First, we saw the whipped coffee craze take off. Then came the rise of sourdough baking. Now, the latest food trend gaining momentum during the pandemic is pancake cereal. Unlike sourdough, this delightful dish requires far less yeast and precise measuring—just a lot more joy. Originating on TikTok, where the hashtag #pancakecereal has amassed over 11 million views, the trend has quickly migrated to Instagram, with top posts reaching nearly 253,000 views.
I’ll admit, I haven’t participated in any of the viral food trends that have surfaced during this time. The most ambitious cooking attempt I’ve managed in the past couple of months (or has it been years?) has been popping open a can of cinnamon rolls. But pancake cereal is something my kids and I could definitely get behind. We love pancakes, enjoy our cereal with milk, and judging by the way they devour maple syrup, we’re all in for this treat. Plus, time is the only ingredient needed, which we have plenty of.
The concept of pancake cereal is straightforward: mini pancakes cooked as usual, then served in a bowl with milk, just like cereal, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to add some color with M&Ms, you can make it your own!
Start by preparing your batter—opt for classic buttermilk pancakes from a mix or whip up a homemade version with a fun twist. Use a pastry bag or a Ziploc (just twist it and snip a corner) to pipe tiny dots of batter onto a greased skillet. The size is entirely up to you, but for that cereal effect, keep the pancakes small and bite-sized. Once they’re golden brown, transfer them to a bowl, add milk and syrup, grab a spoon, and enjoy! Alternatively, you can layer on a bit of butter, a drizzle of syrup, and some sliced strawberries for an extra treat.
If you’re seeking further inspiration, check out some Instagram accounts that are sure to motivate you to grab those mixing bowls. Imagine pancake cereal with a vibrant tie-dye effect or Nutella-infused mini pancakes—once my daughter discovers these delights, I doubt she’ll want anything else for any meal. Not a pancake fan? You’re in luck; the pancake cereal trend is also welcoming waffles to the mix.
Whether you choose to enjoy this dish as dessert or breakfast, the internet has mixed opinions on how to savor it, but the results are undeniably delightful and shareable. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how you decide to indulge in this trend; during a pandemic, it’s crucial to cook and eat what brings you happiness. For more on topics like this, check out this post on home insemination kit.
In summary, pancake cereal is an enjoyable, versatile trend that allows for creativity and joy in the kitchen—even amidst the chaos of a pandemic. It’s a simple, fun way to bring a little happiness to breakfast or snack time.