If you love traditional pancakes but struggle with messy stovetop cooking, or want a fun, kid-friendly way to enjoy breakfast, these pancake poppers are an absolute game-changer. Imagine bite-sized, golden, fluffy pancakes baked to perfection in mini muffin tins—light, airy, and easy to serve. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these poppers are ideal for family mornings, holiday brunches, or even make-ahead freezer meals for busy weekday mornings.
Unlike traditional pancakes that require careful flipping on the stove, pancake poppers are baked in the oven, eliminating the risk of uneven cooking or burnt bottoms. Their miniature size makes them perfect for dipping into maple syrup, spreading with jam, or sprinkling with powdered sugar. They’re also an excellent way to get kids excited about breakfast, as the small popper size feels fun and playful.
This recipe yields 48 pancake poppers using two mini muffin tins and can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs. Each popper is light and tender on the inside while developing just enough structure on the outside to hold toppings without falling apart.
Ingredients for Pancake Poppers
- Cooking spray, for greasing muffin tins
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vinegar (or lemon juice)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fruit preserves, fresh berries, or chocolate chips
How to Make Pancake Poppers
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two mini muffin tins thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use silicone muffin molds, which also work well for this recipe.
Step 2: Make Buttermilk Base
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. This creates a simple homemade buttermilk that adds tang and tenderness to your pancake poppers. You’ll notice the milk curdling slightly—this is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk the vegetable oil and egg into the milk mixture until fully incorporated. The egg helps bind the batter, while the oil keeps the poppers moist and tender.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the dry ingredients are evenly combined to ensure consistent texture and rise in every popper.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the poppers dense rather than light and airy.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tins
Using a tablespoon or small scoop, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with batter. This allows room for the poppers to rise while baking. Smooth the tops slightly with a spoon or offset spatula for even browning.
Step 7: Bake the Pancake Poppers
Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the poppers are lightly golden, puffed, and set in the center. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check them carefully. The tops should look pale but firm to the touch.
Step 8: Remove and Cool
Once baked, remove the poppers from the oven. Use a silicone scraper or small spatula to gently lift them out of the muffin cups. Place them on a cooling rack for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite toppings. Try maple syrup, strawberry jam, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a classic breakfast treat. These poppers are also great for dipping into yogurt or chocolate sauce for a fun variation.
Step 10: Storage and Freezing
Leftover pancake poppers freeze exceptionally well. Simply allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a microwave or oven for a few minutes for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Tips for Perfect Pancake Poppers
- Consistency is key: Don’t overmix the batter; lumpy batter ensures soft, fluffy poppers.
- Mini muffin tins: Using standard-sized muffin tins will work, but you’ll need to adjust baking time slightly.
- Flavor variations: Add chocolate chips, blueberries, or a pinch of cinnamon for fun twists.
- Make ahead: Bake in advance and store in the freezer for easy breakfast prep.
- Check doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
