Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful pancake bites. Keep in mind, these are pantry staples, making this recipe perfect for a spontaneous weekend brunch or a quick weekday treat.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bites, providing structure and a tender crumb. We’ll need 2 cups to get the perfect fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning. 2 tablespoons will strike the right balance without making them overly sugary.
- Baking Powder: The magic ingredient for fluffiness! 2 tablespoons of baking powder will ensure our bites are light and airy.
- Baking Soda: Works in tandem with baking powder for extra lift and a slightly tangy flavor. We’ll use ½ teaspoon for that perfect pancake taste.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Just ½ teaspoon is all you need.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter. 1 ¾ cups of milk will give the batter the ideal consistency. You can use any kind of milk you prefer – dairy or non-dairy.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure. 2 large eggs are perfect for this recipe.
- Melted Butter (Unsalted): Adds flavor, moisture, and tenderness. 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter will give these bites that signature pancake richness. Make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. 1 teaspoon is all you need to elevate the taste.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of irresistible Fluffy Pancake Bites. It’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it!
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. This includes your 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the baking powder and soda, ensuring a consistent rise and texture throughout your pancake bites. Whisking also helps to aerate the flour, preventing lumps in your batter.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Start with 1 ¾ cups of milk, then add 2 large eggs, 4 tablespoons of melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until they are well combined and the eggs are fully incorporated. Ensure your melted butter is not too hot when adding it to the eggs, as this could cause them to cook slightly. Cooling it slightly prevents this and ensures a smooth batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or whisk, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough pancake bites. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine – they will disappear as you let the batter rest. The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest
This is a crucial step for achieving truly fluffy pancake bites. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. During this resting period, the baking powder and soda will begin to activate, and the gluten in the flour will relax. This results in lighter, fluffier, and more tender pancake bites. Don’t skip this step – it makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
Step 5: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
While the batter is resting, prepare your cooking surface. You can use either a griddle or a large skillet. If using a griddle, preheat it to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). If using a skillet, place it over medium heat. Lightly grease your cooking surface with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the pancake bites from sticking and ensures they brown beautifully. If using butter, be careful not to let it burn; a light coating is all you need.
Step 6: Cook the Pancake Bites
Once your griddle or skillet is heated and lightly greased, it’s time to cook the pancake bites. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the hot cooking surface. Leave some space between each bite to allow for spreading. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s time to flip when bubbles start to appear on the surface of the pancake bites and the edges look set.
Step 7: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Carefully flip each pancake bite using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Gently press down on a pancake bite with your spatula; it should spring back when done. If it feels soft and mushy, it needs to cook a little longer. Make sure they are cooked through to ensure they are light and fluffy inside and not doughy.
Step 8: Keep Warm and Repeat
As the pancake bites are cooked, transfer them to a plate or wire rack to keep warm. You can keep them warm in a preheated oven at a very low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) if you are making a large batch. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining batter until all the pancake bites are cooked. Remember to lightly grease the cooking surface between batches if needed.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once all your Fluffy Pancake Bites are cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Stack them high on a plate, drizzle with your favorite toppings, and watch them disappear. These pancake bites are delicious served immediately while they are still warm and fluffy. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat any time of day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 7