Making healthy pancakes for children can be both fun and nutritious! Here’s a simple and kid-friendly recipe that is packed with wholesome ingredients:
Healthy Pancakes for Kids
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (you can use dairy or plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil (or melted butter for richness)
- 1 ripe banana (mashed, optional, for added sweetness and nutrition)
Directions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and oil. If you’re using a banana, mash it and add it to the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with a little oil or butter.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can sneak in healthy add-ins like chopped berries, finely grated zucchini, or chia seeds for extra nutrients.
- Make it colorful: Let your kids help by adding colorful toppings like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas to make it more fun!
This recipe uses whole wheat flour for added fiber, a banana for natural sweetness, and milk for calcium. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different add-ins and toppings! Enjoy!
If you’re looking for tips and ways to incorporate whole wheat, oatmeal, and banana into healthy pancakes for kids, you’re in luck! These ingredients provide added nutrients, fiber, and natural sweetness. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
Tips for Using Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, and Banana in Pancakes
- Whole Wheat Flour:
- Why it’s great: Whole wheat flour adds fiber, iron, and B vitamins, which are important for kids’ growth and energy.
- Tip: If your child is not used to whole wheat flour’s slightly denser texture, start by mixing it with all-purpose flour (a 50/50 mix) and gradually increase the ratio of whole wheat flour until they get accustomed to the taste and texture.
- Oatmeal (Oats):
- Why it’s great: Oats are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They help with digestion and keep kids feeling fuller for longer.
- Tip: You can blend rolled oats into a flour consistency in a blender or food processor to use in place of some of the whole wheat flour for an even softer pancake texture.
- Tip 2: Use oatmeal as an add-in: After cooking the pancakes, sprinkle oats on top for crunch, or mix them into the batter for a chewy texture.
- Banana:
- Why it’s great: Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars. They’re a great way to sweeten pancakes naturally.
- Tip: Mash the banana well and add it to the pancake batter to help bind the ingredients and create a soft, moist pancake. You can substitute some of the milk or oil with banana for a healthier fat replacement.
- Tip 2: For added flavor and texture, you can also slice a banana and add it directly to the pancake batter for small banana chunks in each bite.
Healthy Pancake Recipe with Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, and Banana
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (blended into oat flour)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on how sweet you like it)
Directions:
- Prepare Oatmeal Flour: Blend the rolled oats into a fine flour using a blender or food processor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mash Banana: In another bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or butter.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the pancake batter into the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey or syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Additional Tips for Kids:
- Customize: Let your kids help by adding their favorite toppings, such as chopped berries, nuts, or a spoonful of yogurt.
- Make it Fun: Turn the pancakes into fun shapes using cookie cutters or create a pancake “stack” with colorful fruit layers in between.
- Prep Ahead: Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick breakfast later in the week. Simply reheat in the toaster or microwave!
With whole wheat, oatmeal, and banana, you’re not only providing a tasty breakfast but also ensuring that your kids are getting fiber, protein, and important vitamins to fuel their day!