Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes
Pancakes! Why are pancakes only considered un-health-food? Is there only one way to make a pancake? I don’t see why they can’t be part of a balanced breakfast (or any meal really). There are plenty of ways to make pancakes more a more nutrient dense fuel source, and here is one of those super delicious ways!
These guys are nice and fluffy and pack in awesome apple cinnamony taste all in a ‘healthified’ pancake package that you probably wouldn’t even know was better for you than traditional pancakes. Increased nutrient density comes from swapping out white flour with whole wheat, no added sugar, a whole apple, and protein rich non-fat Greek yogurt. It’s pretty crazy these pancakes are as good as they are despite all those changes.
Do you usually top pancakes with butter and syrup? I challenge you to try nut butter and Greek yogurt instead on a stack of these. Not only is this combo more satisfying, but it can make pancakes into a more balanced meal through otherwise lacking protein. I hope you try them soon, and enjoy!
Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes
Makes ~6 pancakes
1 medium apple
2 eggs
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1/3 cup (77g) non-fat Greek yogurt
6 tbs. (50g) whole wheat flour
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. baking soda
pinch salt
butter or pan spray
Grate the apple with a cheese grater into a medium-large bowl. Whisk in the eggs. Mix in the vanilla and yogurt until homogenous.
In a small bowl whisk together with a fork the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Add dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
Heat a sauté pan or skillet on medium-low heat. When hot add a little butter or spray well with pan spray. Add the pancake batter to the pan in ¼ cup amounts. Let cook for ~2 minutes or until bubbles start to come through the top and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook about 1 more minute, until cooked through and the bottom is golden again.
Notes: I used honeycrisp apples, but you can use any firm apples here like fuji, granny smith, pink lady, etc. You can use whole milk or vanilla Greek yogurt instead of the plain if you like. White whole wheat flour is a good option if you want the benefits of whole wheat, but don’t love it in foods.