Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a good dose of protein to keep you full longer.
- Naturally Sweet: Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness without the need for added sugar.
- Mini and Portable: Perfect bite-sized pancakes make for easy snacking or breakfast for kids and adults alike.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Gluten-Free Option: Using oat flour or blended oats makes this recipe gluten-free friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup oat flour (or blended oats)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for cooking)
Directions
- Blend the Batter: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, mashed banana, egg, oat flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and grease with melted butter.
- Cook the Bites: Spoon small amounts of batter onto the pan to form mini pancakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with honey, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bites
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or blueberries for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu.
- Sweetener: Omit honey or maple syrup for a sugar-free version or adjust to taste.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pancake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. These also freeze well—thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, but oat flour adds a nice texture and makes the pancakes gluten-free.
How ripe should the banana be?
Use a banana with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Can I make these vegan?
Try substituting the egg with a flax egg and using a plant-based cottage cheese alternative or silken tofu.
Are these suitable for kids?
Absolutely, these mini bites are kid-friendly and nutritious.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost.
How do I prevent pancakes from sticking?
Ensure the pan is well-greased and preheated before adding batter.
Can I make these bigger pancakes?
Yes, simply increase the batter per pancake and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Are these pancakes low-carb?
They are moderate in carbs, mostly from oats and banana.
Can I freeze cooked pancake bites?
Yes, freeze cooled pancakes in a zip-top bag and reheat as needed.
Conclusion
Creamy Cottage Cheese Banana Pancake Bites are a quick, healthy, and delicious way to start your day or enjoy a satisfying snack. With natural sweetness, fluffy texture, and a protein boost, they’re a convenient treat that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. Try them plain or customize with your favorite add-ins for a versatile favorite!
Creamy Cottage Cheese Banana Pancake Bites – Fluffy & Protein-Packed!
Mini pancake bites made with creamy cottage cheese and ripe banana, packed with protein and natural sweetness. Perfect for a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack on the go.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
½ cup cottage cheese
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 large egg
½ cup oat flour (or blended oats)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon melted butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- Blend the Batter: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, mashed banana, egg, oat flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and grease with melted butter.
- Cook the Bites: Spoon small amounts of batter onto the pan to form mini pancakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with honey, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt.
Notes
Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or blueberries for extra flavor.
Spice it Up: Add nutmeg or ginger with cinnamon.
Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu.
Sweetener: Omit honey or maple syrup for sugar-free or adjust to taste.
Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg