4 healthy pancake recipes you need to try

At one time pancakes were only eaten when people ate up rich foods, like eggs, sugar and milk before they fasted for 40 days during Lent.  Nowadays, many of us tend to smother our pancakes with chocolate spread or lashings of lemon juice and sugar which, although tasty, may not be the most nutritious options.

If you’re after some mouth-watering savoury and sweet pancake recipes that also happen to be healthy, why not try some of our suggestions for yourself?

What is pancake mix made of?

Traditionally pancake mix is made from eggs, milk and flour. However, we’ve found a few vegan friendly solutions that use egg substitutes if you wish to use those instead.

How do you make pancake batter from scratch?

If you want to avoid the usual crepe mixes you get at a supermarket, making your own pancake mix couldn’t be easier.

It usually takes around ten minutes to mix, but once you learn how it’s done, we guarantee that it’s a life skill that will stay with you forever and you’ll get it done in no time.

Simply mix eggs, milk and flour together until they blend into a smooth batter. If you have the time, or the patience it might be a good idea to leave them for half an hour. If not you can start using it right away.

Is it better to make pancakes with milk or water?

It is possible to make pancakes using water, but this will make a big difference to the taste. You will be better in terms of flavour to use dairy or non-dairy milk instead of water to make them taste better.

Even the mixes you get in supermarkets that say ‘just add water’ contain powdered milk.

What do eggs do in pancakes?

Pancakes contain very little gluten, so eggs allow the structure to rise. However, too much egg will give you a gloopy, custard like pancake – too little, you’ll get something tough and biscuit like.

For egg substitutes, you have a variety of options that can help work as a binding agent. You can see our 10 of the best egg alternatives for vegans, which includes possibilities such as:

• Flaxseed
• Chia seeds
• Apple sauce
• Banana
• Silken tofu

Why do my pancakes stick?

Believe it or not, but it’s all about the pan. If you’re using. Heavy, nonstick pans are bet for pancakes as thin pans can heat unevenly, and that can ruin all your hard work!

Try not to use metal utensils if you can help it. Try not use wooden or recycled plastic, if you can as you’ll avoid scratching the coating, which can result in food sticking to damaged areas.

How long do you cook pancakes on each side?

When your oil is heated in the pan your pancakes should cook for one minute each side, or until browned. Elaborate flipping is optional!

Best healthy & easy pancake recipes

We've rounded up our 4 best pancake recipes. Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner, these recipes are guaranteed to leave you feeling nourished.

Ideal for supper, these pancakes also make a wonderfully filling breakfast.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 2-3 minutes

Makes: 2 large or 3 small pancakes

Ingredients

• 120g of quinoa flour *
• 250ml of almond milk *
• 1 tbsp of melted coconut oil *
• A sprinkle of salt and pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley
• 50g finely sliced spring onions

Method

1. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl, whisk together and let the mixture sit in the fridge for half an hour.
2. Add the coconut oil to a large frying on medium heat.
3. Once the oil has melted, add a few spoons of the batter.
4. Cook for a few minutes until golden brown before flipping over.
5. Serve topped with your favourite stir-fried vegetables such as mushrooms, red peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 2-3 minutes

Makes: 2 large or 3 small pancakes

Ingredients

• 700g courgettes
• 1 sliced red onion
• 2 eggs
• 60g plain flour *
• 1 tablespoon crème fraiche
• 1 tsp salt
• A sprinkle of black pepper
• 2 tsp of sesame or olive oil *

Method

1. Peel the courgettes and grate into a colander to drain any excess liquid.
2. Leave them to sit for 30 minutes before squeezing any remaining liquid.
3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients.
4. Mix to form a thick batter.
5. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil and spoon the batter into a non-stick frying pan.
6. Cook pancakes for two minutes on each side until golden.

Liked those? Then you’ll LOVE our Honey & Coconut Granola recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 2-3 minutes

Makes: 2 large or 3 small pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 large banana
• 2 medium eggs
• A pinch of baking powder
• 2 tsp coconut oil *

Method

1. Mash the banana with a fork until it turns into a thick paste.
2. Beat the eggs and add to the banana along with the baking powder and vanilla.
3. Mix until smooth.
4. Heat the coconut oil in a non-stick frying pan over a low to medium heat.
5. When the oil has melted, pour a small amount of the mixture into the pan.
6. Cook for up two minutes or until the pancake starts to bubble.
7. Flip onto the other side and cook for another one or two minutes.
8. Repeat until you’ve made all four pancakes.
9. Simply drizzle on some honey or top with fruit, nuts or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 2-3 minutes

Makes: 2 large or 3 small pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp chia seeds *
• 1 chopped ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp plain flour *
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon *
• 1 tbsp coconut oil *
• 35g blueberries

Method

1. Spoon the chia seeds into a food processor and blend until powdery.
2. Add the eggs, banana, flour and cinnamon and continue to blend until the pancake mixture is smooth.
3. Melt the coconut oil in a pan over a medium heat.
4. Pour half of the mixture into the pan and add half of the blueberries.
5. Cook for up to three minutes until the edges are dry and flip over to the other side for a further three minutes.
6. Your pancake will be golden brown when ready.
7. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

Last updated: 8 April 2021