These blueberry pancake bites are like little fluffy clouds bursting with juicy berries! They are perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack.
Making these is a breeze! I love popping them in my mouth while running out the door. Who knew pancakes could be so portable and fun? 🥞💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is a key base for the batter. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it, and the texture remains light and fluffy!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives these bites a lovely tang. If you’re out of it, just mix 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Works like a charm!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for bursts of flavor. Frozen ones work too, but remember to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control of saltiness. If you’re vegan, opt for melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute!
How Do You Ensure Fluffy Pancake Bites?
Fluffiness is all about how you mix the batter! Overmixing can lead to dense pancake bites, so be gentle. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Some lumps are okay!
- Fold in blueberries carefully to avoid breaking them. This keeps the batter light.
- Don’t forget to preheat your oven! A hot oven helps them rise properly.
Following these steps will give you that perfect fluffy texture every time. Enjoy your delightful blueberry bites!
How to Make Blueberry Pancake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 to 1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish if desired)
- Non-stick cooking spray or extra melted butter for greasing the pan
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 12-15 minutes to bake. You can expect a total time of about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, depending on how quickly you work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a moment to lightly grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or some melted butter to prevent sticking. You want those pancake bites to come out easily!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to mix the ingredients evenly and ensure that the baking powder and soda activate properly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter has cooled a bit so it doesn’t cook the egg. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined; it’s totally okay if there are a few small lumps. You want to avoid overmixing to keep those bites fluffy and light!
5. Add the Blueberries:
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Be careful not to mash them too much! This will create lovely bursts of flavor in your pancake bites.
6. Fill the Muffin Molds:
Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each mini muffin mold about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for them to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake:
Place the muffin pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—they can bake quickly!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the pancake bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. This will keep them from getting soggy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These mini pancake bites are best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or drizzle them with syrup or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast or a fun snack anytime!
Enjoy your delicious bite-sized blueberry pancakes!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy batter. Gently fold them in while still partially frozen to keep the color from bleeding too much.
How Do I Store Leftover Pancake Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to cook the batter fresh, you can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before filling the muffin pans, as some settling may occur.
What Can I Serve with Blueberry Pancake Bites?
These pancake bites are great on their own, but you can serve them with maple syrup, honey, or a dollop of yogurt. They also pair nicely with fresh fruit or fruit compote for a delicious breakfast or snack!
