These Blueberry Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites are fluffy, fruity, and oh-so-easy to make! Packed with juicy blueberries and creamy cottage cheese, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Plus, they cook up in no time—who doesn’t love a quick treat? I like to enjoy mine with a drizzle of maple syrup. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the dish! Use full-fat for a creamier texture, but low-fat or even non-fat works too. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute, giving a similar tang and texture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add the best flavor. If you don’t have any, frozen blueberries can work—just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Alternatively, you could use raspberries or diced strawberries!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to here, but if you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve also experimented with oat flour for a nuttier taste, and it works great!
Sugar: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. Just keep in mind that this will change the liquid content slightly, so adjust accordingly!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Pancake Bites?
The texture of these pancake bites is key to their success. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients properly ensures they come out light and fluffy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- When mixing the cottage cheese and eggs, give it a good whisk to break up the cottage cheese—leave some lumps for texture!
- Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed; overmixing can lead to dense bites.
- Letting the batter sit for a few minutes before baking helps the ingredients meld, creating a better texture.
Enjoy making these fluffy bites! The process is quick and easy, making it a great recipe to whip up for breakfast or as a snack. Happy baking!
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- Butter or oil, for greasing the pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in just about 35 minutes, you’ll have delicious pancake bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with butter or oil to keep your bites from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or whisk to mix well until the mixture is mostly smooth. It’s okay if a few lumps remain from the cottage cheese!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter will be thick and slightly lumpy, which is perfect!
5. Add the Blueberries:
Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. You want to keep those beautiful berries intact for maximum flavor!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This gives them room to puff up while baking!
7. Bake:
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the pancake bites cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm with extra blueberries on top and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you like!
Enjoy your delicious, fluffy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites!
Can I Use Non-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use non-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different texture. Full-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess and moisture, so you might want to add a little extra liquid if the batter seems too thick!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Blueberries?
No worries! You can use frozen blueberries instead. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before folding them into your batter. Alternatively, feel free to swap them out for other berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries!
How to Store Leftover Pancake Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make these pancake bites vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!