Best Easy Pancake Muffins Recipe
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious breakfast treat that’s both easy to make and super satisfying? Pancake muffins are the perfect solution! Combining the fluffy texture of pancakes with the convenience of a muffin, these little bites of goodness are sure to become a breakfast favorite. Whether you’re in a rush during the week or planning a weekend brunch, pancake muffins are a quick and easy way to bring a little indulgence to your morning routine.
The best part about these pancake muffins is how versatile they are. You can make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and enjoy them throughout the week. They’re also great for meal prep, and you can customize the flavor to your liking with a variety of add-ins, like chocolate chips, berries, or even spices like cinnamon. Plus, they’re much less messy than traditional pancakes, making them perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making the perfect pancake muffins. From the ingredients and cooking instructions to tips for customizing the recipe, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into this fun and simple recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients Needed
Making pancake muffins doesn’t require any special ingredients. You probably already have most of these items in your kitchen. Let’s go over what you’ll need for the recipe.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups | 680 kcal |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | 2 kcal |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 0 kcal |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup | 260 kcal |
| Milk | 3/4 cup | 60 kcal |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 kcal |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 1/4 cup | 200 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 kcal |
Total Calories per Muffin (out of 12 servings): ~125 calories.
Note: The calorie count is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
As you can see, the ingredients are simple and straightforward, making these pancake muffins a cost-effective and delicious treat. These ingredients are also quite common, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start baking! Follow these simple steps to make your pancake muffins.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want to make sure the oven is hot before putting the muffins in, so they cook evenly. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your muffin tin.
Line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure that the muffins don’t stick to the pan and are easy to remove once they’re baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Stir them together so that the ingredients are well mixed. It’s important to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed to get consistent results.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Be sure to whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the egg is completely beaten and the butter is well incorporated into the liquid.
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can result in dense muffins, so a little bit of lumpiness is perfectly fine.
Using a spoon, scoop the pancake muffin batter and divide it evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Fill each cup about 2/3 of the way full. This allows enough room for the muffins to rise and expand as they bake.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the muffins are ready.
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. After that, remove them from the tin and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm for the best taste.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
While this pancake muffin recipe is already amazing on its own, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
If you love fruity pancakes, why not add some fresh fruit to the batter? Blueberries, sliced bananas, or strawberries work great in pancake muffins. Just fold the fruit into the batter before spooning it into the muffin tin.
For a sweet twist, add chocolate chips to the batter. This will turn your pancake muffins into a fun treat that everyone will love.
For a bit of crunch, add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. These will give your muffins an extra layer of flavor and texture.
If you want to make your pancake muffins even more comforting, add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice. These spices will enhance the flavor and make the muffins feel extra cozy.
If you’re trying to cut down on refined sugar, you can replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or even stevia. Adjust the quantity to your taste, but keep in mind that these liquid sweeteners might alter the texture slightly.
If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you’re all set.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content for one pancake muffin:
Calories: 125 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
This nutritional breakdown is based on a typical recipe, but remember that adding extras like chocolate chips or fruit can change these numbers. Keep in mind that these pancakes are still a pretty light option compared to many other breakfast treats, making them a great choice for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pancake muffins are delicious as they are, but you can take them to the next level with some tasty toppings and sides.
Drizzle some warm maple syrup on top for that authentic pancake experience.
Top the muffins with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the fluffy muffin.
Add some fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries on top to make your muffin experience even fresher and fruitier.
For a savory twist, pair your pancake muffins with crispy bacon or sausage links. This makes for a more filling and balanced breakfast.
Pancake muffins are also great for meal prep. Bake them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and you’ll have a convenient breakfast or snack ready for several days.
Conclusion
Pancake muffins are a fantastic and easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of pancakes in a convenient, handheld form. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of fluffy, delicious muffins that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or get creative with toppings and add-ins, pancake muffins are sure to please everyone at your table.
The best part is that you can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later. They’re portable, customizable, and perfect for busy mornings. So why not give this recipe a try? Your family will love them!