Banana Pancake Bites: The Perfect Breakfast or Snack Recipe

Italian Chef Team

3 weeks ago

Banana Pancake Bites: The Perfect Breakfast or Snack Recipe

Are you looking for a fun, easy, and delicious breakfast or snack option? Look no further than these adorable and tasty banana pancake bites! They’re incredibly simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or even as a healthy treat any time of day. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create these bite-sized delights, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, plus variations and helpful tips.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pancake Bites

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The small size and sweet flavor make them irresistible to kids.
* **Versatile:** Customize them with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
* **Healthy(ish):** Bananas add natural sweetness and nutrients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional pancakes.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze them for future breakfasts or snacks.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** These bites are great for prepping breakfast ahead of time for the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic banana pancake bites recipe:

* **1 ripe banana:** The riper, the sweeter and easier to mash.
* **1 cup all-purpose flour:** You can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
* **1 teaspoon baking powder:** This helps the pancake bites rise and become fluffy.
* **1/2 teaspoon baking soda:** Adds to the lightness and texture.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors.
* **1 tablespoon sugar:** Optional, for added sweetness. You can use honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.
* **1 egg:** Binds the ingredients together.
* **1 cup milk:** Dairy or non-dairy milk works well.
* **2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil):** Adds richness and helps prevent sticking.
* **Optional mix-ins:** Chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts, sprinkles.
* **Optional toppings:** Maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, whipped cream, nut butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started!

**Step 1: Prepare the Banana**

* Peel the ripe banana and place it in a mixing bowl.
* Mash the banana thoroughly with a fork until it’s smooth with only small lumps remaining.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

* In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
* Make sure to eliminate any clumps of flour for a smoother batter.

**Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients**

* Add the egg, milk, and melted butter (or oil) to the mashed banana.
* Whisk until the wet ingredients are well combined with the banana.

**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking gently until just combined.
* Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough pancake bites. A few small lumps are okay.

**Step 5: Add Mix-Ins (Optional)**

* If you’re using any mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
* Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 6: Cook the Pancake Bites**

* Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
* You can use cooking spray instead of oil for a healthier option.
* Once the griddle is hot, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle, forming small, round pancake bites. You can use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for even sizes.
* Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to appear on the surface.
* Make sure the insides are cooked and not still liquidy.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the pancake bites from the griddle and transfer them to a plate.
* Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nut butter.
* Enjoy these delightful banana pancake bites while they’re warm!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make your banana pancake bites even more delicious:

* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancake bites gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
* **Vegan:** Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) and use non-dairy milk and oil instead of butter.
* **Chocolate Chip:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Blueberry:** Gently fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter.
* **Nutty:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the batter.
* **Spiced:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Mini Muffins:** For easier baking, pour the batter into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
* **Make Ahead:** Cook the pancake bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
* **Freezing:** To freeze pancake bites, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven.
* **Batter Consistency:** If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough pancake bites. Mix until just combined, leaving a few small lumps.
* **Low and Slow:** Cook the pancake bites over medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning on the outside.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Experiment with different toppings like shredded coconut, chopped fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

These banana pancake bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Breakfast:** Serve them as a quick and easy breakfast with maple syrup and a side of fresh fruit.
* **Snack:** Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them as an afternoon snack.
* **Dessert:** Drizzle them with chocolate sauce or serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a simple dessert.
* **Party Appetizer:** Arrange them on a platter with different toppings for a fun and interactive party appetizer.
* **Baby-Led Weaning:** These are a great option for baby-led weaning (BLW) due to their size and soft texture. Ensure the bites are completely cooled before serving to avoid burns.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

* Calories: 80-100 per bite
* Protein: 2-3 grams
* Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
* Fat: 2-4 grams
* Fiber: 1 gram

Banana Pancake Bites Variations: Detailed Recipes

Let’s explore a few delicious variations with specific ingredient adjustments and instructions.

**1. Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Bites**

*Ingredients:*

* 1 ripe banana, mashed
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)

*Instructions:*

1. Follow the basic banana pancake bites recipe steps 1-4.
2. Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the batter.
3. Cook the pancake bites as described in the basic recipe (step 6).
4. Serve with a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

**2. Blueberry Banana Pancake Bites**

*Ingredients:*

*Instructions:*

1. Follow the basic banana pancake bites recipe steps 1-4.
2. Gently fold in the blueberries into the batter. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand. Gently toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during cooking.
3. Cook the pancake bites as described in the basic recipe (step 6). Be gentle when flipping, as the blueberries can make the bites more delicate.
4. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.

**3. Cinnamon Spice Banana Pancake Bites**

*Ingredients:*

* 1 ripe banana, mashed
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tbsp melted butter or oil

*Instructions:*

1. Follow the basic banana pancake bites recipe steps 1-2. Add the cinnamon to the dry ingredients and whisk together.
2. Follow the basic banana pancake bites recipe steps 3-6.
3. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.

**4. Nutty Banana Pancake Bites**

*Ingredients:*

* 1 ripe banana, mashed
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
* 1 egg
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.)

*Instructions:*

1. Follow the basic banana pancake bites recipe steps 1-4.
2. Gently fold in the chopped nuts into the batter.
3. Cook the pancake bites as described in the basic recipe (step 6).
4. Serve with a drizzle of nut butter or a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts.

**5. Vegan Banana Pancake Bites**

*Ingredients:*

* 1 ripe banana, mashed
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
* 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg, let sit for 5 minutes)
* 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
* 2 tbsp oil (coconut, vegetable, etc.)

*Instructions:*

1. Follow the basic banana pancake bites recipe steps 1-2.
2. Combine flaxseed and water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. This replaces the egg.
3. Add the flax egg, non-dairy milk, and oil to the mashed banana. Whisk until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking gently until just combined.
5. Cook the pancake bites as described in the basic recipe (step 6).
6. Serve with maple syrup, agave, or fresh fruit.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to solve them:

* **Pancake Bites are Burning:** Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for a longer time.
* **Pancake Bites are Not Cooking Through:** Make sure the griddle is hot enough and cook for a longer time. You can also cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and help the bites cook through.
* **Pancake Bites are Too Dense:** Avoid overmixing the batter. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
* **Pancake Bites are Sticking to the Griddle:** Make sure the griddle is well-oiled or use a non-stick skillet. Also, ensure the griddle is hot enough before adding the batter.
* **Pancake Bites are Falling Apart:** The batter may be too thin. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Banana pancake bites are a delightful and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a fun dessert, these bite-sized pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! You’ll be enjoying a batch of these delicious banana pancake bites in no time.

FAQs

**Q: Can I use frozen bananas?**
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Yes, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

**Q: Are these healthy?**
A: They are a healthier alternative to traditional pancakes, but they still contain sugar and carbohydrates. You can make them even healthier by using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar, and adding healthy mix-ins like nuts and seeds.

**Q: Can I add protein powder to the batter?**
A: Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the batter. This will make the pancake bites more filling and nutritious. You may need to add a little more milk to compensate for the added powder.

**Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of banana?**
A: While the recipe is specifically for banana pancake bites, you can experiment with other mashed fruits like applesauce or pumpkin puree. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.

**Q: How do I prevent the pancake bites from getting soggy?**
A: To prevent them from getting soggy, make sure to cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through. Also, store them in a single layer in an airtight container.

**Q: Can I use a waffle maker to make these?**
A: While not traditionally made in a waffle maker, you could experiment with using a mini waffle maker for a different texture. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

**Q: What’s the best way to reheat frozen pancake bites?**
A: You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven. For best results, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.

Enjoy your baking! We hope you found this guide helpful and are inspired to try out this recipe (and its variations) for yourself. Happy cooking!

Tags: Recipes