Madeleine Hull
Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but they don't have to be an unhealthy treat. There are plenty of ways to make a healthier version of this classic dish without compromising on taste. From using whole wheat flour to adding mashed bananas, these recipes are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or brunch. Whether you're after a gluten-free option or just looking to cut down on calories, there are numerous ways to make your pancakes healthier. So, get your whisk and mixing bowl at the ready and prepare to flip some diet-friendly pancakes.
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What You'll Learn
Healthy pancake toppings
There are many healthy toppings that you can add to your pancakes to make them more nutritious and delicious. Here are some ideas:
Fruits
Fresh, frozen, or roasted fruits are a great way to add sweetness and nutrition to your pancakes. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, apples, peaches, and citrus slices are all tasty options. You can also make a fruit syrup by cooking the berries with a little honey or maple syrup. For a warm and naturally sweet option, stew apple slices with cinnamon.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a healthy and creamy topping that adds protein and a tangy flavour to your pancakes. It can be enjoyed plain or mixed with other ingredients like cocoa powder, almond butter, maple syrup, or jam. Unsweetened and plain varieties are recommended, and a sprinkle of cinnamon can add extra flavour and potential digestive benefits.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide crunch, protein, and healthy fats to your pancakes. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds are all great options. You can sprinkle them on top or mix them into the batter. Nut butters, such as almond or peanut butter, are also excellent choices, providing healthy fats and protein.
Spices
Cinnamon is a popular spice to add to pancake toppings or the batter itself. It pairs well with fruits like apples and bananas and can also be combined with peanut butter for a unique flavour. Other spices like nutmeg and ginger can also be added to the batter or sprinkled on top for a festive touch.
Savoury Options
If you're looking for a savoury twist, there are plenty of options to explore. Sautéed mushrooms add a delicious umami flavour, while a small serving of kimchi or sauerkraut provides a tangy crunch. Hummus, cottage cheese, and avocado are other savoury toppings that can add creaminess and healthy fats to your pancakes.
With these healthy topping ideas, you can enjoy a stack of pancakes that not only taste delicious but also provide a nutritious and well-balanced meal.
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How to make fluffy pancakes
Fluffy pancakes are a delicious breakfast option and can be made with a few simple ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make fluffy pancakes:
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients:
- Flour: Preferably all-purpose flour, but you can also use whole wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives like buckwheat flour or oat flour.
- Leavening Agent: Baking powder is key to making fluffy pancakes. It helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
- Sweetener: You can use granulated sweetener or a ripe banana. Bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes.
- Egg Whites: Egg whites are used as a replacement for oil, reducing the calorie count while adding extra protein. You can use fresh or carton egg whites.
- Liquid: Milk or water is needed to mix the batter. You can use regular milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Flavoring: Vanilla extract adds a nice flavor to the pancakes.
Optional Ingredients:
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
- Hemp Hearts and/or Ground Flaxseed: Offer healthy fats and fiber.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: For a tropical twist.
Instructions:
Now, let's get into the process of making the fluffy pancakes:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a small amount of sugar or sweetener if desired.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the banana and add the egg whites, vanilla extract, and milk or water. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine and Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a thick, smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as lumps are expected in pancake batter.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the pan, forming circles of about 10 cm in diameter. Cook for around a minute, until you see bubbles on the surface and the edges start to look dry.
- Flip Carefully: Carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side until lightly browned. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Your fluffy pancakes are now ready to be served! You can top them with fresh berries, low-fat yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra treat. Enjoy your delicious and healthy breakfast!
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Using wholemeal flour
Whole wheat flour is a fantastic source of fibre and makes pancakes healthier. It has a mildly nutty flavour and can be used to make delicious, fluffy pancakes.
You can make whole wheat flour pancakes with 100% whole wheat flour, or you can combine it with all-purpose flour. Using a combination of the two types of flour will make your pancakes lighter and fluffier, while still retaining a nutty flavour. If you are using 100% whole wheat flour, you can use white whole wheat flour for a milder flavour.
To make whole wheat flour pancakes, you will need the following ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking powder, sweetener, eggs, milk, and butter. You can use maple syrup as a sweetener and add vanilla extract for extra flavour. You can also add cinnamon and a pinch of salt to bring out the flavour.
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make your pancakes tough and bread-like instead of fluffy.
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Freezing and reheating pancakes
Freezing pancakes is a great way to ensure you always have a tasty breakfast ready to go. Start by making your favourite pancake recipe, ensuring the pancakes are fully cooked and cooled before freezing. Then, place your cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, stack the pancakes with sheets of parchment paper in between and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Try not to keep pancakes in the freezer for longer than one to two months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pancakes, simply take out as many as you'd like and reheat them. There are several methods you can use to reheat your pancakes, each with its pros and cons.
Microwave: Place one to six pancakes on a microwave-safe plate, with no need to cover the plate. Microwave for about 20 seconds for one pancake, and adjust the time according to the number of pancakes and the wattage of your microwave. While this method yields soft and fluffy pancakes, some sources suggest that the microwave can make pancakes soggy and cause them to fall apart when spreading butter.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350-375°F and place the desired number of frozen pancakes on a foil-covered baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method is suitable for larger numbers of pancakes.
Toaster: The toaster is a quick and easy option, especially for reheating one or two pancakes. It results in crispy pancakes on the outside and fluffy on the inside. However, it is limited by the number of pancakes that can fit in the toaster, and it may not be suitable for pancakes with toppings or fillings as they can burn and create a mess.
No matter which reheating method you choose, your frozen pancakes will taste great and provide a convenient breakfast option.
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Egg whites vs flax eggs
To make diet pancakes, you can use egg whites or flax eggs as a substitute for whole eggs.
Egg Whites
Egg whites can be used as a replacement for oil in pancake recipes. They reduce the calorie count while adding extra protein. You can use either fresh egg whites or those from a carton. To make fluffy pancakes, whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then carefully fold them into the batter.
Flax Eggs
Flax eggs are a good option for vegans and those with egg allergies. They are also useful when you run out of eggs. A flax egg is made by mixing ground flax seeds (flax meal) with water to form a gel-like mixture. This mixture can then be added to the wet ingredients in the pancake batter. Flax eggs do not alter the taste of the pancakes but do leave brown specks in the batter. However, they may not be suitable for recipes that require whipping whites to a fluffy consistency, as they struggle to provide structure without gluten.
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Frequently asked questions
To make diet pancakes, you can use a variety of healthy ingredients and toppings. For example, you can use whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and egg whites to make the batter. You can also add Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or maple syrup as toppings.
Some healthy toppings for diet pancakes include Greek yogurt, low-fat yogurt, peanut butter, fresh berries, and maple syrup.
To make fluffy diet pancakes, you can use whipped egg whites, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
To make vegan diet pancakes, you can use flaxseed instead of eggs. You can also use almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and a combination of oat flour and whole wheat pastry flour.
To store diet pancakes, let them cool completely and then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave the pancakes for 30-45 seconds or warm them in a non-stick pan.
