This recipe for healthy vegan banana pancakes is a great way to start your day right. If you prefer to use non-vegan or regular flour you are welcome to substitute where applicable.
To begin, heat up a skillet with oil of your choice over medium-low heat. Olive oil or coconut oil are two healthy options. Oils like olive and coconut don’t have to be extracted chemically, as they can be pressed, making them a healthy alternative to oils such as soybean and canola. If you prefer you can also use vegan butter (like EarthBalance), or regular butter.
While your skillet is heating, gather your ingredients and a mixing bowl.
To yield 6 to 8 pancakes you will need the following:
- 4 bananas, the riper the better as they are easier to mash
- 2 cups unsweetened and unflavored almond milk (you can substitute any milk you'd like here, however almond milk is arguably the healthiest alternative to traditional dairy milk)
- 2 cups rice flour (again, any flour is fine but rice flour is a great and healthy gluten free option)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, add more or less depending on preference
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
You can also add extra ingredients like other fruits or even chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your pancakes. Try cacao powder for a healthy, chocolatey taste.
Mix together all of your ingredients, and make sure you mash the bananas well. The batter should have a thick consistency. Once your pan is sufficiently heated up, scoop out some batter onto the skillet. Ideally each pancake will be about 4”x4”, to allow them to cook evenly.
Make sure the heat is medium-low, to ensure the pancakes cook all the way through and not just on the outside. Cook for 3-5 minutes on the first side, until the edges begin turning brown. You can check the pancake by using a spatula and lifting it up. The first side should be slightly browned and the pancake should hold itself together when you go to flip it. Once it is cooked flip in one fluid motion to the other side. Cook again for 3-5 minutes. Once the pancake is cooked thoroughly move it onto a separate plate and begin another. You may want to preheat your oven to around 200 degrees and place a baking sheet to keep pancakes warm while the others are cooking. If you have a larger skillet, you may be able to cook 2-3 at a time.
Once your stack of pancakes is ready, serve with pure maple syrup, honey or agave nectar.
Enjoy!
