Deliciously Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes with Cocoa & Berries
Start your day off right with these deliciously healthy whole wheat banana pancakes, infused with cocoa for a chocolatey twist. Not only are they low in calories and fat, but they are also packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a perfect breakfast option for the whole family. These pancakes are incredibly versatile; feel free to add frozen blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of fruity goodness. This recipe is a hit with kids, who can enjoy mashing bananas and mixing ingredients. Ideal for a nutritious morning or a guilt-free brunch, these pancakes will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. After creating these pancakes regularly while on a diet, my family lost an impressive 90 lbs together - proof that healthy can be delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour
3/4 cup (sifted)
Unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (sifted)
Sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
2 tablespoons (to taste)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Cocoa powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Water
1/2 cup (none)
Skim milk
1/2 cup (none)
Ripe bananas
2 medium (mashed)
Egg whites or egg substitute
2 egg whites or 1 egg substitute (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar (or Splenda), cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3
Add the water, skim milk, egg whites (or egg substitute), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly until combined.
4
Fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients gently until just combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.
5
Heat a non-stick griddle over medium to medium-high heat and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
6
Using a ladle, pour the pancake batter onto the griddle, making pancakes about 4 inches in diameter. Allow the pancakes to cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip them over.
7
Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
8
Serve warm, and if desired, top with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main health benefits of these banana pancakes?
These pancakes are low in calories and fat, high in nutrients like fiber from whole wheat, and were part of a successful 90 lb weight loss journey for the creator's family.
Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either regular sugar or Splenda sugar substitute depending on your dietary preferences.
What gives these pancakes their chocolate flavor?
The recipe includes one teaspoon of cocoa powder which provides a subtle chocolatey twist to the banana base.
Is it possible to add fruit to the batter?
Yes, you can easily add frozen blueberries or raspberries to the mixture for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
What kind of flour is required?
The recipe uses a mix of 3/4 cup whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour.
How many egg whites are needed?
You will need 2 egg whites or an equivalent amount of egg substitute.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of skim milk to keep the pancakes low in fat.
How should the bananas be prepared?
You should use 2 medium ripe bananas and mash them until smooth before mixing them with other wet ingredients.
What size should the pancakes be when poured?
It is recommended to use a ladle to pour the batter into circles approximately 4 inches in diameter.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Wait until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake before flipping it over.
How long do the pancakes need to cook on each side?
The pancakes should cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly recipe and kids can enjoy helping with tasks like mashing bananas and mixing the batter.
Should the batter be perfectly smooth?
No, you should fold the ingredients gently until just combined; having some lumps in the batter is perfectly okay.
Do I need to use oil to fry the pancakes?
No, the recipe suggests using a non-stick griddle lightly coated with non-stick cooking spray.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor.
What is the heat setting for the griddle?
The griddle should be heated over medium to medium-high heat.
Can I use vanilla extract in this recipe?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract are added to the wet ingredients for extra aroma and flavor.
Why is sifting the flour important?
Sifting the flours and dry ingredients together ensures they are well combined and helps create a lighter pancake texture.
Does this recipe use water or milk?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of skim milk.
What are some recommended toppings?
You can top the warm pancakes with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients including the flours, leavening, liquids, and flavorings.
Is there a lot of salt in this recipe?
No, there is only a small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of salt used.
Can I use an egg substitute instead of real egg whites?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 portion of egg substitute as an alternative to 2 egg whites.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder are used to help the pancakes rise.
Are these pancakes good for a guilt-free brunch?
Absolutely, they are designed to satisfy a sweet tooth without compromising health goals.
What is the total amount of flour used?
The total flour amount is 1 cup, consisting of 3/4 cup whole wheat and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
Can I use ripe or unripe bananas?
The recipe specifically calls for ripe bananas as they are easier to mash and provide more natural sweetness.
Is this a good recipe for dieting?
Yes, the creator notes these were a staple during a diet where their family lost significant weight.
Can I use cinnamon in this recipe?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon are included to provide a warm spice profile.
How should the dry and wet ingredients be combined?
The banana and wet mixture should be gently folded into the sifted dry ingredients until just combined.