Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make using your Instant Pot
- Fluffy and light, just like traditional pancakes
- Perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd
- Customizable with your favorite pancake mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts
- Great for kids and adults alike, offering a fun twist on a breakfast classic
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ cups pancake mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, berries, chopped bananas, or nuts
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)
Directions
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a silicone egg bite mold or a heatproof glass bowl that fits inside your Instant Pot with cooking spray or butter.
- Make the pancake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, sugar (if using), and salt. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Add mix-ins: If desired, fold in your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.
- Fill the mold: Pour the pancake batter into the prepared mold, filling each section about halfway.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot, then carefully set the filled mold on top of the trivet.
- Cook the pancake bites: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Use the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on high for 7-8 minutes.
- Release pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out the remaining pressure.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pancake bites from the Instant Pot and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
- Serves 4-6 people
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 7-8 minutes
- Natural release time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Blueberry Pancake Bites: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a classic twist.
- Chocolate Chip Pancake Bites: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy.
- Banana Pancake Bites: Add mashed ripe banana to the batter for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon Pancake Bites: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a fall-inspired variation.
- Savory Pancake Bites: Add cooked bacon bits and shredded cheese to make a savory version.
Storage/reheating
- Store leftover pancake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until heated through.
- These pancake bites can also be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a regular pancake batter instead of pancake mix?
Yes, you can use homemade pancake batter as long as it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the molds. Just make sure it’s not too runny.
Can I make these without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can also make pancake bites in the oven by pouring the batter into a mini muffin tin and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Can I use a different mold?
Yes, you can use any heatproof, oven-safe mold that fits inside the Instant Pot. Just ensure it’s silicone or has been greased well to prevent sticking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just cook the pancake bites in the Instant Pot the next morning.
Can I add toppings before cooking?
You can add small toppings, like a few chocolate chips or berries, to the batter before cooking, but for best results, it’s better to add them after cooking to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
How do I know when they’re done?
The pancake bites should be firm to the touch and slightly golden around the edges. You can also check the center by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean when they’re fully cooked.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Pancake Bites are a fun, quick, and easy way to enjoy pancakes without the hassle of flipping! These fluffy, bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. With endless flavor combinations and the convenience of the Instant Pot, you’ll want to make these again and again!
PrintInstant Pot Pancake Bites
Instant Pot Pancake Bites are bite-sized, fluffy pancakes made easily in the Instant Pot. A fun and quick breakfast or snack option, these pancake bites are customizable with a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 people
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pancake mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, berries, chopped bananas, or nuts
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a silicone egg bite mold or a heatproof glass bowl that fits inside your Instant Pot with cooking spray or butter.
- Make the pancake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, sugar (if using), and salt. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Add mix-ins: If desired, fold in your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.
- Fill the mold: Pour the pancake batter into the prepared mold, filling each section about halfway.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot, then carefully set the filled mold on top of the trivet.
- Cook the pancake bites: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Use the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting on high for 7-8 minutes.
- Release pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out the remaining pressure.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pancake bites from the Instant Pot and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and replace the egg with a flax egg or cornstarch.
- For a savory twist, add cooked bacon bits or cheese to the batter before cooking.
- To store leftovers, place pancake bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have a silicone mold, you can use a heatproof bowl or a muffin tin that fits in the Instant Pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg