This delightful mini pancake cereal recipe turns the classic breakfast favorite into adorable, bite-sized pieces you can eat with a spoon. Each tiny pancake is buttery, golden, and crisp around the edges—perfect for coating in melted butter and drizzling with maple syrup. Originally made famous on TikTok, this recipe is both fun to make and incredibly satisfying to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and trendy breakfast inspired by a viral TikTok sensation

• Crisp, golden mini pancakes that keep their shape beautifully

• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry

• Customizable with toppings like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream

• A playful way to get kids (and adults) excited about breakfast

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup whole milk (4 ounces or 113 grams)

• 1 large egg

• 1 ½ teaspoons canola oil, plus extra for greasing the pan

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (2 ounces or 57 grams)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (2.25 ounces or 64 grams)

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Optional for serving: maple syrup, additional butter, fresh fruit

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.

2. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, egg, canola oil, and melted butter. Sprinkle in flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined; the batter will be thick with a few lumps.

3. Heat the skillet: Warm a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then brush lightly with canola oil and reduce heat to medium-low.

4. Pipe the pancakes: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off). Pipe small dots, each about the size of a dime or nickel.

5. Cook for 1–2 minutes until edges are set and centers are lightly golden. Flip each pancake using a spatula or chopsticks. Cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown on the other side.

6. Serve immediately, or place cooked pancakes on the wire rack in the oven to keep warm while making the rest.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.

• Dairy-Free: Replace milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use dairy-free butter.

• Flavored Pancakes: Mix in cinnamon, vanilla extract, or cocoa powder to the batter.

• Savory Twist: Omit the sugar and add shredded cheese or herbs.

• Fruit Mix-In: Gently press small blueberry halves into pancakes while cooking.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds. For best crispness, reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

Can I use pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch?

Yes, pancake mix works well and can be even easier to pipe.

Why are my pancakes spreading too much?

The batter may be too runny—try chilling it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cooking.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 1 day in advance and store it in the fridge.

How small should I make each pancake?

Aim for dime- or nickel-sized circles for the best texture and look.

Do I have to use a piping bag?

No—use a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off for a DIY alternative.

Can I make these in large batches?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent uneven cooking.

Will plant-based milk change the flavor?

Yes, plant-based milk can slightly affect the taste depending on the type you use.

Can I skip flipping the pancakes?

You can toss them all at once, but they may not cook as evenly.

How do I keep pancakes warm while cooking the rest?

Place them on a wire rack in a low oven (250°F) to stay warm and crisp.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Yes, but use mini chips or very small add-ins so they don’t overpower the tiny pancakes.

Conclusion

Mini pancake cereal is a whimsical twist on a breakfast classic, delivering crispy, golden bites perfect for spooning up with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream. Whether you make it for a fun weekend breakfast or as a viral recipe experiment, it’s sure to bring smiles to the table. With a little piping practice, you’ll have a bowl of edible sunshine in no time.

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