Vegan Pancake Bites are a fun, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional pancakes.
Perfect for those on a plant-based diet or anyone looking for a quick, bite-sized breakfast or snack, these pancake bites offer all the flavors of pancakes in a portable, mini version.
Whether you’re meal prepping for busy mornings or looking for a snack that satisfies your sweet tooth, these vegan pancake bites deliver the perfect balance of fluffiness and flavor.
They’re naturally vegan, and you can customize them with your favorite add-ins, from chocolate chips to berries.
Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make—perfect for busy mornings or a treat for kids!
Ingredients Needed for Vegan Pancake Bites
To make these vegan pancake bites, you’ll need a few basic ingredients.
You probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup flour – You can use all-purpose flour or any flour of your choice, like whole wheat or oat flour, for a more wholesome touch.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – This will help the pancake bites rise and become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Maple syrup or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives if you prefer a natural sweetener.
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk – Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work great.
- 1 tablespoon oil – Coconut oil or vegetable oil adds moisture and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For added flavor.
- Optional add-ins – Chocolate chips, berries, chopped nuts, or a dash of cinnamon can all be added for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Vegan Pancake Bites
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent the pancake bites from sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the dry ingredients are well-distributed.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the pancake bites dense.
Add Optional Add-ins:
If you want to customize your pancake bites with extra flavor, fold in any add-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts at this stage.
Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
This will give the pancake bites enough room to rise while baking.
Bake the Pancake Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes.
The pancake bites should be golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.
Cool and Serve:
Let the pancake bites cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.
Once they’ve cooled slightly, they’re ready to serve!
These vegan pancake bites are versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for any time of the day.
Enjoy them with your favorite topping, like maple syrup or a dollop of plant-based yogurt, for an extra treat!
Tips for Perfect Vegan Pancake Bites
Don’t Overmix the Batter:
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently.
Overmixing can result in dense pancake bites instead of light and fluffy ones.
Use a Mini Muffin Tin:
To get those perfectly-sized, bite-sized portions, make sure to use a mini muffin tin.
It allows the pancake bites to cook evenly and become golden brown.
Customize with Add-ins:
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or fresh berries.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor.
Keep an Eye on the Baking Time:
Since these pancake bites are small, they bake quickly.
Keep an eye on them after about 10 minutes, and check with a toothpick to ensure they’re fully cooked.
For Extra Fluffiness:
If you want your pancake bites to be even fluffier, you can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the wet ingredients.
This reacts with the baking powder to create an even lighter texture.
Health Benefits of Vegan Pancake Bites
Vegan Pancake Bites are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:
Plant-Based Protein:
Using plant-based milk and flour provides a good source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Low in Saturated Fat:
These pancake bites are made with heart-healthy ingredients, such as plant-based oils, helping to keep the saturated fat content low while maintaining flavor.
High in Fiber:
If you opt for whole wheat or oat flour, you’ll be boosting your fiber intake, which aids in digestion, keeps you feeling full, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
No Refined Sugar:
Sweetened with natural ingredients like maple syrup or coconut sugar, these pancake bites are lower in refined sugar than traditional pancakes, which is better for your overall health.
Gluten-Free Options Available:
By using gluten-free flour, you can easily modify this recipe to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities, offering a healthier alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Vegan Pancake Bites
Vegan Pancake Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier, plant-based version of your favorite breakfast treat.
These bite-sized snacks are not only simple and quick to make but also customizable to suit your flavor preferences.
They’re perfect for busy mornings, meal prepping, or just a delicious snack to enjoy throughout the day.
With their light and fluffy texture, you won’t even miss the eggs and dairy!
Whether you’re a vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these pancake bites are sure to become a family favorite.
Try them today, and enjoy a nutritious, guilt-free treat that’s both delicious and satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can easily substitute regular all-purpose flour if you’re not following a gluten-free diet.
However, if you want to make them gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make these pancake bites even fluffier?
To get fluffier pancake bites, you can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the wet ingredients.
This helps activate the baking powder and creates a lighter texture.
Can I add fruits like blueberries or banana to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding fresh or frozen berries or mashed bananas to the batter is a great way to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Just fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.
Can I freeze the vegan pancake bites for later?
Yes, these pancake bites freeze well!
Once they have cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will keep for up to three months.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make the pancake bites ahead of time?
Yes! These vegan pancake bites are perfect for meal prepping.
Make them the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat for a quick breakfast or snack.
Vegan Pancake Bites
Equipment
- 1 Mini Muffin Tin (12-15 muffin cups)
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 measuring cup and spoons
- 1 Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop (for filling muffin tin)
- 1 Toothpick (to check doneness)
Ingredients
- 1 cup – All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
- 1 tablespoon – Baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon – Salt
- 1 tablespoon – Sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
- 3/4 cup – Plant-based milk almond, soy, or oat milk
- 1 tablespoon – Vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup – Chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup – Blueberries or other fresh berries
- 1/4 cup – Chopped nuts
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with paper liners.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
Prepare Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancake bites dense.
Add Optional Add-ins
- Gently fold in any add-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.
Fill the Muffin Tin
- Spoon the pancake batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake the Pancake Bites
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pancake bites are golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the pancake bites to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with maple syrup, vegan butter, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Make Ahead: These pancake bites are perfect for meal prep. You can make them in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Vegan Milk Substitutes: You can use any plant-based milk for this recipe, including almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with the add-ins! Chocolate chips, banana slices, or chopped nuts all add flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
