5. Healthy Pancakes (back to school breakfast ideas)
These Healthy Pancakes are very delicious!
Simple, healthful ingredients are used to make these whole wheat pancakes.
They’re fluffy and tasty, and they’re ideal for a weekend breakfast!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ¼ cups milk, whole milk is best in this recipe
- 2 tablespoons honey, or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- Melt the butter and set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, milk, honey and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Whisk in the melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until just incorporated. It’s ok if a few lumps remain; try not to over-mix. The batter will be thick, but avoid adding more milk or your pancakes may turn out flat rather than light and fluffy.
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Scoop batter by scant ¼ cup onto the heated griddle. Cook on the first side until bubbles begin to form and the bottom side of the pancakes are lightly brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip pancakes and cook until the second side is browned, about 2 minutes more. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree oven while you cook the rest of the pancakes.
6. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This healthful Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is great for breakfast or as a quick snack on the go.
I’m reminded of a milkshake by the texture!
The Ingredients
- Banana. As we discussed above, bananas are a smoothie favorite for a reason. They pair wonderfully with other ingredients, add nutritional value, and help create that desirable thick, creamy texture, plus some sweetness.
- Peanut Butter. The other half of our classic pairing. The beloved flavor of nut butter helps give this smoothie universal appeal, while also helping make it rich and satisfying.
- Almond Milk. The liquid for our healthy breakfast smoothie. I like to use unsweetened almond milk to keep the smoothie from being too sweet.
- Greek Yogurt. To up the creamy factor and give this smoothie a protein boost, make this peanut butter banana smoothie with yogurt.
- Cinnamon. Adds a warm and cozy element that you don’t want to miss
The Directions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth. ENJOY!
Variations for a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Not only is a smoothie a fantastic vehicle for nutritious food during the day, but is also very adaptable to your liking. Here are easy variations and add-ins for this recipe:
- Chocolate. Thinking of having a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie to stave off the temptation of a less healthy dessert? Add a few teaspoons of cocoa powder (a little goes a long way!) or a scoop of chocolate protein powder, and this very well may replace your favorite milkshake.
- Protein Powder. This peanut butter banana smoothie has protein because of the peanut butter and Greek yogurt. But if you need an extra boost in your banana smoothie after a workout, add a 1/2 to 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or chocolate).
- Bowl Style. For a new twist, try a peanut butter banana smoothie bowl. Add extra banana or ice to thicken it further, then serve it in a bowl with toppings, such as granola, banana slices, or blueberries, and a drizzle of additional peanut butter.
- Omega-3. To add some omegas and additional protein and fiber, feel free to sprinkle in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds.
