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.
I created these skewers as a way to combine my favorite autumn flavors in a playful format. The excitement on my family's faces when they see the colorful layers is always worth the effort!
Ingredients
- For the Pumpkin Pancake Bites: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Chai Muffin Bites: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground chai spice blend (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cardamom, 1/8 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp cloves), 1/3 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Caramelized Apples: 2 large apples (peeled, cored, cut into 1-inch chunks), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- To Assemble: 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), 8 wooden or bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Make the Pumpkin Pancake Bites:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto the skillet to form small pancake bites (about 2 inches wide). Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Chai Muffin Bites:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with liners or grease well. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spices. In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Pour wet into dry and mix until just combined. Divide batter among mini muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely, then remove from tin.
- Caramelize the Apples:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apple chunks, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized (about 8 minutes). Allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread one pancake bite, one muffin bite, and a chunk of caramelized apple onto a skewer. Repeat the sequence until each skewer has 2 of each component. Arrange skewers on a platter. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
Save Making these skewers together has become a seasonal tradition in our home with everyone assembling their own favorite combination. Sharing them at breakfast or as an after-dinner dessert brings us together in laughter around the table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, nonstick skillet, mini muffin tin, baking liners or spray, skillet or sauté pan, wooden skewers
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. May contain nuts, so always check all ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per skewer: calories 240, total fat 9 g, carbohydrates 38 g, protein 4 g
Save Enjoy these skewers as a festive brunch centerpiece or a creative dessert that everyone can build and savor together.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the pancake bites from sticking to the skillet?
Use a nonstick skillet and lightly grease with butter or oil before cooking. Allow the skillet to fully preheat before adding batter for best results.
- → Can I substitute pears for apples?
Yes, pears can replace apples for a slightly different flavor profile or seasonal variation. Caramelize pears following the same steps as apples.
- → Is there a gluten-free option available?
You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the pancake and muffin batters. Check all ingredient labels to ensure gluten-free status.
- → What is the best way to serve these skewers?
Arrange on a platter and drizzle caramel sauce right before serving. They pair well with warm chai tea or spiced lattes for a cozy touch.
- → How can I store leftover skewers?
Keep assembled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Drizzle caramel sauce just before eating for best texture.
- → Can the muffin bites be made ahead of time?
Yes, bake muffin bites a day in advance and keep them in a covered container at room temperature to maintain freshness.