How to Make Mini Pancake Cereal

What’s small, fluffy, and taking over TikTok, Instagram, and every brunch-lover’s kitchen? You guessed it—mini pancake cereal! If you haven’t seen it yet, we’re not judging… but also, where have you been? 

But here’s a little twist you might not know—mini pancake cereal actually dates back to a 1950s cookbook, though it didn’t go viral until TikTok creators gave it a 2020 glow-up. According to Sporked’s take on pancake cereal, what started as a food stylist’s quirky idea quickly became a staple for social media breakfast influencers. It’s proof that what’s old can be trendy again! Now, let’s get flipping!

How to Make Mini Pancake Cereal

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons canola oil (plus extra for greasing the pan)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 ½ teaspoon of canola oil, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Use the silicone spatula to stir the mixture until it is well blended.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Add ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt to the bowl, then mix again using your spatula until the batter is thick and smooth with no lumps. The key here is that the batter should not be too thick but not too thin as well. You don't like it to be runny. 

Step 3: Prepare to Pipe

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a squeeze bottle with a small round tip for more control. Let the batter sit while you heat your pan.

Step 4: Heat Your Pan

Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease it using a silicone brush dipped in canola oil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 5: Pipe the Mini Pancakes

Quickly pipe small dollops (about the size of a nickel) onto the pan. Try to work fast—these little pancakes cook quickly!

Step 6: Flip and Finish

When the edges start to brown, flip each mini pancake using a small spatula or tongs. Cook until both sides are golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop your mini pancake cereal into a bowl. Drizzle with your favorite syrup, top with butter, or even add milk if you dare! Then dig in with a spoon and enjoy this adorable breakfast bowl.

Tips and Variations to Try for Mini Pancake Cereal

• Add mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the batter for a fun twist.
• Use almond flour and a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb version.
• Try honey, fruit compote, or peanut butter drizzle instead of maple syrup.
• Add milk. Yes, like actual cereal. It’s surprisingly delicious and softens the pancakes slightly for a new texture experience.

Make Your Own Mini Pancake Cereal Today! 

This mini pancake cereal isn’t trying to be some high-protein, sugar-free, macro-balanced breakfast. It’s just here to be cute. And buttery. And ridiculously fun to eat. Sometimes that’s all we need, right? 

This recipe is about the joy of breakfast, which feels a little like playing with your food. It’s about golden-brown bites sizzling in the pan, drizzled in syrup, and maybe even topped with a pad of butter just because you can. And honestly? That’s the vibe.

So if you’re in the mood to ditch the overthinking and just make something fun cozy and internet-trendy in the best way—this mini pancake cereal is your move. It’s nostalgic. It’s delicious. It’s like brunch and cartoons and being a kid again, all rolled into one bowl.

Other Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

Want to elevate your pancake cereal game even more? These tools from Zulay Kitchen will make breakfast a breeze:

• • Pancake Batter Dispenser – This handy dispenser is a game-changer when it comes to clean, consistent piping. 
  • Mixing Bowl Set – Keep things organized with this stackable set. Use one bowl for your wet ingredients, and another for dry, and mix it all together without dirtying every dish in the house.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons – This sturdy, easy-to-read set ensures that your batter is just the right balance of fluffy and pourable. 

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use boxed pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Absolutely! If you're short on time or just prefer the convenience, boxed pancake mix works well for mini pancake cereal. Just follow the box instructions, then adjust the consistency to be slightly thicker so the mini pancakes hold their shape when piped. 

What kind of pan is best for making mini pancake cereal?

A nonstick pan is the best choice by far. With mini pancakes, you're dealing with tiny circles that cook fast and can stick easily. 

How do I keep my mini pancakes from burning?

The secret is cooking on medium-low heat and working quickly. Once your pan is hot, reduce the heat slightly, and don’t walk away. These little pancakes cook fast—usually 30 to 45 seconds per side. Watch the edges for browning, then flip immediately. 

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the pancake batter ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using, as ingredients may settle.

Can I freeze leftover mini pancakes?

Definitely. Let the mini pancakes cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. After that, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or toss them in a pan for a few minutes to restore the crisp edges. 

What toppings go best with mini pancake cereal?

So many! While maple syrup and butter are classic, you can also try fresh berries, Nutella, yogurt, whipped cream, crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or even cinnamon sugar. If you want something savory, bacon bits and a dash of hot honey are surprisingly delicious. 

Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! For gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, replace the milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter. The results will still be light, fluffy, and delicious. Just keep in mind that gluten-free flours can sometimes create a slightly denser texture, so add a tiny splash more liquid if needed.