Name: Pancake Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp melted butter; ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or blueberries; Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or honey for serving

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Pancake Poppers! These delightful mini bites capture all the fluffy, golden charm of classic pancakes, but in a poppable, crowd-pleasing form perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack. Whether you like yours bursting with mini chocolate chips or juicy blueberries, Pancake Poppers are irresistibly fun to make and share — plus, they’re just as tasty fresh from the oven as they are dipped in syrup at the table. There’s something about their light texture and customizable flair that makes them a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pancake Poppers are truly all about simple, reliable ingredients coming together for maximum flavor and a dreamy, tender crumb. Each component plays its part, so don’t skip a thing — from the tangy buttermilk to the melt-in-your-mouth chips or berries, every ingredient boosts the magic!

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the soft, fluffy base for every popper.
Sugar: Just a touch brightens the flavor without making the poppers overly sweet.
Baking powder: Ensures great lift and that light pancake texture in every bite.
Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for extra fluffiness and helps with browning.
Salt: A pinch brings out all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Adds tang and moisture for the most pillowy poppers.
Egg: Binds the batter and adds beautiful richness and color.
Vanilla extract: A splash infuses gentle warmth and sweetness throughout.
Melted butter: Makes the crumb tender and imparts a crave-worthy buttery flavor.
Mini chocolate chips or blueberries (optional): Customize poppers with pockets of melty chocolate or bursts of fruit.
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or honey (for serving): Choose your favorite drizzle or dusting for a sweet finish!

How to Make Pancake Poppers

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for perfectly golden Pancake Poppers. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or a tiny swipe of melted butter. This ensures your poppers will release easily and have those lovely tender edges.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Grab two mixing bowls. In the first, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt — this guarantees every bite is evenly fluffy. In the second bowl, combine the buttermilk (or milk with vinegar), egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients over your dry mixture and stir gently. The key: don’t overmix! Some lumps are totally fine and help create that classic pancake texture.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Use a spoon or a small scoop to fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full. This allows the Pancake Poppers room to rise nicely. If you’re jazzing them up with chocolate chips or blueberries, simply drop a few into each cup before they bake. It’s the fun part — make it your own!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Pancake Poppers for 12–15 minutes, keeping an eye out for a golden top and that familiar pancake aroma. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a minute or two before popping them out of the tin so they keep their perfect shape.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

While still warm, dust your Pancake Poppers with powdered sugar, or let everyone pick their favorite drizzle — maple syrup or honey makes them extra irresistible. Grab a plate, gather around the table, and enjoy the poppable, fluffy goodness!

How to Serve Pancake Poppers

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar turns these Pancake Poppers into a little morning celebration. Or, go classic with a modest drizzle of real maple syrup. Want to get fancy? Try a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries for a brunch-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

Pancake Poppers shine alongside crispy bacon, sizzling sausage links, or a pretty fruit salad for a festive brunch spread. For a lighter pairing, serve with Greek yogurt and a spoonful of berry compote, or pile them up with scrambled eggs for a cozy family breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the Pancake Poppers high on a cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, or skewer them onto sticks with berries in between for a playful, kid-friendly breakfast kabob. You can even offer a DIY dipping station with little cups of maple syrup, chocolate sauce, and berry preserves for interactive fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Pancake Poppers left, they’ll keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the fridge for three days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to keep them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

For quick breakfasts or snacks, freeze cooled Pancake Poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, making them a lifesaver for busy mornings or last-minute brunches.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or refrigerated Pancake Poppers back to life, pop them in the toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but the oven gives them the best slightly crisp exterior and pillowy inside.

FAQs

Can I make Pancake Poppers ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Bake them the day before and keep them in an airtight container. Warm them briefly in the oven before serving for that just-baked freshness, and they’re party-ready in minutes.

What mix-ins work best for Pancake Poppers?

Mini chocolate chips and blueberries are classics, but you can get creative! Try chopped nuts, diced strawberries, or even a swirl of Nutella or peanut butter for a unique flavor twist.

Can I make these Pancake Poppers gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The texture remains tender and the poppers are just as delicious.

How do I prevent the Pancake Poppers from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease your mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or melted butter, and let the poppers cool for a couple minutes before removing. A silicone mini muffin pan can also help.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe doubles easily — just use a second mini muffin tin or bake in batches. Pancake Poppers are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or brunch parties.

Final Thoughts

Bursting with fun and flavor, Pancake Poppers will quickly become a favorite at your breakfast table. Whether you make them for a cozy family morning or a festive brunch, don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds. Give this playful recipe a try, and share the joy of Pancake Poppers!

Pancake Poppers Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 poppers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these bite-sized Pancake Poppers, perfect for a quick and tasty breakfast or snack. Light, fluffy, and customizable with your favorite mix-ins, these mini pancakes are sure to become a family favorite!

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
Make the Batter: Whisk dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combine. Fill muffin cups.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Fill each cup ¾ full, adding optional mix-ins if desired.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool before removing from tin.
Serve and Enjoy: Dust with sugar, drizzle with syrup, or dip in honey. Serve warm.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
If buttermilk is unavailable, mix regular milk with vinegar as a substitute.
Use high-quality butter for enhanced flavor.
Do not overmix the batter for light and airy poppers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 poppers
Calories: 120
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Pancake Poppers, Mini Pancakes, Breakfast, Snack, Buttermilk Pancakes