These Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Pancake Bites are perfect for a quick breakfast! They are fluffy, tasty, and packed with protein, thanks to the cottage cheese.
Who knew pancakes could be so healthy and fun? I love making these bites in batches and freezing them. They make a great snack or breakfast on the go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Using full-fat cottage cheese gives these bites a creamy texture. You can opt for low-fat or non-fat if you prefer, but keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture.
Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce or even pumpkin puree for a different twist, but the taste will change.
Oats: Rolled oats are great because they hold their shape. Quick oats or oat flour can work in a pinch, but the texture may be a bit different. If you’re gluten-sensitive, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. You can substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) for a vegan alternative.
Baking Powder: This gives the pancake bites a light fluffiness. If you’re out of baking powder, you can make a substitute using cream of tartar and baking soda (1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar).
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Pancake Bite Texture?
Getting the right texture is key to enjoying your pancake bites! After blending your mixture, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the oats to soak up some moisture, creating a thicker batter that helps them hold shape when cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium heat. Too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through; too low, and they won’t get that nice golden color.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop for consistent sizes. This helps them cook evenly.
- When dropping the batter onto the skillet, shape them gently into rounds. Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave space for them to spread a bit.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Pancake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pancake Bites:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying
For Serving:
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Extra banana slices and walnuts for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have delicious pancake bites ready in about 30-35 minutes! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Base Ingredients:
Start by placing the cottage cheese, ripe bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract in a blender or food processor. Blend everything until it’s nice and smooth and creamy. This is your pancake batter base!
2. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Add the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt to the blender. Pulse just a few times until the oats are slightly mixed in but still have some texture. You want a bit of chewiness from the oats!
3. Let It Rest:
Allow the batter to sit for about 5-10 minutes. This waiting time helps the oats absorb some moisture and thicken the batter, making it easier to cook.
4. Preheat the Pan:
While the batter is resting, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to coat the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Pancake Bites:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small mounds of batter (about 1-2 tablespoons each) onto the skillet. Shape them gently into little rounds. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the bites have room to cook evenly.
6. Flip and Finish:
Cook the pancake bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Gently flip them over with a spatula; they might be a bit delicate, so be careful!
7. Keep Warm & Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pancake bites from the skillet and keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest. Serve these warm, drizzled with maple syrup, and feel free to add some extra banana slices and chopped walnuts on top for a delightful finish!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Pancake Bites, perfect for any time of day!
Can I Use Different Types of Oats?
Yes, you can! While rolled oats work best for this recipe, quick oats or even oat flour can be used. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly. Quick oats will yield a softer bite, while oat flour will create a more pancake-like texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pancake Bites?
Store any leftover pancake bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well! Just make sure to place a layer of parchment paper between them before freezing to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Pancake Bites Vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and ensure the cottage cheese is a plant-based version. You’ll still get delicious results!
What Can I Serve with These Pancake Bites?
These pancake bites are fantastic drizzled with maple syrup. You can also serve them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or nut butter for extra flavor and nutrition!
