Okay, fellow breakfast enthusiasts, let's talk pancakes! Not just any pancakes, mind you, but fluffy, dreamy, vegan banana blueberry pancakes that will have you leaping out of bed with a smile. Forget those dense, flavorless disks you might have encountered – these are a whole new level of breakfast bliss.
A Tale of Two Flapjacks (and a Bit of Chaos)
Before we dive into the delicious details, let me share a little anecdote. You know how sometimes life throws you a curveball? Well, picture this: a meticulously planned weekend getaway, complete with booked accommodation and eager anticipation, all derailed by... a simple date mix-up! Yep, my partner, bless his cotton socks, managed to confuse the dates of our trip, leading to a flurry of calls and texts. Thankfully, it all worked out (and gave us a good laugh!), but it did remind me that sometimes the best moments are those unexpected ones, like discovering a truly amazing pancake recipe.
Speaking of amazing, these pancakes are an absolute game-changer. They're inspired by two of my previous recipe loves, combining the sweetness of bananas with the burst of juicy blueberries. But what makes these special? They are completely vegan, gluten-free (if you use the correct flour), and ridiculously easy to make. Plus, they’re naturally sweet so you can skip refined sugars!
Why You'll Love These Pancakes:
- They're Fluffy and Light: The magic of mashed bananas acts as a natural egg replacement, creating a beautifully moist and airy texture.
- They're Naturally Sweet: No need for extra sugar – the bananas and blueberries provide all the sweetness you need.
- They're Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, these pancakes come together in about 30 minutes.
- They're Customizable: Feel free to swap out the blueberries for other berries, or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- They're Actually Good for You: Made with wholesome ingredients, these pancakes are a nutritious and satisfying way to start your day.
Let's Get Cooking!
Yields: Approximately 8 pancakes Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 small bananas)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon acid (lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar)
- 125g / 1 cup buckwheat flour (or regular all-purpose flour, or all purpose GF flour mix)
- Approximately 180 ml / ¾ cup almond milk (or other plant milk)
- 150g / 5.25 oz fresh blueberries, divided
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, for cooking
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Toasted nuts (I like almond flakes)
- Thick vegan yogurt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas well. Add baking powder, baking soda and your chosen acid. Mix everything together until combined.
- Add the flour, and then gradually add in your chosen plant milk until a thick but pourable batter forms. You are looking for a consistency that will slowly drip off of a spoon.
- Gently fold in most of the blueberries, saving a handful for topping.
- Heat a non-stick pan over a medium heat. Brush the pan with approximately ½ tsp of oil.
- Ladle about ¼ cup of the batter onto the hot pan for each pancake. For larger pancakes use approx ½ cup.
- Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping when small bubbles start to appear and burst on the surface. They should be golden-brown.
- Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a low oven whilst you cook the rest. Once cooked, stack the pancakes high and top with your favourite additions such as maple syrup, nuts, remaining blueberries and a dollop of vegan yogurt.
Tips and Tricks
- If you are gluten intolerant always make sure your flour is certified gluten free. Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated during processing.
- Don’t overheat the pan, if it’s too hot, the pancakes will burn before they are cooked in the middle. Start on a low to medium heat and adjust as needed.
- Don't overmix the batter as this can result in tough pancakes.
Final Thoughts
These vegan banana blueberry pancakes are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They're a perfect start to a lazy weekend, a quick and nutritious breakfast before a busy day, or even a fun evening treat. So, go ahead, whip up a batch and share the joy! And if you happen to have a partner prone to date mix-ups, maybe make an extra batch, just in case they need some cheering up. 😉
Happy cooking (and happy eating)!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: approximately 106 per pancake
- Sugar: 8g per pancake
- Fat: 2g per pancake
- Saturated Fat: 0g per pancake
- Protein: 3g per pancake
- Carbs: 22g per pancake