Easy Peasy Pancakes

I have tried for years now to get a handle on making grain-free pancakes. It’s a lot harder than it looks, truly, and no recipe has ever come out like regular wheat ones. Often you’ll find them too thick or too thin, too slow to cook or too easy to burn. Nothing is perfect like the original and that’s a shame.

So what makes a real pancake?

It has to be light and fluffy, full of little air bubbles that form while cooking. It has to be only slightly sweet; that’s what syrup and jelly is for. It has to be able to reach a golden or tan color in about the same  time it cooks all the way through. It has to flow easily when poured.

Personally, I hadn’t before encountered a grain-free pancake that accomplishes all of that until last week when I had a breakthrough.

Easy Peasy Pancakes by @PaleoParents

So many recipe creators try to start from scratch and rebuild their confections from the ground up. Yes, the supplies are different and have different properties that you have to work around, but sometimes a recipe calls for a renovation, rather than a rebuilding. And that is the case here.

Regular pancakes don’t usually have a lot of oil or fat in them. Nor do they use only baking soda (the eggs and milk raises the pH of the batter too high for baking soda to leaven by itself). They don’t get their wetness from sweeteners or, really, have much sweetener at all. Most of all, they are cakes not cookies and thus use milk. Taking it back to the original recipe gave me great insight into what I would do to create my own pancakes. And they turned out great!

Easy Peasy Pancakes by @PaleoParents #21DSD

And they’re 21 Day Sugar Detox compatible, provided you don’t dump on your maple syrup after they’re cooked. Just make sure to use a green-tipped banana and a light coconut milk with the only ingredients being coconut and water.

Easy Peasy Pancakes

Ingredients

2 c blanched almond flour
1 banana, chunked into small pieces
4 eggs
2/3 C light coconut milk (or homemade almond milk)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla

2 TBSP coconut oil

Instructions

  1. ♥  In a food processor, process banana, eggs, and milk until smooth.
  2. ♥ Add the remaining ingredients (except coconut oil) and pulse to combine.
  3. In a large skillet, melt coconut oil over medium heat.
  4. Pour batter into hot skillet to form 4 inch diameter pancakes.
  5. Cook until bottom is golden brown and flips easily, about 3 – 5 minutes, and flip (as with regular pancakes, this will also be when all the little bubbles have popped). Cook the other side about 3 minutes to get an even color.
  6. Serves six people.

As usual, let your kids help ♥ mix up your batter! I’m also sure that older kids would love to flip them as well!

Easy Peasy Pancakes by @PaleoParents

I was absolutely shocked at how well this turned out! Honestly, I have never had a more accurate re-creation of a formerly grain heavy recipe. There is not much banana taste and the result is truly light and fluffy like mama made! What are your plans for your Sunday morning breakfast?

 

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Matthew McCarry has written 185 post in this blog.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/abby.frelich Abby Wiley Frelich

    Oooh. I think this will be a WONDERFUL post Whole 30 celebratory breakfast! My kiddo asks for pancakes nearly every day, and these I won’t feel bad about him eating. You’re the best!

  • http://www.j3nn.net/ the 3volution of j3nn

    I don’t believe it! They look too perfect. Nice job! :)

  • Heather

    are you using lite coconut milk because you said traditional grain pancakes don’t have much fat in them?

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      The light coconut milk mimics the milk in traditional pancakes, keeping it light.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.knick Jennifer Kesner Knick

    These look great! I too find most paleo pancakes a bit dense and heavy. I’m definitely making these this weekend!

  • Malissa

    Well, I think my plans for Sat a.m. breakfast are these!

  • lenstrom

    I find Paleo Pancakes either too dense or too runny, so I have stopped making pancakes because of that. These are going down tomorrow!

    • http://twitter.com/lenstrom Kiley Lenstrom

      Made ‘em and they turned out great! These are now our new default! Here’s to grain-free mornings! Thanks, guys!

  • http://twitter.com/cavebaker Liz Davis

    I find that my grain-free pancakes come out nice and fluffy when I use an apple cider vinegar/baking soda combination. These look really good!

  • http://www.facebook.com/dmpavuk Dana Holz Pavuk

    Can you mix the batter ahead of time- like the night before?

    • Patrick

      you can i would think but do not put the baking soda in until ready to cook

      • http://www.facebook.com/dmpavuk Dana Holz Pavuk

        Thank you!

  • http://www.facebook.com/daizymom Teena Daize

    Green Plantain pancakes from Paleo mom are my usual favourite. These look really good too but my non-paleo hubby can’t handle almond flour. I usually end up making regular pancakes along with Paleo pancakes.

  • http://www.facebook.com/samantha.widlund Samantha Wooten Widlund

    I will be making these just as soon as I’m off my Whole30 – they look wonderful. And I have to say – love the dishes. My great-grandmother had Franciscan Desert Rose with enough place settings and service for 50 and it always makes me smile to see it.

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Samantha, I just “inherited” this set from my grandmother – who had place settings for 20. I’m honored to get to share them with the site and book :)

      • http://www.facebook.com/samantha.widlund Samantha Wooten Widlund

        Just one more thing to look forward to in the new book!

    • Colleen

      Whoa!! Settings for FIFTY??!! Holy smokes… people used to do it up right, didn’t they?! : )

      • http://www.facebook.com/samantha.widlund Samantha Wooten Widlund

        She didn’t even consider paper plates unless it was more than that. She was the epitome of a gracious hostess. I, on the other hand, am happy to pull out Chinette if I’ve got more than a dozen.

  • Koritt

    Looks great! From the photos they look just like the pancakes I ate growing up. I’m usually very hesitant to try any baked paleo items because they don’t usually turn out well and I’m frustrated by the amount of money that goes into making something that I don’t want to eat. These though, I think I need to give a go. Now, I just need to find a lazy weekend morning to try them. :)

    • Tiffany

      Try Elana’s Pantry. She tests and retests everything and she has the only baked goods recipes that I find to be reliably good.

      • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

        Tiffany, we love Elana – she wrote the foreword to our first cookbok – but it’s kind of weird to recommend another website for recipes on our site :/

        • Zarni

          Really? I don’t think it’s weird at all to recommend another website for recipes, after all, that’s how I found your site, from a recommendation on dirtyfloordiaries.com But if that’s your attitude, I’m not sure I’ll stay. I prefer bloggers who are happy to share and realize that there is plenty to go around. :/

          • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

            Zarni, we host guest bloggers at least once a week. We certainly are happy to share and realize there IS plenty to go around. What I’d hoped to say was that it’s offensive to us on our blog that someone should try Elana’s – it is an insult, especially when it’s in response to someone trying to get the courage to try OUR recipes. Of course we recommend and love Elana’s site and recommend her recipes all the time. But I wouldn’t go to her site on a post for grain-free granola and say to commenters, “You should try our granola!” because that would be rude.

          • Jennifer

            I get what you’re saying…and I think it makes sense. I highly doubt if you went to Martha Stewart’s site that she’d be posting Rachel Ray’s recipes, I think she’d be promoting her own stuff and it wouldn’t mean she thinks less of another chef or that she isn’t a team player …etc! LOL
            … Can’t win them all Stacy ;) lol

  • http://www.facebook.com/christina.a.heinrich Christina Akers Heinrich

    I put my bacon strip into the pancake and covered it up with a little batter. delicious meal on the go, love the hint of vanilla and sweet (from green banana) along with smokey!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Great idea, our boys will love that!

    • Colleen

      Yummy AND fun idea! Thanks!

  • Christina

    Made these this morning. They were great! The whole family loved them.

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      So glad!

  • Sarah in CA

    Do these pancakes have a noticeable banana taste? My aspberger’s child is sensitive to taste and texture of pancakes. Otherwise these look really good! Going Paleo has helped with our aspie child.

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      I think pumpkin or applesauce might work as a replacement – but they’re not banana-y, especially if you put apple butter or something on it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Amanda-Markwardt/1422827285 Amanda Markwardt

    These are the BEST paleo pancakes, hands down EVER! I’ve tried them all, but these are truly what you expect from a pancake – fluffy, light, and slightly sweet. I only had half a banana so I used about 1/4 c of applesauce too – and it came out great. They even formed beautifully into a “Namecakes” – a pancake made in the shape of letters, the first letter of each of my children’s names…something we haven’t been able to do since going Paleo a year ago – so thanks for bringing back their favorite tradition!!

    Sarah in CA – you might try just straight subbing out for applesauce.

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Awesome!

  • Rennie

    Made these this morning. The first few I made in a skillet and had to make them silver dollar size to even turn them. I dislike making paleo pancakes for this reason…..and then my brilliant 13 year old (who has your ELaD!) suggested I dig out the old ebelskevier pan. ***glorious music playing*** Yes! They were much easier to make, and we even filled the middles with orange marmalade and some with a cinnamon-palm sugar mixture. Delicious!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Rennie, we’ve heard from a lot of people that they’re working as they did for us – which is the exact texture of real pancakes and easy to flip. Sorry they didn’t work for you, I wonder if it’s something to do with your pan? We use a well-seasoned cast iron with the coconut oil in it…

  • Brianne

    I can’t wait to try these! They’re going on next week’s menu for my “21-day FemChallenge” meal plan for sure (on my blog). I’ve had a lot of people ask for an EASY paleo pancake recipe and these look like they fit the bill! Thanks!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Good to hear from you Brianne <3

  • Heather

    These were awesome, thank you! It was nice to have pancakes for a “treat” breakfast that did not fall apart and cooked so perfectly. The kids loved them!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Awesome!

  • Janelle Seymour

    These turned out awesome! My kids scarfed them down and although my husband doesn’t like bananas he got over it. My daughter also wants me to make her sunbutter sandwiches for school with them. ;)

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      <3

  • Guest

    I don’t normally comment on blogs but I just had to say how much we loved these. My kiddos are very picky about their pancakes and have not liked any grain free recipes we’d tried up to this point. These though got two thumbs up from both and a request to make them again. :)

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Thanks!

  • http://twitter.com/MonicaPaleo The Paleos

    Yessssss!!!! I have been testing paleo pancake receipes for our Saturday night brinner tradition and have yet to find one that works. Looking forward to trying these out!

  • Ireande

    I have tried about 10 other Paleo pancake recipes and this has been the only one EVERYBODY in the family LOVES!!! They are even better than the old traditional pancakes!!!

  • Jill

    Will Bob’s Red Mill almond flour work? Or is the Honeyville required? After reading this recipe, I did a little research on Honeyville and found an article indicating Honeyville is much finer and works better in many recipes .. but not required for all. Have you tried yours with Bob’s? I’m asking because its 4:30pm and I’d make these for my kids tomorrow if Bob’s will work (b/c it’s in the house). But it will take a while to order Honeyville. Thanks

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      It will probably work, but be more like a real pancake texture with Honeyville.
      Stacy

  • http://www.kevin-geary.com Kevin Geary

    Anyone know the macronutrient breakdown on a serving of these?

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      You can always input ingredients to FitDay.com for nutrient profiles of foods

  • Jill

    I liked US Wellness Meats

  • Jill

    I liked US Wellness meats on FAcebook

  • Lory

    These were fantastic! Quick and just a touch of sweet.

  • http://www.facebook.com/terra.sittner Terra Sittner

    How do you think they would freeze and reheat?

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      I believe they would do well!

      Stacy

  • Gail Bolander

    I just found your blog and was hoping to find AI recipes. Unfortunately this is not one as far as I’ve learned. Eggs and almond flour I believe are NOT on the list of ok foods. Is there something else that can be used in place of them? I’m only 2 weeks into this so I could be wrong?

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Gail we have all our recipes sorted at the top and sidebar, check “autoimmune” for AIPaleo-friendly dishes.
      Stacy

  • Chris

    Can you make these without eggs? I am really hoping to find an egg-free paleo pancake recipe!!!!

  • Theresa

    These were amazing! It made a ton of pancakes too. I hope they freeze well!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      They do!

  • http://twitter.com/maddymaba mado

    These were great and my picky 4 year old thought they I were yummy! Served them up with some homemade cinnamon coconut butter and some bacon. Yummers!

  • Rachel

    Finally made these. Must just say…amazing! I added a bit of honey (since I’m not detoxing) and they are delish. wow. And totally flippable.

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      great!

  • http://www.facebook.com/granger.odum Granger Odum

    Do you think I could substitute sweet potato or pumpkin for the banana? I’m allergic to bananas, but these look amazing!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Yes, pumpkin would work :)

  • Suzette

    don’t be scared…. but I think I love you. Pancakes have been one of the things I’ve really really missed and I cannot wait to try this recipe. Thank you!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      We love love <3 :)

  • Vira

    Aw… :( While these are incredible, ‘pancake day’ means ‘crepes’ to me. So I don’t think the recipe will work as ‘pancake batter’ for what I need. Ah well.

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Crepes are a different thing than pancakes, which these are. Lots of grain-free crepe recipes on the net since coconut flour and eggs work well for that :)

  • Olivia M

    These are the best pancakes ever! Paleo or not. Thank you for the great recipe!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Wow, thanks!

  • judy

    Is any milk ok for this if you can’t have coconut?

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      as long as it’s light – heavy cream won’t work, but 2% or as noted homemade almond milk would.

  • Christina

    I made these last week. SO good!

  • Stephanie

    Thank you for this recipe! I’m not paleo but I’m experimenting due to my son’s healthy issues. This is the only recipe where the pancakes were actually edible–they were in fact delish–and I was able to flip them without falling apart!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      thanks!

  • Kathy

    I only had one can of coconut milk, and it had been in the fridge waiting to become coconut whipped cream for the strawberries I had obtained… worked out perfectly that I had enough coconut “milk” water left in the can after the cream was removed to make these pancakes, and then top them with strawberries and coconut cream! AMAZING BREAKFAST! :D Thanks for the recipe!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      yum!

  • Heather

    Just made these for my kids and my super picky child told me they are the best pancakes ever! YAY! My youngest is gluten free and we haven’t found a good gluten free pancake until now! Both kids loved them. Thanks for the great recipe!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      awesome!

  • feragy

    Thank you for your recipe! Made these this morning and they were lovely except we cannot get fine ground almond flour here so the kiddies did not like them. Have you tried them with coconut flour? I’m new to using alternative flours and substituting between them. Hoping to try them again but need to solve the ‘grainy’ problem first!

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      Coconut flour doesn’t work at all the same way as almond flour, but we have a post on replacing almond flour if you’d like to try. Honeyville is the brand we use and they ship direct, essential to have good almond flour for grain-free baking :)

  • Tracy S

    I made these this morning. My 2 year old ate 4 of them, I ate a few, and I’m freezing the rest to put in the toaster later. They’re great! Thanks!

  • http://www.facebook.com/monica.gudrun Monica Wilson

    I made these this weekend and used my blender instead of the food processor (pulsing to mix) and it worked great. We LOVED the flavor & texture. HUGE WIN!

  • Caro

    In my laziness, I invented an even easier pancake recipe, but yours look more pretty than mine. Someday I’ll need to buy a food processor so I can properly participate.

  • Paleo48

    Has anyone tried fine ground sweet potato flour instead, I can’t get fine ground almond flour here either, only the flour/meal which is too course.

  • KSurface

    WOW! I made these this AM but was pretty skeptical. I am so impressed! I have tried other Paleo pancake recipes and the texture was weird. These had great texture and flavor. The kids both said they were “YUMMY”. Thanks so much!

  • Grete

    Made them tonight! They cooked SO well & browned nicely on either side! They were a little more banana-y than I would’ve preferred, but the whole family gobbled them up. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/michelle.phipps3 Michelle Phipps

    Awesome! Trying to get my family to eat better is hard. Everyone loved these.

  • Stephanie

    Any chance I could use pumpkin instead of the banana? My boys are bugging me for pancakes and I don’t have any, but I do have pumpkin! :D

    • http://PaleoParents.com Stacy & Matt

      yep, I think we mention that in other comments, we think it’ll work but no guarantees!

      • Stephanie

        Thanks! I was trying to scroll through to read the other comments to see if it had been asked :)