BLOG
Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday is on 16 February this year and if like us, you absolutely LOVE pancakes, you might want to try a slightly healthier option, so we’ve shared some ideas and a couple of our favourite recipes below.
However, let’s get one thing straight from the offset – if you prefer the traditional recipe for pancakes, don’t feel guilty about enjoying them on pancake day…there’s no shame here whatsoever!
Treats are great for all of us, just try and limit them rather than cut them out completely.
Traditional pancake batter made healthier
First of all, start with addressing what goes into your pancake batter. A basic pancake batter consists of flour, eggs and milk. So whilst you may wonder how and where you can make the healthy swaps, rest assured there are a few options! Why not switch your normal white flour for whole-wheat flour, which is higher in important dietary fibre. And what about the milk? Instead of full fat or semi-skimmed, opt for skimmed milk to keep the calories as low as possible, or substitute with almond or oat milk.
Frying your pancakes in butter may taste great, but it won’t do your diet, health or waistline any favours. So try swapping your normal butter for a couple of quick squirts of sunflower or coconut oil.
Toppings/Fillings
Now turn your attention to some healthy fillings. Lemon juice is ideal, but not when it’s accompanied by spoon after spoon of sugar or syrup. So with this in mind, why not try a squeeze of lemon with some sultanas or raisins for a naturally sweet and nutritious hit. Ground cinnamon, ground cloves and ground ginger offer taste in abundance, but without all the calories of sugar and syrup. How about choosing honey as a natural sweetener, and perhaps topping with a little low fat yoghurt for some extra goodness and nutrition. Or fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries boast an array of vitamins and minerals, and they’re sweet and tasty too.
And if you really want to try something different – the below are equally as scrummy as traditional pancakes.
Enjoy!
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
These are delicious, healthy, light and fluffy pancakes that will keep you full and satisfied without all of the fillers. Whip them up in a blender in no time at all and you won’t believe how good they taste!
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 10 | Calories: 85 kcal
Ingredients
1/2 cup almond milk unsweetened
2 Eggs
1 Egg White
1 Banana
2 Tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (can use gluten-free)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla optional
Toppings Ideas:
Fresh Berries
Fresh Banana Slices
Sliced Almonds
Greek yoghurt or creme fraise
Instructions
In a blender, pour in Almond Milk, eggs, egg white, banana, honey, vanilla (optional), rolled oats, baking powder and salt.
If you don’t have a blender – just hand whisk it all in a bowl. Blend/whisk until smooth.
Heat pan/skillet over medium heat. Once warmed, spray with non-stick cooking spray or place coconut oil in.
Pour pancake batter into skillet in small round circles.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Turn over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Drizzle with honey and toppings of choice.
Vegan banana pancakes
Prep:10 mins | Cook:12 mins | Makes 12
Make these foolproof dairy and egg-free banana pancakes. A guaranteed crowd pleaser with a fluffy, light texture, you’d never know they’re vegan
Ingredients
1 large ripe banana (around 150g)
2 tbsp golden caster sugar
¼ tsp fine salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil , plus extra for cooking
120g self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
150ml oat, almond milk or soya milk
maple syrup or honey and sliced banana and berries, to serve (optional)
Method
STEP 1
Mash the banana in a mixing bowl. Stir in the sugar, salt and oil. Add the flour and baking powder and mix thoroughly. Make a well in the centre and gradually whisk in the milk. The batter should be a thick, droppable consistency.
STEP 2
Heat a little oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the batter to make American-style pancakes. You will be able to make about 4-5 at a time. Fry on each side for 2-3 mins until golden. Serve with syrup, sliced banana and berries, if you like.
