These blueberry lemon cottage cheese pancake bites are fluffy, fruity, and packed with protein! They’re perfect for a tasty breakfast or snack that feels like a treat.
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just mix, scoop, and bake. Plus, the burst of blueberries and zesty lemon makes each bite a little celebration. 🫐🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient here, giving the pancake bites their fluffiness and protein boost. If you want a smoother mix, you can blend it before using. For a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free cottage cheese.
All-Purpose Flour: It’s the common choice for these bites, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for extra nutrients, or use almond flour for a gluten-free option. Just remember the texture may change a little!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for their juicy burst, but frozen ones work too. They might bleed a bit, turning the batter a pretty purple color. If blueberries aren’t available, raspberries or chopped strawberries would be fun alternatives.
Lemon Zest: This adds freshness and brightness. If you don’t have lemons, you can use a bit of lemon juice, but zest gives a stronger flavor. Lime zest could also be a tasty swap!
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Pancake Bites?
The key to fluffy pancake bites is mixing the ingredients gently. Over-mixing can make them tough. When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, stir just until you don’t see any dry flour. Here are some helpful tips to ensure they’re light and fluffy:
- Incorporate the cottage cheese and eggs first until smooth.
- Gradually add your dry ingredients without over-stirring. A few lumps are okay!
- Don’t skip the baking powder; it’s essential for rising. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Lastly, let the bites cool slightly before removing them from the tin. This will help keep their shape!
Blueberry Lemon Cottage Cheese Pancake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Butter or oil, for greasing pan
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Total time is around 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful brunch option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin or use silicone liners to prevent sticking. It’s important to ensure they come out easily!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and milk. Use a whisk or a fork to mix well until the mixture is smooth. This will create a nice base for your pancake bites!
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder to your wet mixture. Gently stir everything together until just combined—be cautious not to over mix, as a few lumps are perfectly fine!
4. Fold in Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Carefully fold in the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and fresh blueberries. Stir gently to avoid breaking the blueberries, which will help keep your bites beautiful and bursting with berry goodness.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This leaves enough room for them to rise as they bake.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re set in the middle and have turned a lovely golden color on top.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, gently take them out of the tin. They’re great warm or at room temperature!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your pancake bites warm and sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like. Enjoy the delightful combination of blueberry and lemon in every delicious bite!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Blueberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, chopped strawberries, or even diced peaches. Just remember to adjust the amounts based on the fruit’s size and juiciness.
Can I Make These Pancake Bites Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cottage cheese made from almond or soy milk, and swap the regular milk for any plant-based milk of your choice, like almond milk or oat milk. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Pancake Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or enjoy them cold as a quick snack!
Can I Freeze These Pancake Bites?
Yes, these pancake bites freeze well! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be reheated straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the microwave time.