These Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Pancake Bites are a fun twist on your breakfast! With fluffy oats, creamy cottage cheese, and sweet bananas, they’re super tasty and filling!
You can whip them up in no time and enjoy them warm or cold. I love having them as a quick snack during the day! Plus, they make me feel great about getting my protein in. 🥞🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide the base for your pancake bites. You can swap them for quick oats if that’s what you have, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different. Oats are great for fiber and energy!
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess and protein. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using silken tofu blended until smooth or any plant-based yogurt.
Banana: Ripe bananas are necessary for natural sweetness. You can substitute applesauce if you want to avoid bananas – about 1/3 cup will work well. This will change the flavor a bit, but it keeps them moist!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. If you’re vegan or allergic, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) for each egg, or try unsweetened applesauce as a binder (1/4 cup per egg).
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for Pancake Bites?
Getting the right texture for these pancake bites is key to making them fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Here are some tips to help:
- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This will help the oats absorb moisture and improve the texture.
- Use medium heat when cooking. This ensures the bites cook evenly without burning on the outside.
- Shape them gently into rounds. Don’t pack them too tightly; a loose shape allows steam to escape and keeps them fluffy.
With these tips, you’ll get deliciously fluffy bites every time! Enjoy experimenting and making them your own.
Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Pancake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil, for frying
- Maple syrup or nut butter, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack any time of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together so they are evenly distributed.
2. Make the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana and mix everything together well until you have a smooth mixture.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the oats to soften and absorb some moisture.
4. Cook the Pancake Bites:
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, scoop out portions of the batter and gently shape them into bite-sized rounds.
5. Fry Until Golden:
Place the banana oat bites onto the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully transfer the cooked pancake bites to a plate. Serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of nut butter for delicious dipping. Enjoy your tasty, protein-packed snacks!
These bites make for a wonderful breakfast or snack that is both nutritious and satisfying. Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Oats Other Than Rolled Oats?
Yes! You can use quick oats if you have them on hand, but the texture may be slightly different since quick oats are finer. Avoid using instant oats, as they may make the mixture too mushy.
Can I Make These Pancake Bites Vegan?
Absolutely! To make them vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and substitute the cottage cheese with blended silken tofu or any plant-based yogurt.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pancake bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Pancake Bites?
Yes! You can freeze them. Allow the bites to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the microwave or on the stove.