Feeling hungry for a fun breakfast treat? Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Bites are simple to make and taste amazing! This easy recipe combines ripe bananas and chocolate for a delightful twist on your morning routine. Whether you’re cooking for family or a brunch with friends, these pancake bites are a hit! Let’s dive into this yummy recipe and get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a busy morning or a last-minute brunch idea.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of ripe bananas and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love.
- Fun to Eat: These pancake bites are bite-sized and fun to eat, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: You can easily customize these pancake bites by adding your favorite toppings or mix-ins, like nuts or berries.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 ripe banana, well-mashed
– 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (with additional for greasing the skillet)
To make Chocolate Chip Banana Pancake Bites, gather these simple ingredients first. The all-purpose flour gives the bites their structure. Granulated sugar adds just the right sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help them rise. The mashed banana not only adds flavor but also moisture. Buttermilk (or its substitute) gives a nice tang. A large egg binds everything together, while vanilla extract brings warmth. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add delightful chocolatey goodness. Finally, butter or coconut oil is perfect for cooking.
Using fresh and quality ingredients makes a big difference. Each ingredient plays its role to create fluffy, tasty pancake bites. Feel free to choose organic options or local produce if possible. This adds more flavor and supports sustainable practices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl.
– Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed and aerated. This step helps make your pancake bites light and fluffy.
Preparing the Wet Mixture
– In a separate medium bowl, mash 1 ripe banana well. Add 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
– Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter until combined. Make sure to mix until the mixture is smooth. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if there are some small lumps.
Combining Mixtures and Cooking
– Carefully pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the two together until just combined.
– Gently fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This adds yummy flavor without overmixing.
– Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
– Use a tablespoon to scoop small amounts of batter. Drop them onto the skillet to form pancake bites, about 1-2 inches wide.
– Cook for 2-3 minutes. Watch for small bubbles forming on the surface. Flip the pancake bites with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown.
– Remove them from the skillet and keep warm. Repeat this until all batter is used. Serve the pancake bites warm with your favorite toppings like syrup or extra banana slices.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Pancake Bites
To make the best pancake bites, keep these tips in mind:
– Avoid overmixing the batter: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. A few lumps are okay. This way, your pancake bites stay soft and tender.
– Tips for achieving an even cook: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the batter. Use a medium heat setting. This helps the pancake bites cook evenly without burning.
– Recommended cooking temperatures: Aim for a medium heat on your stove. If it’s too hot, the outside will cook faster than the inside.
Presentation Tips
Presentation can make your pancake bites even more fun.
– Creative ways to serve pancake bites: Stack them on a plate like a tower. This looks cute and makes them easy to grab.
– Suggestions for toppings and garnishes: Drizzle maple syrup on top. Add slices of banana or extra chocolate chips. A dollop of whipped cream can make them even more special.
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancake bites will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancake bites.
- Adjust Cooking Temperature: If your pancake bites are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. You want them to cook through without burning.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for added flavor and texture.
Variations
Flavor Options
You can mix up the flavor of your chocolate chip banana pancake bites in fun ways. Here are two great ideas:
– Adding nuts or seeds: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture. You can also use seeds, like chia or flaxseeds. They boost nutrition too!
– Different types of chocolate: Try dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. White chocolate chips give a sweet contrast. You can even mix them for a fun twist!
Dietary Modifications
If you have special dietary needs, you can still enjoy these pancake bites. Here are some easy swaps:
– Gluten-free alternatives: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivity.
– Dairy-free options for the batter: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or oat milk. Just add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
These variations and modifications let you enjoy chocolate chip banana pancake bites your way!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, place the pancake bites in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and prevents sogginess.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze pancake bites, let them cool first. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
For reheating, you can use the microwave or a toaster oven. If using a microwave, heat them for about 20-30 seconds. For the toaster oven, set it to 350°F and warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain their soft texture and delicious taste.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make these pancake bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these pancake bites ahead of time. Cook them, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, warm them in the microwave or on a skillet. This way, you can enjoy a quick breakfast!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! You can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor. It’s an easy fix that works great in this recipe.
How do I make the batter fluffier?
To make the batter fluffier, use fresh baking powder and baking soda. These ingredients help the batter rise. Also, don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay! This keeps the pancake bites soft and airy. Enjoy your fluffy treats!
This blog post covered all the essential steps for making tasty pancake bites. We talked about the ingredients you need, like flour and chocolate chips, and how to mix them perfectly. I shared tips for cooking and serving these bites. Remember, you can change flavors and make them fit your diet. Store extras in the fridge or freeze them for later. Enjoy experimenting with your new recipe! The fun starts in your kitche
