little pancakes bake up fluffy and golden, offering a perfectly portable and endlessly shareable spin on a beloved breakfast staple that’s sure to become your new favorite morning surprise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for achieving the tender, fluffy texture and rich flavor that make this Mini Pancake Bites Recipe stand out. Each element plays a special role, from the buttermilk’s tangy moisture to the maple syrup’s natural sweetness and the chocolate chips’ melty pockets of joy.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light and soft base for the pancake bites.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures your bites rise to fluffy perfection.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to lighten the texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 Tbsp sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the batter.
- ⅔ cup buttermilk: Gives moisture and a lovely tang that lifts the flavor profile.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together for structure and richness.
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness and a hint of warmth.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the bites tender.
- ½ cup chocolate chips: Bursts of melty chocolate that make every bite irresistible.
How to Make Mini Pancake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and giving a light spray of cooking oil or spray to your mini muffin pan. This step is key to ensure your pancake bites release easily and bake evenly, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. These dry ingredients create the perfect framework needed for fluffy, tender pancake bites that hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the buttermilk, egg, maple syrup, and melted butter. Mixing the wet ingredients separately ensures the egg and liquids blend perfectly without overmixing the flour, which can make your bites tough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spoon just until everything is combined. A few small lumps are fine; overmixing can create dense pancake bites, and we want fluffy, light ones instead.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top once the batter is scooped into the mini muffin pan. This topping touch ensures melty chocolate greets every bite with an extra pop of sweetness and charm.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is golden, fluffy bites with gooey chocolate melting inside.
How to Serve Mini Pancake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Mini Pancake Bites Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with extra maple syrup for a sweet finish. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add freshness and a creamy contrast that perfectly complements the bite-sized pancakes.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon for a well-rounded breakfast experience. The slight saltiness of bacon pairs beautifully with the sweet chocolate chips in the pancake bites, creating a balanced and indulgent brunch plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, thread the pancake bites onto skewers between pieces of fruit to make pancake kabobs. Alternatively, create a pancake bite tower by stacking them on a pretty plate with layers of chocolate sauce and whipped cream—perfect for impressing guests or a special family breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Mini Pancake Bites Recipe (although that’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
To enjoy these pancake bites later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to one month, making them a perfect freezer-friendly breakfast or snack option.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated Mini Pancake Bites Recipe in the toaster oven or microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Reheating restores their warmth and softness without drying out the chocolate chips, so every bite feels freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk mixed with a splash of vinegar, use a flax or chia egg in place of the large egg, and substitute the butter for a vegan alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ⅔ cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using, and it will mimic buttermilk’s tangy moisture perfectly.
Can I use other mix-ins instead of chocolate chips?
Definitely! Blueberries, chopped nuts, or even small pieces of cooked bacon can be fantastic alternatives that add texture and flavor to your Mini Pancake Bites Recipe.
How long do these pancake bites keep fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to two days. To extend their life, freeze as mentioned for longer storage.
Can these be made without a mini muffin pan?
You could try using a mini silicone mold or even bake them as regular-sized pancakes, but the charm of this recipe is in the bite-sized portions that bake evenly in a mini muffin pan.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about sharing these warm, tender Mini Pancake Bites Recipe with loved ones. They are effortless to make, irresistibly tasty, and versatile enough for any time of day. Whether you’re fueling a busy morning, hosting a brunch, or just craving a sweet snack, these little bites will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. Give them a try and fall in love with every chocolate-studded mouthful!
Print
Mini Pancake Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini pancake bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Mini Pancake Bites, perfect for a quick breakfast or fun snack. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with chocolate chips, these bite-sized treats bake up quickly in a mini muffin pan, making them easy to serve and enjoy on the go.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the buttermilk, egg, pure maple syrup, and melted butter until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the batter light.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Use a spoon to gently stir until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well incorporated.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold the chocolate chips into the batter, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top of each pancake bite later.
- Fill Mini Muffin Pan: Using a spoon, scoop the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top of each for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a bite; it should come out clean when they are fully cooked.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep your pancake bites fluffy and tender.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with blueberries or nuts if preferred.
- Ensure your mini muffin pan is well-greased or sprayed to easily remove the bites.
- Serve warm with syrup, butter, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
