Breakfast Pancake Poppers Recipe
If you’re looking for a seriously fun twist on morning pancakes, Breakfast Pancake Poppers are about to become your new favorite treat! These adorable, bite-sized delights have all the classic pancake flavor you crave, but in poppable form, making them perfect for busy mornings, lazy brunches, or sharing with family and friends. Whether you opt for sweet chocolate chips or crave the savory zing of breakfast sausage, these poppers satisfy every taste bud. And let’s not forget — dipping them in maple syrup takes you to breakfast bliss in just one bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Breakfast Pancake Poppers is just how simple the ingredient list is. Each component shines — lending the perfect pancake fluff, touch of sweetness, and those melty pockets or savory bursts that make each bite memorable.
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation for a tender and fluffy popper with just the right crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory mix-ins.
- Baking powder: Gives these poppers a lovely lift for a light, airy texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for extra fluff and softness in each bite.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavors.
- Buttermilk: Creates richness and a slight tang for classic pancake flavor and tender crumb.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together and provide structure.
- Melted butter: Delivers moisture and rich buttery flavor in every popper.
- Mini chocolate chips or cooked breakfast sausage: Choose your adventure: gooey sweet chocolate or savory, satisfying sausage.
- Maple syrup: Essential for that perfect finishing drizzle — the ultimate pancake experience!
How to Make Breakfast Pancake Poppers
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and getting your mini muffin tin ready. Grease each cup generously with butter or nonstick spray — this step makes removing the poppers a breeze when they’re golden and done.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly so every popper rises just right.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until they’re nicely blended. The buttermilk’s tangy notes are what give these Breakfast Pancake Poppers that true diner-style flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour your wet ingredients over the dry and gently stir until just combined — a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Over-mixing can lead to tough poppers, so give it a quick, gentle mix for the fluffiest outcome.
Step 5: Add Your Mix-Ins
Now comes the fun part: gently fold in your mini chocolate chips or chopped, cooked sausage. Both options are delicious — or split the batter and try both! Sweet and savory Breakfast Pancake Poppers share the same irresistible base.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean. A little kitchen magic!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your poppers cool in the pan for a few minutes, then gently pop them out. Serve them warm and watch how quickly they disappear — especially when you put out a bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping!
How to Serve Breakfast Pancake Poppers

Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar gives these poppers a charming brunch-y vibe, while a drizzle of warm maple syrup turns each bite into breakfast bliss. For an extra splash of fun, try a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or add fresh berries alongside the poppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these Breakfast Pancake Poppers with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit salad. They’re delightful on a brunch platter alongside savory favorites or enjoyed all on their own — just grab and dip!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving at a party or brunch? Skewer a few poppers on cocktail sticks with fresh berries or serve in cute paper cups for grab-and-go ease. For a breakfast bar, set out different syrups and dips — think berry compote, yogurt, or peanut butter — and let everyone build their dream plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Breakfast Pancake Poppers left (good luck with that!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay surprisingly soft and just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
Breakfast Pancake Poppers freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months and reheat like a dream for quick weekday breakfasts.
Reheating
To bring leftover poppers back to life, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll return to their original fluffy, pillowy texture, ready to dive into more maple syrup.
Breakfast Pancake Poppers FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. The poppers will still bake up beautifully fluffy with that signature pancake flavor.
How do I make these poppers dairy-free?
Swap in a non-dairy milk of your choice mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk. Use plant-based butter or oil, and they’ll be wonderfully dairy-free!
Can I use regular-size muffin tins?
Of course! The poppers become more like “mini muffins” in standard tins. Just increase the baking time to 16-18 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
What other mix-ins can I try?
Let your creativity shine: blueberries, chopped strawberries, bits of crispy bacon, or even tiny cubes of cheese all make fantastic add-ins. Each one transforms the Breakfast Pancake Poppers into a new breakfast adventure.
Can I prep the batter the night before?
You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time. In the morning, simply combine and bake for maximum fluff. For best texture, avoid letting the baking powder and baking soda activate overnight in the batter.
Final Thoughts
Breakfast Pancake Poppers are the kind of recipe that instantly brightens the morning, no matter what the day ahead holds. They’re quick, fun to make, and even more fun to eat — perfect for kids and grown-ups alike! Give this playful twist on pancakes a try, and let the smiles around your breakfast table prove just how delightful mornings can be.
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Breakfast Pancake Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 poppers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Breakfast Pancake Poppers are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, perfect for a quick and tasty morning meal. Whether you prefer sweet or savory options, these poppers offer a convenient and portable breakfast option for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Add-Ins:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped cooked breakfast sausage
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Mini Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips or cooked breakfast sausage pieces.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the mini muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- You can mix sweet or savory add-ins like blueberries, bacon, or cheese.
- Perfect for meal prep and kids’ breakfast on the go.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 poppers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg