Name: Pancake Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp melted butter; ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or blueberries; Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or honey for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you love the idea of fluffy, bite-sized pancakes that are fun to eat and perfect for any time of day, then Pancake Poppers are about to become your new obsession. These adorable little morsels pack all the comforting flavors of your favorite pancakes into perfectly portioned poppers, making breakfast or brunch feel like a mini celebration. Whether you add chocolate chips, blueberries, or enjoy them plain with a drizzle of maple syrup, Pancake Poppers deliver a burst of fluffiness and flavor that’s simply irresistible. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these delightful treats with ease and confidence!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the magic of Pancake Poppers right starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in crafting their soft texture, light rise, and delightful taste.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your batter, it provides the structure that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents create the lift and fluffiness that make each popper so irresistible.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.
Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): The secret ingredient for a tender crumb and lightly tangy taste that brightens the batter.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together while contributing to moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a warm, inviting aroma and subtle depth.
Melted butter: Ensures a moist texture and gives the poppers a slightly crisp edge with buttery goodness.
Mini chocolate chips or blueberries (optional): Add bursts of sweetness and fun texture variations that take Pancake Poppers to the next level.
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or honey: Perfect finishing touches that elevate these mini treats with extra sweetness when serving.

How to Make Pancake Poppers

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly with non-stick spray or melted butter. This step is crucial to ensure your Pancake Poppers slip out easily once baked, and it helps create those slightly crisp edges everyone loves.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leaveners evenly, which will give your Pancake Poppers that perfect rise and airy texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk (or milk and vinegar mixture), egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is smooth and well combined. This step ensures your wet ingredients are blended just right before meeting the dry mix.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl gradually, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine! Overmixing can make Pancake Poppers dense rather than light and fluffy, so resist the urge to overwork the batter.

Step 5: Fill Mini Muffin Cups and Add Mix-ins

Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full with batter. If you love a flavor twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or blueberries into each portion before baking. These little surprises make each bite even more exciting!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Pancake Poppers for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops look golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before carefully removing them to avoid any breakage.

How to Serve Pancake Poppers

Garnishes

Pancake Poppers are incredibly versatile when it comes to garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, delicate finish, while a generous drizzle of maple syrup or honey brings warmth and sweetness that complements their buttery flavor beautifully. You can get creative with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch too.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pancake Poppers with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, bananas, or a berry compote, and you’ll have a balanced and colorful meal. For a heartier brunch, serve them alongside crispy bacon or sausage links. The sweet and savory contrast elevates the whole experience and keeps everyone happy around the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to add a little fun to your table? Thread Pancake Poppers onto skewers for a whimsical pancake popper kebab – great for kids and perfect for brunch parties. Alternatively, offer a build-your-own bar with various dipping sauces, fruit toppings, and nuts so everyone can customize their poppers exactly how they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your Pancake Poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay moist and delicious for up to three days, making them an excellent grab-and-go breakfast or snack option during your busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze Pancake Poppers to enjoy later with no hassle. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, ready for those mornings when you need a quick, tasty treat.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated Pancake Poppers back to life, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This reheating method keeps them soft on the inside while maintaining a slight crisp on the outside.

FAQs

Can I make Pancake Poppers without buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix one cup of regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about five minutes before using. This easy substitution mimics the tangy acidity of buttermilk, helping your Pancake Poppers stay light and fluffy.

Are Pancake Poppers gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten, but you can easily swap it out with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the poppers hold their shape and texture.

Can I use other mix-ins besides chocolate chips or blueberries?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with diced strawberries, chopped nuts, or even small pieces of cooked bacon for a savory twist. Just be mindful of the size so they fit nicely inside each popper.

How do I prevent Pancake Poppers from sticking to the pan?

Greasing your mini muffin tin well with melted butter or non-stick spray is the best way to prevent sticking. You can also let the poppers cool slightly before gently loosening the edges with a small knife or silicone spatula.

Can I make Pancake Poppers dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk combined with vinegar for the acidity, and swap out butter for melted coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The texture might differ slightly, but they will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

Pancake Poppers are such a delightful and charming take on a breakfast classic, packed with the flavors and textures you love in a perfectly sized bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a fun breakfast treat, these little gems are sure to bring smiles all around. I hope you enjoy making and sharing Pancake Poppers as much as I do – happy baking!

Pancake Poppers Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 mini pancake poppers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pancake Poppers are mini, fluffy, bite-sized pancakes baked in a muffin tin. Perfect for a fun breakfast or snack, they are light and airy thanks to buttermilk and a perfect balance of leavening agents. Customize them with chocolate chips or blueberries and serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or honey for an irresistible treat.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are fine.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full. If using mix-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries, drop them into each cup before baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.
Serve and Enjoy: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or dip in honey for extra sweetness. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the batter to keep poppers light and fluffy; some lumps in the batter are okay.
Use melted butter to grease the muffin tin for easier removal and crispier edges.
Substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice left to sit for 5 minutes if needed.
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Customize with your favorite mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American