Save Fluffy pancake balls filled with sweet cream cheese and colorful candy pieces bring the playful spirit of monster cakes to your breakfast or dessert table. These bite-sized treats are soft, creamy, and fun to decorate, making them perfect for parties or family mornings.
I first made these pancake balls for a themed brunch, and they quickly became a family favorite. The creamy filling and colorful candies always make everyone smile, and decorating each one as a silly monster is half the fun.
Ingredients
- Pancake Batter: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Filling: 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Mix-Ins & Decoration: 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolate pieces (e.g. mini M&Ms), assorted candy eyes or colored sprinkles (for decorating, optional), powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Make Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Preheat Pan:
- Preheat an aebleskiver pan or cake pop maker over medium heat and lightly grease each well.
- Assemble Balls:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pancake batter into each well. Add 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture and a few chocolate chips or candy pieces to the center, then cover with another 1/2 tablespoon of batter.
- Cook & Flip:
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the edges start to set. Flip each ball gently and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Decorate & Serve:
- Remove from pan and cool slightly. Decorate with candy eyes or sprinkles to create monster faces if desired. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Save We love gathering in the kitchen to assemble and decorate each pancake ball together. Laughter fills the air as everyone tries to create the most outrageous monster faces, making it a breakfast to remember.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, aebleskiver pan or cake pop maker, small spoon or piping bag, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (cream cheese, butter, buttermilk), eggs, and possible soy (in candies). Always check candy labels for potential nut, soy, or gluten contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 110, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 14 g, Protein 2 g
Save Try serving these pancake balls warm with maple syrup or melted chocolate for dipping. They are sure to delight both kids and adults!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent pancake balls from sticking to the pan?
Lightly grease each well of the pan before adding batter. Use a nonstick spray or melted butter for best results.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese with another filling?
Yes, try whipped chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or fruit preserves inside for a different flavor twist.
- → Do these pancake balls work without candy pieces?
Absolutely! Omit candy for a simple cream-filled treat, or add chocolate chips or nuts for variety.
- → What's the best pan for cooking these balls?
An aebleskiver pan or cake pop maker is ideal, but you can also use a mini muffin tin in the oven.
- → How can I serve pancake balls for breakfast?
Serve warm with maple syrup or melted chocolate for dipping. Fresh fruit pairs well too.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they use dairy and eggs but contain no meat products, making them vegetarian-friendly.