Save A playful, autumn-inspired treat featuring spiced pumpkin pancakes, chai muffins, caramelized apples, and a drizzle of caramel sauce (all threaded onto skewers for a fun and delicious presentation.)
When I first tried threading these pancake bites and chai muffins onto skewers with juicy caramel apples, it became an instant family favorite (especially with a warm cup of chai.) The mix of sweet, spiced flavors tastes just like autumn mornings.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Used in both the pancake and muffin batters for structure and tenderness
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness for both pancake and muffin bites
- Baking powder: Leavens both batters for a light texture
- Baking soda: Works with acid in buttermilk and balances muffins
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness
- Ground cinnamon: Adds signature autumn spice, present throughout
- Ground nutmeg: Pumps up warmth in the pancakes
- Ground ginger: Subtle zing in pancakes and muffins
- Ground cloves: Intensifies spiced scent
- Buttermilk: Moistens and tangs pancake batter
- Pumpkin puree: Classic flavor, keeps pancakes moist
- Egg: Provides structure and richness in both pancakes and muffins
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to pancakes and caramelizes apples
- Vanilla extract: Fragrant sweetness in both batters
- Vegetable oil: Moistens chai muffins
- Milk: Liquid for chai muffins, adds tenderness
- Ground chai spice blend: Brings complexity to muffin bites (try cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves)
- Apples: Peeled, cored, and chopped for caramelizing
- Brown sugar: Sweetens caramelized apples
- Caramel sauce: For drizzling; homemade or store-bought
- Wooden or bamboo skewers: Thread all elements for serving
Instructions
- Make the Pumpkin Pancake Bites:
- In one bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium and lightly grease. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls to make rounds about 2 inches wide. Cook until golden on each side, 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Chai Muffin Bites:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a mini muffin tin. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices in a bowl. Whisk milk, oil, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Mix wet and dry together, fill muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and remove from tin.
- Caramelize the Apples:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until apples are soft and caramelized (about 8 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread a pancake bite, muffin bite, and caramel apple chunk onto each skewer. Repeat pattern until all skewers have two of each item. Place skewers on a platter, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Save We love serving these skewers in the living room while the kids help drizzle on the caramel (their laughter always signals autumn in our house.) It creates such a fun and memorable breakfast tradition.
Required Tools
Gather mixing bowls, a whisk, nonstick skillet, mini muffin tin, baking liners (or spray), a skillet or sauté pan, and wooden skewers for assembling.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk, butter.) Check caramel sauce ingredients and labels for possible nut traces if serving someone with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each skewer contains approximately 240 calories, 9 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save Enjoy these playful skewers warm with extra caramel sauce or a cup of chai tea. They're a guaranteed hit at brunch or as a fun fall dessert.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can the pancake bites be made ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the pancake bites in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to two days.
- → What can I use instead of chai spice?
You may blend cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for a homemade chai spice flavor, or use only cinnamon for a milder taste.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Absolutely! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the pancake and muffin mixtures for a gluten-free version.
- → How do I caramelize apples effectively?
Cook apple chunks in butter with brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until they soften and become golden for best caramelization.
- → What beverages pair well with these skewers?
Chai tea or spiced lattes enhance the autumn flavors and complement the caramel and pumpkin notes beautifully.
- → Can I use pears instead of apples?
Yes! Pears work wonderfully and add a subtle twist to the fruit component.