Kid-Approved Banana Date Blender Pancakes

Recipes

Feb 22

The pancakes are on rotation at our house. They’re easy to make, nutrient dense and a favorite amongst kids and adults. They’re thick and chewy and best served with a big dollop of chia jam, butter, and syrup.

If you follow me on Instagram (@nourished_throughout), you’re familiar with my love affair with these pancakes. A simpler version of banana, oats and milk (or breastmilk) was one of my daughter’s first foods, and this version is still a vital part of her diet. I love how nutrient dense these pancakes are. Each ingredient is chosen to keep a child full, nourished, and healthy with lots of vitamins and fiber.

These pancakes are my favorite type: thick, chewy and a little bit dense. I love this texture because it makes them taste decadent, without leaving you feeling sluggish.

I chose to sweeten the pancakes with bananas and dates to avoid any additional sugar from honey or maple syrup. Keeping these sweeteners to just the topping allows you to omit fully, or use sparingly, depending on who’s eating.

Ingredients

2 cups gluten free rolled oats

1 cup plant based milk (I used homemade almond)

1 banana

3 cups spinach

2 dates, pitted

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

coconut oil or butter, for frying

chia jam* and maple syrup for topping

Cooking Tip:

The batter will be a bit thick from the oats absorbing the liquid. Use a 1/4 cup measuring spoon to dish out the batter and shape it into a circle.

Method

Blend all of the ingredients in a high speed blender. The batter will be thick and sticky, from the oats absorbing the liquid. Heat a knob of coconut oil or butter in a skillet. Once hot, add batter to the pan and cook 2-3 minutes, per side.

*To make the jam: heat 1 cup of blueberries on medium heat. As they release their liquids, use the back of a wooden spoon to mash. After about 10 minutes, turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Pour into a glass jar and let cool and thicken before eating.

Makes 7-8 large pancakes or 10-12 minis.