Instant Pot Pancake Bites

If your family loves pancakes but you don’t have the time to make them from scratch every day, you need these Instant Pot Pancake Bites! They're a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy pancakes without all the fuss.

These bite-sized pancakes are fluffy, moist, and bursting with flavor from the fresh fruit or toppings of your choice.

My family loves pancakes, but I don't always have time to make them from scratch, especially on busy weekday mornings. These Instant Pot Pancake Bites have solved that problem because now I can make a big batch to have in the freezer. 

Not only are they incredibly convenient, but they also allow me to get creative with different flavors and toppings. Sometimes I'll make a batch with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup, and other times I'll opt for chopped strawberries or mashed raspberries with a touch of honey.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use any store-bought pancake mix you like, or even make your own from scratch if you prefer.

And the topping possibilities are endless – from nuts and chocolate chips to sprinkles and pie spices. It's a great way to use up any fresh fruits or mix-ins you have on hand.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Pancake Mix - Using a store-bought mix like Kodiak Cakes makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. The mix provides the perfect fluffy, slightly sweet base for the pancake bites.
• Milk or Water - I used milk. You can use either water or milk to combine with the pancake mix. Milk adds a touch more richness and protein.
• Fresh Fruit - Fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries add bursts of flavor and natural sweetness. You can use them whole, chopped, or mashed.
• Optional Toppings - Get creative with mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. These add even more flavor and texture.
• Maple Syrup or Honey - While not required, a light drizzle of maple syrup or honey can take these pancake bites over the top, especially if using tart fruits like raspberries.

These blueberry Pancake Bites have become a staple in our household, and they've saved me so much time and effort in the mornings. Instead of standing over a hot stove, flipping pancakes one by one, I can simply toss the batter and toppings into the Instant Pot and let it work its magic. Then I get to serve a batch of perfectly cooked, bite-sized pancakes that my whole family loves.

How To Make Instant Pot Pancake Bites

Begin by combining the store-bought pancake mix and milk or water in a bowl, stirring until a smooth batter forms. The ease of using a premixed batter is what makes this recipe so quick.

Next, generously spray the wells of a silicone egg mold or similar baking mold with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure the pancake bites release easily once cooked. I used this silicone mold with lid (affiliate link).

Pour the batter into the prepared mold cavities, filling them about 3/4 full - this prevents the batter from overflowing during cooking. Use about 2 tablespoons of batter per well.

Now it's time for the fun part - toppings! Sprinkle fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips or any other desired mix-ins over the top of the batter in each well.

Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot and pour in 1 cup of water. Carefully lower the filled silicone mold onto the trivet.

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. It will take a few minutes to build pressure before the cooking time begins.

Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining steam. Use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot mold.

Let the pancake bites cool for a few minutes, then run a butter knife around the edges and invert the mold onto a plate to release the bites. Drizzle with syrup or honey if you like and enjoy!

Pancake Variations

• Use different pancake mix flavors. While the recipe calls for classic pancake mix, you could use flavored varieties like blueberry, chocolate chip, or pumpkin spice pancake mix for built-in flavor.
• Make them gluten-free. Substitute a gluten-free pancake mix or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these pancake bites gluten-free.
• Add mix-ins to the batter. Get creative by folding ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut directly into the pancake batter before cooking.
• Use dairy-free milk. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond, oat or coconut milk instead of regular milk when making the batter.
• Make them vegan. Use a vegan pancake mix combined with a non-dairy milk to make these pancake bites vegan-friendly.

Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: These Instant Pot Pancake Bites make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast. Just cook up a couple dozen pancake bites on the weekend, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In the morning, you can reheat a few in the microwave for 15-30 seconds and they'll taste freshly made.

Store: You can store any leftover pancake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow to cool before storing.

Freeze Unbaked: For extra easy mornings, you can even assemble and freeze the unbaked pancake bites ahead of time. Simply prepare the batter, fill the silicone mold, top with desired fruits or mix-ins, and freeze the whole tray. Once frozen solid, pop out the pancake bites and store them in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, simply place the frozen bites in the mold and pressure cook from frozen for 9 minutes instead of 7.

Freeze Baked: Once cooled, arrange the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. Frozen pancake bites will keep for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or toaster oven.

Recipe Tips

• Let the pancake bites cool for 2-3 minutes in the mold before attempting to remove them. This will help them hold their shape better.
• Run a butter knife carefully around the edges of each pancake bite to loosen it from the mold before inverting it onto a plate.
• If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin it out slightly for easier pouring into the mold cavities.
• Spraying the mold really well with non-stick cooking spray is important to prevent sticking.

Here are a few more delicious pancake recipes to try!

• Homemade Pancakes Topped With Mixed Berries
• Pumpkin Pancake Recipe
• Pumpkin Sheet Pan Pancakes
• Pancake Breakfast Bake

These Blueberry Instant Pot Pancakes Bites are going to be a total game-changer for your busy weekday mornings. The kids will love having delicious pancakes in a variety of flavors, and you’ll love spending your mornings thinking about something other than breakfast!