The Best Whole Grain Pancakes {with Bananas, Coconut and Granola}

I want the perfect pancake! I've been searching for years. One that's light and fluffy, rich but healthy, and one that won't make my children's eyes roll. Last weekend I nailed it!

If there is one particular type of processed food I really despise, it has to be store bought pancake mix.  Most mixes are high in sodium and contain artificial ingredients and preservatives.  My husband and I would actually experience nausea after eating certain brands in the past.  But the kids go crazy for them (trust me I know!)  The good news is that you CAN make a wholesome, great tasting pancake mix at home and it's nearly as quick and easy!

My recipe contains 100% real whole grains, nothing artificial, and it leaves you feeling full and satisfied.

I've tried playing around with different ingredients.  I've used 2% milk, 1% milk and almond milk.  I've tried coconut oil and applesauce and the two combined.  I've tried whole wheat flour, white whole wheat flour and oat flour.  While variations of all of these combinations worked well and were delicious, there was one particular combo we all went crazy for!

White whole wheat flour is a bit milder, but still very nutritious (kids don't realize what it is because it's not as dark!)  I decided to combine it with oat flour because I happen to really love the rich nutty flavor of oats (it's so "breakfast-y!")  To that I added almond milk AND 1% milk along with applesauce (instead of oil).  That batch was the best!  Great flavor, moist texture, fluffy...check, check and check!

What really makes these pancakes amazing is the bananas, coconut and granola!  I also add a touch of greek yogurt on mine because I love the creaminess combined with the sweet maple syrup.  Just thinking about it makes me drool!  The kids devoured them!  The best part was the look on their face when I told them they were made with whole wheat flour!  Priceless!  Ok, so they did top their pancakes with some chocolate chips (also ridiculously good), but I was fine with it!  Knowing they've eaten real food and gotten a healthy dose of fiber and whole grains for breakfast was good enough for me.

*Tips For Great Tasting Pancakes:

• do not over mix the batter...mix only enough to combine ingredients.
• let batter sit for at least 5-10 minutes before cooking.
• use a good quality maple syrup, not the artificial stuff.
• use toppings like fresh fruit, coconut, nuts, and low-sugar granola and my personal favorite...greek yogurt, which help make it a complete meal.

The Best Whole Grain Pancakes {with Bananas, Coconut and Granola}

The Hanging Spoon

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Servings 10 -12 pancakes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oat flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoon applesauce
• 3 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup 1% milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoon agave syrup or 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon butter
• For toppings: banana shredded coconut, low sugar granola

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl combine flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
• In a separate bowl whisk together eggs, agave syrup, applesauce and vanilla extract.
• Add egg mixture and milks to the flour and mix together only enough to combine all ingredients.
• Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
• Heat nonstick skillet with a pat of the butter over medium heat.
• Using a small ladle, scoop batter onto pan to form pancake circles.
• Cook until bubbles begin to appear and then pop within the pancake, about 2 min per side and pancake turns golden brown on each side.
• Repeat until batter is finished and top with maple syrup, fresh banana slices, coconut and granola.

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