These blueberry pancake bites are a fun twist on breakfast! They are fluffy little pancakes filled with juicy blueberries, perfect for a quick treat. Everyone loves a bite-sized snack!
Making these is like playing with your food, and I can never stop at just one! They are great with syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the pancake bites. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I find it works just as well!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and a bit of tang. If you don’t have any, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It will mimic buttermilk perfectly.
Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen ones too. Just make sure not to thaw them to keep the batter from turning purple! I usually prefer fresh for that juicy burst of flavor.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter so that I can control the salt in the recipe. If you need to keep it dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter is a great alternative.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can lead to tough pancake bites, so here’s how to keep your batter fluffy:
- Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately first. This way, you’ll have a clear view of how mixed they are.
- When combining the two, stir gently and just until everything is combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; they will smooth out during baking.
- Try using a spatula instead of a whisk to keep it light! Folding is key here.
Taking your time with mixing is crucial for fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancake bites!
How to Make Blueberry Pancake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the mini muffin pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious treat takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to bake. In no time, you’ll have a delightful batch of blueberry pancake bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or melt some butter to spread around. This will prevent the pancake bites from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed—this helps your bites rise nicely!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This will create a smooth and creamy mixture for your pancake bites.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined. Remember not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay. This will keep your bites fluffy!
5. Add the Blueberries
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries. Try to do this gently to avoid smashing the berries too much. We want those delicious bursts of flavor in every bite!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This gives the pancake bites room to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake Away!
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the pancake bites cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. These bites are best served warm!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your blueberry pancake bites warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or any of your favorite toppings. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a fun snack anytime!
Can I Use Different Berries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute blueberries with other berries like raspberries, chopped strawberries, or blackberries. Just ensure they are cut to size if necessary, and keep in mind the flavor will vary a bit depending on the fruits you choose!
Can I Make These Pancake Bites Without Buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a great alternative for this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Pancake Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a toaster oven until warmed through, making them easy to enjoy later!
Can I Freeze Blueberry Pancake Bites?
Yes, you can freeze these pancake bites! After they completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving!
