With flour, egg, milk and butter being the main ingredients of most pancake recipes, not to mention the toppings, it can be hard to imagine an alternative and certainly not one that tastes as good. But it is possible. We’ve rounded up five of the best recipes that are as healthy and delicious as pancakes get, including some options for vegan, coeliac and dairy-free diets as well.
100-calorie quinoa protein pancakes
Makes 12
What you need: 185g cooked quinoa, 35g flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, half teaspoon salt, 1 egg and 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil, 60ml milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup
What to do: Mix together the quinoa, flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, egg white, butter, milk and syrup. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Spray heated pan with olive oil/coconut oil and cook for about two minutes on each side.
Simple gluten free, dairy free pancakes
Makes 8
What you need: 1 banana, two eggs, 30g oats, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, quarter teaspoon baking powder (optional, use if you prefer fluffier pancakes)
What to do: Blend all ingredients in a blender and cook as above. The banana-egg mixture can be more delicate than traditional pancake batter so be careful when flipping. Wait until the side on the pan has turned golden brown before flipping with a thin spatula.
Simple vegan pancakes (dairy free)
Makes 8
What you need: 175g whole-wheat flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, half teaspoon salt, 300ml soy/almond/coconut milk (your milk of choice), 1 tablespoon maple syrup, half teaspoon vanilla
What to do: Mix dry ingredients before pouring in the milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and cook as above.
Almond and flaxseed pancakes (gluten and dairy free, vegan friendly)
Makes 12
What you need: 450g almond flour/meal, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, half teaspoon salt, half teaspoon baking powder(ensure gluten free if necessary), 3 eggs, 180ml almond/coconut milk, 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
What to do: Mix dry ingredients and in a separate bowl whisk the eggs together with the milk and oil. Gradually add the dry mixture to the egg mixture. Add more milk if necessary, and cook as above.
Vegan, gluten-free chocolate pancakes
Makes 10
What you need: 1 banana, 35g oats, 35g desiccated coconut, half teaspoon vanilla, quarter teaspoon cinnamon, half teaspoon ground flaxseed (optional), 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, pinch of ground ginger, chocolate chips/cacao nibs
What to do: Blend together the coconut and oats until they resemble flour. Mash the banana until as smooth as possible, and add the vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. Add to the 'flour' along with the cocoa powder and ground flaxseed (if using) and mix until well combined. Cook as above, adding the chocolate chips/cacao nibs as you cook if you want.
