Start your morning with a delightful bowl of mini pancake cereal! This fun twist on breakfast allows you to enjoy the taste of pancakes in a playful, bite-sized format. Perfect for kids and adults alike, serve with syrup, fruit, or any topping of your choice!
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: First off, who can resist the charming idea of mini pancakes swimming in syrup? My kids, Mateo and Camila, are always drawn to anything that feels like a game, and when breakfast looks like cereal, it screams fun. Secondly, the versatility of this dish is a lifesaver for busy mornings. You can experiment with flavors by adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon, making it easy to adapt to everyone’s tastes.
Ingredients List
Pancake Batter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tbsp butter, melted
Toppings
maple syrup for serving
fresh fruit optional
Ingredient Swaps
If you’re out of all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour can be a great alternative—just keep in mind it’ll give the mini pancake cereal a nuttier flavor. For those managing sugar intake, feel free to substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup; just reduce the liquid slightly. My kids love adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Mini Pancake Cereal
Equipment
- Non-stick Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp butter melted
Toppings
- maple syrup for serving
- fresh fruit optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not over mix).
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Using a teaspoon, pour small dollops of batter onto the skillet.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
- Serve the mini pancakes in a bowl with maple syrup and fresh fruit on top!
Notes
How to Make mini pancake cereal
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder for perfect pancakes every time!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter until thoroughly combined. I often have my little ones help with this part; they love cracking the egg—what a mess, but it’s worth it!
Step 3: Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; over-mixing can lead to tough pancakes, and we want them fluffy!
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This is the part where patience pays off. Letting your skillet warm up properly ensures that these bite-sized delights will cook evenly—it also means fewer crispy edges!
Step 5: Pour the Batter
Using a teaspoon, pour small dollops of batter onto the skillet. You’ll want to keep them tiny—think about the size of a quarter.
Step 6: Flip and Cook
Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. My kids love standing by the stove during this moment to see the bubbles starting to appear; it’s like magic!
Step 7: Serve
Serve the mini pancakes in a bowl with maple syrup and fresh fruit on top! You can create a fun pancake cereal bar with various toppings to let everyone choose how to dress their cereal.
Serving & Garnish
When I serve mini pancake cereal, I like to make it a family event. I set up a little breakfast bar with bowls of fresh fruit, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Mateo loves strawberries, while Camila can’t get enough of that golden syrup drizzled on top. It’s a cozy breakfast that feels special, perfect for a lazy Sunday morning!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake to watch out for is overmixing the batter—just stir until combined! Another tip is not letting the skillet heat up sufficiently before pouring in the pancake batter; this can lead to pancakes sticking or cooking unevenly. Lastly, don’t forget to flip! Cooking too long on one side makes them tough and chewy, so keep an eye on those little bubbles.
Storage & Reheating
These mini pancakes are a wonderful make-ahead breakfast! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, let them cool completely and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container—you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to a minute when you’re ready to eat them.
From Samantha’s Kitchen
I remember the first time I made mini pancake cereal. It was a Saturday morning, and we had planned a cozy brunch at home. Mateo and Camila were super curious about the process, eagerly waiting by the stove to see what would pop out next. By the end of breakfast, we had syrup-covered smiles all around—such a sweet memory that keeps drawing me back to this recipe!
FAQs
What is mini pancake cereal?
Mini pancake cereal is essentially tiny pancakes that are served in a bowl, like cereal! It’s a fun way to enjoy breakfast and can be topped with syrup, fruit, or even whipped cream.
How can I make it healthier?
To make mini pancake cereal healthier, you can swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. Reducing the sugar or using alternatives like mashed bananas can also add sweetness without the extra calories.
Are there any fun breakfast ideas for kids?
Absolutely! Aside from mini pancake cereal, you could whip up fruit smoothies, yogurt parfaits, or even breakfast burritos filled with eggs and veggies! Kids love colorful foods, so make it engaging for them.
Can I make mini pancake cereal ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, cook a batch of pancakes, and they freeze wonderfully, allowing for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
What toppings are best for mini pancake cereal?
The options are endless! Popular toppings include maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, and even a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Get creative to please your little ones!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
