Sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious, these Easy Maple Bacon Pancake Bites are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or brunch treat! They combine fluffy pancake batter, crispy bacon, and a hint of maple syrup into bite-sized delights that are easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing breakfast for busy mornings, or just looking for a fun twist on traditional pancakes, these bites will be a hit with everyone. Let’s get started cooking our Easy Maple Bacon Pancake Bites.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
Instructions
1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line with mini muffin liners.
2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
3: Add the Bacon
- Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for topping the bites if desired.
4: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Sprinkle the reserved bacon crumbles on top of each bite for extra flavor and presentation.
5: Bake the Pancake Bites
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the pancake bites are puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
6: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle the pancake bites with additional maple syrup or serve it on the side for dipping. These are best served warm but are just as delicious at room temperature!
Tips
- Bacon Prep: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling.
- Make It Sweeter: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
- Easy Drizzle: Warm the maple syrup slightly before drizzling for a silky finish.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bites while baking to ensure they stay tender and moist.
- Customize the Size: Use a regular muffin tin for larger bites, adjusting the baking time to 15–18 minutes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pancake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast option.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Variations
- Savory Spin: Omit the maple syrup and add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a savory breakfast bite.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added crunch.
- Spicy Sweet: Sprinkle a touch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the batter for a sweet-heat combo.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for the buttermilk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving, 2 Bites)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
1. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to crumble it into small pieces before adding to the batter.
2. Can I make these without a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can drop spoonfuls of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them as small pancake “poppers.”
3. How do I make these fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter—this ensures tender and fluffy bites. Using buttermilk also helps create a soft texture.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the batter ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before spooning into the muffin tin.
5. What other toppings go well with these bites?
Try whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a fruit compote for added sweetness.