The Perfect Fun and Easy Pancake Poppers Recipe

Are you searching for a fresh way to brighten up your breakfast table? Do you adore the thought of pancakes but could do without the fuss of flipping and the messy clean-up afterwards? We understand the feeling of being stuck at the stove while everyone else is ready to eat. But what if we told you there was a method to enjoy all the fluffy delight of pancakes in a charming, bite-sized form that’s astonishingly simple to prepare? Well, today is your lucky day. Allow us to introduce you to your new favourite morning meal: the fun and easy pancake poppers recipe!

These wonderful little morsels are essentially mini pancakes that are baked in a muffin tin, meaning no flipping is necessary. They are incredibly adaptable, perfectly portioned for little ones, and a certified hit with the whole family. Whether you’re organising a special weekend brunch, seeking a quick weekday breakfast, or in need of a brilliant fun breakfast idea for a party, these pancake poppers are the ideal solution. Let’s get started and learn how to create these irresistible treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless to Prepare: Say goodbye to standing over a hot pan. You just need to mix the batter, pour it into a mini muffin tin, and allow your oven to handle the rest. It truly transforms busy mornings.
• Ideal for Little Ones: These bite-sized pancakes are perfectly sized for toddlers and young children. They are simple to grasp, enjoyable to dip, and help make breakfast a far tidier experience. It’s an exceptional kid-friendly breakfast.
• Completely Customisable: The real enjoyment comes from adding your favourite fillings. From chocolate chips and juicy blueberries to a dash of warming cinnamon, you can adapt each popper to please every palate. We will share plenty of inspiration below.
• Excellent for Meal Prepping: You can prepare a large batch over the weekend to have on hand for the week ahead. They keep wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, ready to be reheated for a super speedy breakfast.
• No Flipping Necessary: Have we mentioned this already? It’s a point worth repeating! Baking them in a tin guarantees they cook through evenly and emerge perfectly golden every time, without any need for fancy spatula skills.

Ingredients

• 200g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large free-range egg
• 240ml buttermilk
• 60ml whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• chocolate chips
• fresh blueberries
• diced strawberries

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pancake Poppers

Creating these pancake poppers is as straightforward as mix, pour, and bake. We have detailed the entire process in easy-to-follow stages to ensure you achieve fluffy, golden-brown perfection with every batch. Let’s begin!

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

1. Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan / Gas Mark 5).
2. Grease a 24-hole mini muffin tin very well with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This is a vital step to stop the poppers from getting stuck, so don’t be shy!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt with a whisk.
2. Mixing the dry ingredients together first ensures the raising agents are distributed evenly, which is the secret to a light and fluffy result.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In another medium-sized bowl or a large jug, beat the egg until it becomes light and airy.
2. To the egg, add the buttermilk, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. The buttermilk is our key to wonderfully tender and moist poppers!

Step 4: Make the Batter

1. Gently pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients.
2. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, carefully fold the mixture together until just combined. It is crucial not to overmix! A few lumps remaining in the batter are absolutely fine and actually help create tender pancakes. Overmixing activates the gluten, which can lead to tough poppers.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Mix-ins

1. Spoon or pour the batter into each cup of your prepared mini muffin tin, filling them about two-thirds of the way. Using a small jug can make this step much tidier.
2. Here comes the exciting bit! If you are using fillings, sprinkle a few chocolate chips, blueberries, or another mix-in of your choice into the middle of each popper. Lightly press them down into the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Put the muffin tin into your preheated oven and let it bake for 9–12 minutes.
2. The pancake poppers are done when they have puffed up, turned a lovely golden-brown colour, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
3. Allow them to cool in the tin for a couple of minutes before gently moving them to a wire rack to cool further.

Top Tips for the Fluffiest Pancake Poppers

To assist you in reaching breakfast excellence, we’ve put together a few of our best tips and tricks. These minor adjustments can significantly improve your final bake.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

We’ve said it before, but this truly is the golden rule for making great pancakes. A lumpy batter is a good sign! Mixing only until the ingredients are just incorporated stops the gluten from becoming overworked, guaranteeing your poppers have a wonderfully light and fluffy texture. For more fantastic advice, this guide from BBC Good Food has some brilliant insights.

Ensure Your Muffin Tin is Well-Greased

Nothing is more disappointing than having your delicious creations stick firmly to the pan. Apply a generous layer of butter, use a baking spray that contains flour, or even pop in mini paper liners to ensure they come out easily. A silicone mini muffin tin is another excellent choice for non-stick results.

Experiment with Flavours

This recipe provides a brilliant foundation for your culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to try new things! If your family enjoys simple and tasty bakes, you might also like to have a go at our classic Banana Bread Recipe for another easy-to-make treat.

Fun Variations and Serving Suggestions

One of the finest qualities of this fun and easy pancake poppers recipe is its amazing versatility. You can easily alter the fillings and toppings to craft a new flavour experience each time you make them.

Sweet Filling and Topping Ideas

• Chocolate Dream: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter. After they’ve baked, serve them with a little drizzle of chocolate sauce. This is a surefire hit, much like our very popular Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe.
• Berry Burst: Fill your poppers with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or finely chopped strawberries. Serve alongside a spoonful of Greek yoghurt and a vibrant fruit compote.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your dry ingredients. Once baked, top the poppers with a simple glaze made from icing sugar and a few drops of milk.
• Funfetti Fun: For a special birthday breakfast, stir a tablespoon of colourful sprinkles through the batter just before baking!

Serving Your Pancake Poppers

Present them warm on a large platter with an assortment of dipping sauces. We suggest setting out small bowls of maple syrup, honey, Nutella, Biscoff spread, fruit coulis, and freshly whipped cream. For a playful presentation, you could also thread them onto skewers with pieces of fresh fruit.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These pancake poppers are ideal for making in advance. Here is the best way to store them so you can enjoy a quick and tasty breakfast on any day of the week.

• To Store: Once they have cooled down completely, put the pancake poppers into an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: You can warm them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 3-5 minutes until they are heated through.
• To Freeze: Place the cooled poppers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until they are solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly from frozen in the microwave or oven.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Breakfast

And there you have it—a straightforward, delicious, and wonderfully fun approach to pancakes. This fun and easy pancake poppers recipe offers more than just a meal; it’s a chance to make joyful kitchen memories with your loved ones. They provide the perfect answer for hectic mornings, relaxed weekends, and celebratory occasions.

With limitless options for customisation and the convenience of being able to make them ahead, we are sure these delightful bites of happiness will become a treasured favourite in your household. So, why not give them a go this weekend? We would be thrilled to see your creations! Feel free to share your photos and favourite flavour combinations in the comments below or on social media. Happy baking!

Recipe Card

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 200g plain flour
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large free-range egg
• 240ml buttermilk
• 60ml whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, blueberries, diced strawberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C Fan / Gas Mark 5) and generously grease a 24-hole mini muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg until light, then whisk in the buttermilk, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
5. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter. If using, add a few chocolate chips or blueberries to the centre of each one.
6. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until golden-brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the tin for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with your favourite dips like maple syrup or fruit coulis.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 313, Carbs: 49 g, Protein: 9 g, Fat: 9 g