There’s something undeniably magical about waking up to the smell of pancakes wafting through the kitchen. As a child, I can fondly recall those sleepy Sunday mornings when my mom would whip up her famous fluffy pancakes, the golden-brown discs sizzling on the griddle while I anxiously awaited my share, drizzled with syrup and topped with fresh fruit. It was a comforting routine that brought us together, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. Today, I want to recreate that joy with a bite-sized twist—Mini Banana Pancake Bites! These delightful morsels are just the right size for tiny hands and big appetites alike, filled with the sweetness of ripe bananas and an easy-to-make batter that inspires a breakfast experience filled with laughter and love.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 10 minutes
- Total Duration: 20 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 2-3
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 200 calories
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbs: 32 grams
- Fats: 7 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 6 grams
- Sodium: 200 mg
Why You’ll Love This Mini Banana Pancake Bites
These Mini Banana Pancake Bites are not only adorable; they also pack a punch of flavor thanks to the natural sweetness of bananas and the slight tang from buttermilk. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack, they are versatile and easy to customize. Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips for indulgence or toss in some blueberries for a burst of juicy goodness. They’re quick to make, and the best part? The kids can help with pouring the batter—making breakfast a fun family affair!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
Before diving into the pancake-making frenzy, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 ripe banana (mashed), 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and cooking spray or additional butter for the pan.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential; it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring your pancakes are fluffy and light!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, mashed banana, and melted butter. The warmth of the melted butter mixes beautifully with the ripe banana, creating an aromatic base that promises a delicious pancake bite!
Step 4: Combine Both Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently combine until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This will keep your pancake bites tender and fluffy!
Step 5: Heat the Skillet
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. A little grease goes a long way, so lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or a dab of butter. This will ensure your pancake bites don’t stick and turn out perfectly golden.
Step 6: Form the Mini Pancakes
Using a small scoop or a spoon, pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form your mini pancakes. Aim for about two tablespoons of batter per pancake to keep them bite-sized and fun!
Step 7: Cook Until Perfectly Golden
Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 1-2 minutes. Here’s the fun part—flip them gently and cook until golden brown on the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Perfectly cooked pancake bites are fluffy, golden treasures that will have everyone lining up for more!
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve your divine mini banana pancakes warm, drizzled with syrup or topped with your favorite toppings—think fresh slices of banana, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. Get creative and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Mini Banana Pancake Bites can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Pair them with a protein-rich side like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs to make a balanced breakfast. For something sweet, fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or your favorite berry compote will elevate the experience. And, don’t forget to pour a generous amount of maple syrup—it’s a classic for a reason!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten pancake bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply microwave them for about 30 seconds or pop them in a toaster for a delightful morning treat.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your banana is very ripe—it yields the best flavor and sweetness.
- If your batter seems too thick, add a splash of buttermilk to loosen it up.
- Experiment with different add-ins like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Keep the heat moderate; too high, and you’ll burn the pancakes before they properly cook through.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to venture beyond banana! Substitute with other mashed fruits like applesauce or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. Or take it up a notch with chocolate chips, walnuts, or coconut flakes folded into the batter. The possibilities are endless!
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes! Whole wheat flour is a healthy substitute; just note that it may result in denser pancakes. -
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make your own! Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes. -
Can I prep the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking. -
What toppings do you recommend?
Fresh fruits, yogurt, pecans, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for a protein-packed option. -
Can I make these as regular-sized pancakes?
For sure! Just increase the cooking time and use a larger scoop for the batter—these also make for a delicious brunch option!
Wrapping Up
Mini Banana Pancake Bites are more than just a breakfast option; they’re a perfect way to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a busy weekday, these little gems can brighten up any meal. So gather your ingredients, invite the kids, and dive into this fun, flavorful experience. Get ready to flip, pour, and savor every scrumptious bite! Happy cooking!
Print
Mini Banana Pancake Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bite-sized pancakes filled with the sweetness of ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Cooking spray or additional butter for the pan
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, mashed banana, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently combine until just mixed.
- Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat with cooking spray or butter.
- Using a small scoop or spoon, pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form mini pancakes.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve warm, drizzled with syrup or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Make sure your banana is very ripe for the best flavor. You can experiment with different add-ins like cinnamon or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
