Pancake Cereal Is the Delicious Way to Start Your Day: So Fluffy + Ready in a Flash
Experts spill their secrets on how to perfectly cook these miniature delights!
We all know breakfast can sometimes be as simple as a bowl of cereal. But what if we told you there’s a fresh twist that’s both adorable and delicious? Say hello to pancake cereal, the perfect transformation of a classic stack of pancakes into bite-sized delights. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and tossed with butter and maple syrup — it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This is one breakfast trend that’s sure to brighten your morning and so fun to eat. And the best part? It’s easy to make with this 20 minute recipe. We’re sharing some expert secrets to making a perfect batch. Plus, learn about customizing your pancake cereal with new flavors and fun topping ideas. Here’s everything you need to make pancake cereal.
What is pancake cereal?
From pancake spaghetti to soufflé pancakes, you can turn this comfort breakfast meal into just about any new dish. So when we heard about the viral pancake cereal recipe, we had to see what the hype was about. This recipe uses your standard pancake batter but instead of spooning it onto a skillet with a ladle, you start them in a condiment bottle. Using one allows for perfectly squeezed cereal-sized pancakes, which then get poured into a bowl with toppings. OK, so it may not be real cereal without milk (though you can add it), but no one wants soggy pancakes. Check out this TikTok video to learn more about the craze.
For more breakfast recipes, click through for Valerie Bertinelli’s 10-Minute Healthy Breakfast Cookies and Sweet Potato Hash Browns.
Expert tips for making pancake cereal
Pancake cereal might sound complicated at first glance, but it’s surprisingly easy with the right know-how. Recreating those photo-worthy miniature pancakes just takes a little attention to detail and some guidance. These expert tips from i am a food blog will have you making pancake cereal perfectly in no time.
1. Batter consistency
Aim for a thick but pourable batter consistency. Too thin, and your pancakes will spread out in the pan and lose their miniature form. But too thick, and they won’t cook evenly (or come out easily from the bottle). Check out this easy video recipe for the best fluffy pancake batter:
Related: Whipping Up This Breakfast Classic From Scratch Is Safer Than a Boxed Mix — Here’s Why
2. Piping technique
Use a squeeze bottle to dispense the batter. This allows for more control over the size and shape of the pancakes so they all come out the same. Additionally, pipe them smaller than you think as they will spread out in the pan.
3. Cooking temperature
To prevent burning your pancakes, start your heat on low, then turn it up once you’ve finished piping. This allows them to cook evenly.
4. Flipping pancake cereal
Leave enough space in between your pancakes to allow for easy flipping. You can use a spatula, knife or even chopsticks to flip them once bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set. You can even just shake the pan!
Customize your pancake cereal
Like regular pancakes, pancake cereal can be entirely customized to suit your dietary preferences, restrictions or wishes. With a few simple swaps and substitutions, you can customize your pancake cereal the way you want while still enjoying all the deliciousness of this fun breakfast. Here are some suggestions:
Flavors
You can’t go wrong with plain pancakes, but why stop there when you can get try new flavors? Make it indulgent with some cocoa powder, or sprinkle in spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Or you can add a touch of brightness with freshly grated lemon zest. But if you want something a little more adventurous, try matcha powder, as shown in the TikTok video below:
Healthier substitutions
For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. Or swap out traditional sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, you can use mashed bananas as the star ingredient. They add natural sweetness and provide a boost of vitamins, minerals and fiber. And if you want to increase your daily protein intake, try using protein powder or high-protein pancake mix. This not only adds a nutritional boost but also helps keep you feeling full longer.
Gluten-free + dairy-free
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can use alternatives such as almond, coconut or a gluten-free flour blend to make your pancakes. And for those with dairy allergies or intolerances, you can easily substitute dairy-free milk like almond, coconut or oat, and vegan butter in place of traditional ingredients.
Simple pancake cereal recipe
If you want to try out something new for breakfast, brunch or even dessert, this recipe from Cafe Delites hits the spot any time of day. For a helpful piping tip, the smaller you make them, the crispier they get. And if you have leftovers, we have an easy, chef-approved trick for reheating pancakes.
Pancake Cereal
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 Tbs. granulated sugar or sweetener
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¾ cup milk, plus more if needed
- 2 Tbs. melted butter
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Directions:
- Active Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- First, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Then make a well in the center and add the milk, slightly cooled melted butter, vanilla and egg.
- With a whisk, mix the wet ingredients together first before slowly folding them into the dry ingredients. Combine until smooth and lump-free. Then add 1-2 extra Tbs. of milk if needed to slightly thin the batter. Importantly, you don’t want to it too runny.
- Let your pancake batter sit for about 5 minutes while heating a nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Then lightly grease the pan.
- Pour pancake batter into a squeezable condiment/sauce bottle. (Alternatively, use a zip-top bag: cut a tiny hole on an angle in the bottom corner of the bag to pipe out the batter.)
- With the bottle tilted, squeeze small dots of batter onto the hot pan. Then cook until the tops form bubbles and look set/dry. Flip with a small spatula and cook until golden on the undersides, about 1-2 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter, lightly greasing the pan between each batch. Finally, pour pancakes into a bowl, add toppings and serve immediately.
Note: For crispy edges, grease pan with oil, and for softer pancakes, use butter.
Fun pancake cereal topping ideas
A perfect bowl of pancake cereal doesn’t just include the pancakes. You can create your own masterpiece using ingredients in your kitchen that’s as delicious as it is photo-worthy. Pour in a splash of milk, or get creative with these fun topping ideas.
1. Fresh fruit
Pancakes and fruit undoubtedly go hand in hand. Sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries and raspberries add natural sweetness, freshness and a bright pop of color.
2. Nut butters
A generous spoonful of nut butter brings a rich, creamy element to your bite. Try a dollop of peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter.
3. Chocolate chips
While chocolate chips may be too big for pancake cereal, that doesn’t mean you can’t add them to your bowl. If you want, go all-out tiny with a bag of miniature chips.
4. Syrups + honey
A drizzle of syrup can go a long way. Go the classic route with maple syrup, or try honey, chocolate syrup or caramel syrup for a sticky-sweet coating.
For more on pancakes, check out these stories:
Pioneer Woman’s Secret to Fluffy Pancakes: Just Use a Sheet Pan — No Flipping Needed!
Pancake Day: How This Pre-Lent Tradition Came About + 2 Delicious Flapjack Recipes
Muffin Mix Pancakes Are the 3-Ingredient Secret to a Deliciously Easy Breakfast
