Description

Fluffy mini pancakes, often known as “pancake cereal” when piled into a bowl and enjoyed with milk or syrup, have become a delightful twist on the traditional pancake breakfast. These bite-sized treats are not only adorable but also incredibly versatile, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a fun snack. Here’s how to make your own fluffy mini pancakes.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (any kind, including dairy-free alternatives)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for cooking
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensuring these ingredients are well combined before adding the wet ingredients helps prevent clumps and guarantees a smooth batter.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform. The addition of vanilla enhances the flavor, giving the mini pancakes a delightful aroma.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes because it develops the gluten in the flour.

4. Preheat the Pan

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with a thin layer of butter to prevent the pancakes from sticking and to add a slight crispness to their edges.

5. Cook the Mini Pancakes

Transfer the batter to a squeeze bottle or a plastic bag with a small corner cut off for easy dispensing. Squeeze small amounts of batter onto the hot griddle to form mini pancakes, about 1 inch in diameter. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown.

6. Serve

Serve your fluffy mini pancakes piled high in a bowl with your favorite toppings: maple syrup, honey, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, treat them like cereal with a splash of milk.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Mini Pancakes:

Consistent Size: To ensure even cooking, try to keep all your mini pancakes the same size. A squeeze bottle helps with precision.
Low and Slow: Cooking these pancakes on a medium-low heat setting allows them to cook through without burning. If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Keep Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add mini chocolate chips, blueberries, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor.

Fluffy mini pancakes are not only a fun and versatile breakfast option but also a great way to bring creativity and joy to the start of your day. Whether served in a bowl with milk or enjoyed by the forkful with syrup and butter, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Happy cooking!