Introduction
Pancake puffs—also known as pancake poppers, aebleskiver, or simply mini pancake balls—are one of those breakfast treats that instantly bring joy to the table. With their fluffy interior, crisp golden shell, and endless topping potential, these bite-sized delights make breakfast fun, cozy, and completely craveable.
They’re perfect for kids, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to turn a classic into something special. These puffs fit seamlessly into pancake puffs recipes collections and homemade breakfast ideas easy enough for beginners but exciting enough to impress guests. Whether dusted with powdered sugar, dipped in syrup, or filled with chocolate or fruit, they’re warm little bites of comfort everyone will love.
Ingredients Overview
These fun pancake bites use a simple batter, but every ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect puff.
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for structure. For extra fluffiness, you can replace a few tablespoons with cake flour or sift it before mixing.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This duo gives the pancake puffs their lift and soft crumb. Don’t skip either—baking soda reacts with the buttermilk for tenderness.
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Sugar: Just a touch adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
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Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
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Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture. It also helps with that airy rise. No buttermilk? Mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
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Egg: Helps bind the batter and adds richness.
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Melted Butter: Keeps the interior soft and adds that classic buttery flavor.
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Vanilla Extract: For a subtle, sweet aroma.
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Oil or Butter for Cooking: You’ll need this for greasing the pan between batches. Choose neutral oil or use butter for extra flavor and browning.
Variations & Ingredient Swaps:
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Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
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Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the batter.
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For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
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Add mini chocolate chips, blueberries, or banana slices to the center for a fun surprise filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
You’ll need a special pan to make true pancake puffs—commonly called an aebleskiver pan or pancake puff pan—which has deep, rounded wells. These are widely available online or at kitchen stores.
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Make the batter:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
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In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup buttermilk, 1 egg, 2 tbsp melted butter, and ½ tsp vanilla extract.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix—it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
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Preheat the pan:
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Heat your aebleskiver pan over medium heat.
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Add a small dab of butter or a few drops of oil to each well.
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Fill the wells:
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Spoon batter into each well, filling about ¾ full.
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If adding a filling (like a chocolate chip or berry), drop it into the center of the batter now, then cover with a tiny bit more batter if needed.
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Cook & turn:
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Let the puffs cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges start to set and you see bubbles.
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Use a skewer, chopstick, or thin spatula to gently turn each puff halfway, letting the uncooked batter flow into the well.
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Turn again as needed until all sides are golden brown and the inside is cooked through—about 5–6 minutes total per batch.
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Remove and repeat:
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Transfer puffs to a plate lined with paper towels or directly to a serving platter.
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Re-grease wells as needed between batches.
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Serve warm:
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Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or serve with jam, Nutella, or fresh fruit.
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Pro Tips:
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Keep the batter slightly thick—too thin and it won’t hold shape.
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Turning technique gets easier after a few tries; don’t worry if they’re not perfect.
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Keep finished puffs warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while you cook the rest.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Cooking Tips:
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Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for neater filling into the pan.
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Preheat the pan slowly to avoid burnt outsides and raw centers.
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Flip in thirds (first half, then a final flip) for more evenly round puffs.
Flavor Variations:
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Filled Pancake Poppers: Try mini marshmallows, jam, or cream cheese in the center.
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Savory Pancake Puffs: Omit sugar and vanilla, then add cheddar and herbs for a snack version.
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Cinnamon Roll Style: Add cinnamon-sugar swirl and drizzle with cream cheese glaze.
Dietary Modifications:
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Vegan: Use flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water), non-dairy milk, and vegan butter.
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Sugar-Free: Skip sugar and use sugar-free syrup or fruit for topping.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Pancake puffs are endlessly fun and festive. Here are some ways to serve them:
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Weekend Brunch: Create a topping bar with syrups, jams, fruits, and whipped cream.
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Kids’ Breakfast: Serve with toothpicks and dipping bowls of syrup.
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Holiday Mornings: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with hot cocoa.
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On-the-Go Snacks: Make a batch ahead and pack them in lunchboxes or picnic baskets.
They’re just as good served sweet or savory and make for a joyful, crowd-pleasing breakfast that never feels boring.
Nutritional & Health Notes
These pancake puffs offer classic pancake comfort in a smaller, more snackable form—perfect for portion control and adaptable to many diets.
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Buttermilk provides a boost of calcium and contributes to a soft, tangy texture.
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Eggs and milk add protein and richness.
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You can boost nutrition with whole grain flour, chia seeds, or fruit fillings.
To lighten the recipe:
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Reduce butter slightly and use nonstick spray in the pan.
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Serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup.
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Make mini portions to satisfy a sweet craving without overdoing it.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the best pan to use for pancake puffs?
A1: An aebleskiver pan is ideal—it has deep, round wells designed for making puffed pancakes. Cast iron versions retain heat best, but nonstick pans are easier for beginners.
Q2: Can I make pancake puffs without the special pan?
A2: Not exactly, but you can try mini muffin tins in the oven for a similar shape. They won’t have the same roundness or crust but will still taste great.
Q3: What fillings can I add inside?
A3: Try chocolate chips, Nutella, fruit preserves, cream cheese, or even savory items like ham and cheddar. Add the filling after partially cooking the batter in each well.
Q4: How do I prevent the puffs from sticking?
A4: Always grease the pan well before each batch, and avoid turning too early. A properly heated, well-greased pan is key.
Q5: Can I freeze pancake puffs?
A5: Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in the toaster oven.
Q6: Can I use pancake mix?
A6: You can use store-bought pancake mix, but the texture may be flatter. For best results, adjust the batter to be slightly thicker than usual.
Q7: Are these good for meal prep?
A7: Definitely! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in a skillet or oven. Great for busy mornings or breakfast on the go.
Print
Pancake Puffs Recipes – Fun Bite-Sized Pancake Poppers for All Ages
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 puffs 1x
Description
These bite-sized pancake poppers are golden, fluffy, and endlessly fun to eat. Perfect for brunch, snacks, or breakfast for kids.
Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 egg
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2 tbsp melted butter
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Butter or oil, for greasing pan
Instructions
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Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl. Combine wet ingredients in another.
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Mix wet into dry until just combined. Batter should be slightly thick.
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Heat aebleskiver pan over medium. Grease each well with butter or oil.
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Spoon batter into each well, filling ¾ full. Add filling if using.
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Cook 2–3 minutes until edges set. Use skewer to gently flip. Cook another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Remove and repeat. Serve warm with syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
Add chocolate, fruit, or cream cheese inside for fun variations. Keep warm in oven while cooking batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: Scandinavian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~60 per puff