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Home Method Instant Pot
5
/5
35 minutes minutes

Instant Pot Protein Pancake Bites

Nut Free Nut Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard8 Comments
Posted: 1/6/21 Updated: 1/7/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Instant Pot protein pancake bites are a fun alternative to pancakes that cook up in your Instant Pot! Works great for week day breakfasts, or for meal prep.

After using my silicone molds to make Instant Pot egg bites, I started thinking of other ways to use them...and pancake bites came to mind instantly!

drizzling syrup on instant pot pancake bite
Jump to... show
1 Why you’ll ♡ Instant Pot pancake bites
2 Recipe video
3 Ingredient notes
4 Step by step directions
5 Recipe FAQ
6 Variations
7 Storage and reheating
8 More Instant Pot recipes
9 Instant Pot Protein Pancake Bites

Adapted from my sheet pan protein pancakes, these pancake bites are light and fluffy, yet made with whey protein powder to keep you feeling full. They are simple to customize, and the kids absolutely love them!

Why you’ll ♡ Instant Pot pancake bites

  • they are light and fluffy, and easy to customize
  • the protein powder helps to keep you feeling full
  • they store and reheat well

Recipe video

Watch the video below to see how simple it is to cook pancake bites in the Instant Pot! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

Ingredient notes

ingredients required to make Instant Pot pancake bites
  • flour- I've used a mixture of all purpose and whole wheat flour; you can swap for 100% all purpose or white whole wheat flour
  • protein powder- I recommend a vanilla whey protein powder; in my experience pea protein powder does not substitute in pancakes for whey, and the vanilla helps to give the pancake bites extra flavor
  • coconut oil- use refined coconut oil to avoid a prominant coconut flavor; swap for vegetable oil or butter
  • maple syrup- may be substituted for honey or brown sugar; alternative sweeteners have not been tested
  • blueberries- opt for smaller berries, fresh or frozen may be used. If using frozen, do not thaw

Step by step directions

pancake batter mixed in bowl with blueberries on top

Mix batter- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and protein powder. Add the maple syrup, milk, eggs and melted coconut oil on top, then mix until just combined and no pockets of flour remain. Fold in the blueberries last, reserving some for the tops of the pancake bites.

pancake batter in silicone mold

Add to molds- Spray two silicone egg molds with spray oil, then divide the batter evenly between them. Add 1-2 berries to the top of the bites. Spray the lids of the molds, then place the lids onto the molds.

silicone molds in the instant pot

Assemble in Instant Pot- Add 1 cup of water to the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot (for 6 quart; 1.5 cups for 8 quart). Place the trivet over the water, then arrange the molds on the trivet. Rotate the top mold slightly so the egg bites are not sitting directly on top of each other.

instant pot with 10 minutes time on the screen

Cook- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to 'sealing', and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Perform a quick pressure release, then allow the pancake bites to cool for 10 minutes before popping them out of the molds.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this in one bowl?

Yes, we mix it all up in one bowl. I've also provided weights so you can weigh your ingredients without the need for measuring cups.

Where do you get the silicone molds?

Here are the ones I own, they come in a set of two and each have lids. I’ve been really happy with them so far! I purchased mine on Amazon.

Which Instant Pot models can be used?

You can make these egg bites in either a 6 quart Instant Pot or an 8 quart Instant Pot. Unfortunately the mold won't fit in a mini.

Do we use a natural or quick pressure release?

We are using a quick pressure release for this recipe to ensure that our pancake bites do not overcook. To do a quick pressure release, carefully transition the steam release handle from the ‘sealing’ position to the ‘venting’ position.

Be extremely cautious when doing a quick release handle: never place your face, hand, or any other object over the valve when releasing steam.

For more information about quick versus natural pressure release, check out Instant Pot 101.

How do you get the pancake bites out of the mold?

It's important to spray the molds with spray oil or grease with butter or oil before adding the pancake batter. Let the pancake bites cool for 5 minutes, then squeeze the mold gently to pop them out.

instant pot pancake bite cut in half

Variations

This is an extremely forgiving recipe and works well with numerous options:

  • fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • swap the blueberries for chopped strawberries or other fruit- note: do not use bulky or extremely wet fruit as it can cause the pancakes to not cook through properly
  • add in 1 tablespoon lemon or lime zest
  • add in ¼ cup chopped bacon
  • add in ½ cup finely shredded carrot or zucchini (moisture pressed out)
  • consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • add in ¼-1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

Other notes:

  • Cottage Cheese Pancakes  and store bought pancake mix also worked in the silicone molds, but the fluffy blueberry pancakes were not as fluffy.
close up view of pancake bites in silicone mold

Storage and reheating

These pancake bites are best served fresh, but can store for 2-3 days.

  • fridge– cool completely, then store in an air tight container for up to 4 days.
  • freezer– cool completely, then store in an air tight container, wrapped loosely with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can store them in a sturdy freezer bag, using a straw to suck extra air out of the bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • thaw– thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • reheat– heat in the microwave until steaming hot.

Find my favorite meal prep containers here!

instant pot pancake bites in molds

More Instant Pot recipes

  • Instant Pot Hard and Soft Boiled Eggs
  • Instant Pot Applesauce
  • Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
  • The Absolute BEST Instant Pot Turkey Chili
  • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

drizzling syrup on instant pot pancake bite

Instant Pot Protein Pancake Bites

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
time to come to pressure: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 35 minutes mins
Print Rate
Instant Pot protein pancake bites are a fun alternative to pancakes that cook up in your Instant Pot! Works great for week day breakfasts, or for meal prep.
14 pancake bites

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup all purpose flour 84 g; see note 1
  • ⅔ cup whole wheat flour 84 g
  • 1 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 scoop 40g vanilla protein powder; roughly a heaping half cup; see note 2
  • ¼ cup maple syrup 82 g; see note 3
  • ¾ cup milk 176 g; see note 4
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil 39 g; melted; swap for butter
  • ¾ cup blueberries see note 5

Instructions 

  • Mix batter– In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, mix together the flour, baking powder and protein powder. Add the maple syrup, milk, eggs and melted coconut oil on top, then mix until just combined and no pockets of flour remain. Fold in the blueberries last, reserving some for the tops of the pancake bites.
    pancake batter mixed in bowl with blueberries on top
  • Add to molds– Spray two silicone egg molds with spray oil, then divide the batter evenly between them (a cookie scoop helps- approximately 2 tablespoons per mold). Add 1-2 berries to the top of the bites. Spray the lids of the molds, then place the lids onto the molds.
    pancake batter in silicone mold
  • Assemble in Instant Pot– Add 1 cup of water to the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot (for 6 quart; 1.5 cups for 8 quart). Place the trivet over the water, then arrange the molds on the trivet. Rotate the top mold slightly so the egg bites are not sitting directly on top of each other.
    silicone molds in the instant pot
  • Cook– Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to ‘sealing’, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Perform a quick pressure release, then allow the pancake bites to cool for 10 minutes before popping them out of the molds.
    quick pressure release
  • Enjoy- Serve with maple syrup and extra berries.

Tips:

1- instead of a mixture of whole wheat and all purpose flour, you can use 1 ⅓ cups white whole wheat flour or all purpose flour. Alternative flours like gluten-free or almond have not been tested
2- this recipe has not been tested with pea protein powder and I do not think it would work equivalently. I do recommend using vanilla flavored powder as it helps give delicious flavor to the pancake bites
3- maple syrup can be swapped for honey or your favorite liquid sweetener
4- any dairy or non-dairy milk (such as unsweetened almond milk) will work in this recipe.
5- I recommend small blueberries in this recipe as the large ones pictured released a lot of juices into the pancake bites. If you use frozen blueberries, do not thaw first.
Storage
While best served fresh, you can store the pancake bites for 2-3 days.
  • fridge– cool completely, then store in an air tight container for up to 4 days.
  • freezer– cool completely, then store in an air tight container, wrapped loosely with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can store them in a sturdy freezer bag, using a straw to suck extra air out of the bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat
Heat in the microwave until steaming hot.
Variations
  • fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • swap the blueberries for chopped strawberries or other fruit- note: do not use bulky or extremely wet fruit as it can cause the pancakes to not cook through properly
  • add in 1 tablespoon lemon or lime zest
  • add in ¼ cup chopped bacon
  • add in ½ cup finely shredded carrot or zucchini (moisture pressed out)
  • consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • add in ¼-1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1pancake bite, Calories: 105kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 17mg, Potassium: 159mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 59IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 65mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Annie Holmes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Read more...

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Wesley Bielinski says

    Posted on 9/29/21 at Posted on 9/29/21

    Do I have to change anything if I omit the protein powder?

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 10/1/21 at Posted on 10/1/21

      Hi Wesley, we have not tested this recipe without the protein powder, but it may work to omit it. If you do try it, would you let us know how it turns out?

      Reply
  2. Connie says

    Posted on 3/31/21 at Posted on 3/31/21

    Could you make these in a regular oven?

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 4/19/21 at Posted on 4/19/21

      Hi Connie! Apologies for my late reply- yes, I believe you could, however I do not know cook times or temps. I would try 350°F. Let me know if you give them a try in the oven!

      Reply
  3. Elise says

    Posted on 1/6/21 at Posted on 1/6/21

    These look great! I know you haven't likely tested this, but do you think using a pre-made pancake mix and adding protein powder could work? I definitely have all the ingredients to follow your recipe, but also have a half-used bag of pancake mix from the holidays, ha!

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 1/6/21 at Posted on 1/6/21

      Hi Elise! I did test this with a pre-made pancake mix and they worked great with the same cook time. I do worry though if you add protein powder you'd throw off the liquid ratios. Good luck!

      Reply
      • Matt says

        Posted on 1/11/21 at Posted on 1/11/21

        Has anyone tried low carb alternatives like almond or coconut flour?

        Reply
        • Denise Bustard says

          Posted on 1/12/21 at Posted on 1/12/21

          Hi Matt! I have had major issues trying to convert my pancakes to almond flour, I think you'd need to seek out a completely different recipe. I'm not sure how that would translate to the Instant Pot. Wish I could be of more help! (also- would you let us know if you find a recipe that works?)

          Reply

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