Maple Pancake Poppers are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pancakes. These bite-sized pancake balls are stuffed with a warm, gooey maple syrup center and perfect for dipping into extra syrup or powdered sugar. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, these poppers are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these Maple Pancake Poppers offer a unique twist on classic pancakes. They’re small, bite-sized, and incredibly easy to eat – perfect for both kids and adults. The maple syrup center adds a rich, sweet surprise in each bite, making them an extra special treat. Plus, they’re a fun way to enjoy pancakes without the mess of flipping them one by one on a griddle. They’re perfect for busy mornings or a weekend brunch with friends and family.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup (for filling)
Extra maple syrup (for serving)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Heat a deep fryer or pot of oil to 350°F (175°C). You want the oil to be hot enough so that the pancake poppers cook evenly and turn golden brown.
Use a spoon to carefully drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure to create little pancake balls.
As the poppers cook, carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup into the center of each one before they are fully set.
Once golden brown and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes), remove the poppers from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Serve warm with extra maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for an added touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a cozy, spiced flavor.
For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour and maple-flavored yogurt as a dip instead of extra maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

To store any leftover Maple Pancake Poppers, I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want to keep them longer, I place them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, I simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat them in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F.

FAQs

How do I make the syrup center inside the poppers?

When frying the poppers, spoon a small amount of maple syrup into the center of the batter before the popper fully sets. The syrup will stay inside as the batter cooks and forms a warm, gooey center.

Can I use a different syrup flavor?

I personally prefer maple syrup for this recipe, but you can use any flavored syrup like caramel or blueberry for a fun twist!

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Baking the poppers isn’t recommended as they need the frying process to puff up and become golden brown. The syrup inside might also not set as well when baked.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I find that these are best served fresh, but you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, simply drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil for frying.

Are these poppers gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, I would recommend using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

Maple Pancake Poppers are an easy, fun, and delicious way to enjoy pancakes with a twist. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. With their warm, gooey maple syrup center and crispy exterior, these bite-sized delights are perfect for dipping, sharing, and savoring.