Description

Craving a fun, portable twist on pancakes that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking? Strawberry Drop Pancake Bites are adorable, fluffy morsels made with creamy cottage cheese and juicy strawberries, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Drop Pancake Bites use simple ingredients to create fluffy, flavorful bites. Here’s what you’ll need for ~18 bites:

1 cup cottage cheese: Adds protein and a creamy, moist texture.
2 large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with a warm note.
1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus more for serving): Provides natural sweetness.
2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts batter consistency.
2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil): Contributes tenderness and flavor.
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat): Forms the bite’s structure.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
¼-½ cup finely diced strawberries or chocolate chips: Adds sweet bursts of flavor.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cottage Cheese: Boosts protein and keeps bites moist without extra fat.
Strawberries: Provide juicy, fresh flavor and natural sweetness.
Baking Powder: Creates a light, fluffy rise for perfect bites.
Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle, natural sweetness that pairs well with strawberries.

Substitutions and Variations

Cottage Cheese: Substitute with Greek yogurt or ricotta for similar moisture and protein.
Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or oat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Milk: Use dairy (whole, skim, or 2%) or non-dairy (almond, oat, soy) milk.
Butter/Coconut Oil: Swap with vegetable oil or vegan butter.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based cottage cheese, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), non-dairy milk, and vegan butter or coconut oil.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
Chocolate Chip Bites: Replace strawberries with ¼-½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Berry Mix Bites: Use a mix of diced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil), 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼-½ cup finely diced strawberries or chocolate chips.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a non-stick baking sheet.
Finely dice strawberries (if using) to ensure even distribution.

Tip: Use whole milk cottage cheese for the creamiest texture; drain if watery.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a blender, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk.
Blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds, ensuring no cottage cheese curds remain.
Add 2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter (or coconut oil) and blend briefly to incorporate.

Tip: Ensure butter or oil is cooled to avoid cooking the eggs; blend until smooth for a cohesive batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat) and 2 teaspoons baking powder.

Tip: Whisk well to evenly distribute baking powder for a consistent rise.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in ¼-½ cup finely diced strawberries or chocolate chips with a spatula.

Tip: Use ¼ cup strawberries for a lighter fruit flavor or ½ cup for more bursts; mix lightly to avoid crushing berries.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie or ice cream scoop (about 1-2 tablespoons) to drop batter onto the prepared baking sheet, making about 18 pancake bites.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Tip: Space bites about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading; check at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Serve

Let pancake bites cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet.
Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and optional toppings like extra strawberries or whipped cream.

Tip: Enjoy warm for the fluffiest texture and best flavor.