10 Irresistible Maple Pancake Poppers Recipe Ideas

There’s something magical about turning a classic dish into something fun and finger-friendly. This Maple Pancake Poppers Recipe does just that—capturing the essence of fluffy pancakes in adorable, poppable bites. I first made these for a weekend brunch with my nieces and nephews, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than the syrup hit the plate. Warm, golden, and topped with a maple glaze, they’re everything you love about pancakes with a little extra fun.

Whether you serve them on a brunch platter or stash a few in a lunchbox, these mini pancake poppers will become a family favorite—no fork required.

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Pancake Poppers Recipe

• Kid-Friendly & Shareable: Perfect for little hands, parties, or snack time.
• Maple Magic: A sweet glaze infuses these poppers with cozy, maple flavor.
• Customizable: Add blueberries, mini chocolate chips, or keep them plain.
• Oven-Baked Ease: No flipping required—just mix, bake, and glaze!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They reheat beautifully for busy mornings.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Makes approximately 24 mini pancake poppers

For the Pancake Poppers:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional add-ins: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, or blueberries

For the Maple Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or melted butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.

4. Add Optional Fillings

Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, blueberries, or other add-ins if using.

5. Fill and Bake

Spoon batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.

7. Glaze and Serve

Let the poppers cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle or dip in the maple glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Poppers, approx.)

• Calories: 85
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 110mg

Nutrition values are estimated and can vary based on mix-ins and portion size.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture fluffy.
• Use Fresh Buttermilk: The acidity activates the baking soda for a light rise.
• Glaze While Warm: The glaze sets perfectly if poppers are slightly warm.
• Batch Prep: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts.
• Add Texture: Top with crushed pecans or granola for a bit of crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh fruit salad and hot coffee for a complete brunch spread.
• Serve with maple syrup for dipping (kids love this!).
• Add to a weekend breakfast board with bacon, sausage links, and scrambled eggs.

Variations

• Maple Bacon Poppers: Add finely chopped cooked bacon to the batter.
• Cinnamon Roll Poppers: Swirl in cinnamon sugar and drizzle with cream cheese glaze.
• Lemon Blueberry: Add lemon zest to the batter and use blueberries as your mix-in.
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix in ¼ cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for fall vibes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pancake mix instead of homemade batter?
Yes! Just follow the mix’s package instructions, reducing the liquid slightly so the batter is thick enough for muffin tins.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven before glazing.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unglazed poppers for up to 2 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk with a splash of vinegar (for buttermilk) and dairy-free butter.

External Resources

• How to Make Buttermilk – Kitchn
• Pancake Science – Serious Eats
• Mini Muffin Baking Tips – King Arthur Baking
• Pure Maple Syrup Grades – USDA

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