These whole wheat pancakes are a delightful and nutritious way to kickstart your day. Light, fluffy, and with a subtly nutty flavor, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional pancakes without compromising on taste. This recipe is perfect for those looking to incorporate whole grains into their diet while still enjoying a classic breakfast favorite. Serve them with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, for a truly satisfying and wholesome meal.

Making these pancakes is incredibly easy and requires minimal effort. The batter comes together in just minutes, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunches. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients. For example, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, or add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.

What sets these whole wheat pancakes apart is their nutritional value. Whole wheat flour is packed with fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making these pancakes a significantly healthier choice compared to their refined flour counterparts. By choosing whole wheat, you’re not just enjoying a delicious breakfast; you’re also nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

By: Julia Pacheco

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbs sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Whisk to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough pancakes. A few lumps are okay.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You can use butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Once the griddle is hot, pour ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancakes.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough pancakes. Mix until just combined.
• Hot Griddle: Ensure your griddle is hot enough before pouring the batter. This helps create a golden-brown crust and fluffy interior.
• Butter the Griddle: Using butter on the griddle adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
• Rest the Batter: Letting the batter rest for a few minutes allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender pancakes.

Nutrition

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 236 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Sodium: 572 mg
• Potassium: 214 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Vitamin A: 377 IU
• Calcium: 249 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your whole wheat pancakes? Here are a few ideas:

• Berry Pancakes: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) to the batter before cooking.
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate) into the batter.
• Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients for a naturally sweet and flavorful pancake.
• Cinnamon Pancakes: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm and comforting flavor.
• Nut Pancakes: Add ¼ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These whole wheat pancakes are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your breakfast:

• Maple Syrup: The classic topping for pancakes. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Fresh Fruit: Top with your favorite fresh fruits, such as berries, bananas, peaches, or sliced apples.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.
• Greek Yogurt: A healthy and protein-rich topping that adds a tangy flavor.
• Nut Butter: Spread with your favorite nut butter, such as peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Leftover Pancakes:

• Refrigerator: Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Reheat the pancakes in the microwave for 20-30 seconds per pancake.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the pancakes on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.
• Toaster: Toast the pancakes in a toaster until warmed through and slightly crispy.
• Skillet: Reheat the pancakes in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Enjoy Your Delicious Whole Wheat Pancakes!

These whole wheat pancakes are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite while making a healthier choice. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature pancake masterpiece. Happy cooking!