Banana Blueberry Pancakes

What’s something in your kitchen that you can’t stock enough of? In my kitchen, the answer is easy. Blueberries… or blue ‘beh behs’ as my son likes to call them. He will stop whatever he’s doing for a blueberry. He’ll even give up his Thomas the Train for a blueberry. Yes, there’s no doubt about it. My son can eat his weight in blueberries and I can never seem to have enough. Now, as much as he loves his blue beh behs just as is, I wanted to introduce some other ways to enjoy them. Enter these Banana Blueberry Pancakes. Studded with blueberries and pockets of sweet mashed bananas, these will make breakfast a meal to look forward to.

My son has been doing well and gaining more interest as my little kitchen helper. He’s taking on a more interactive role by measuring, mixing and of course, taste testing along the way. With a growing vocabulary each day, he’s all about announcing what he’s doing too… and you’d think he’s auditioning for a kiddie cooking show.

In making this recipe, he did great naming off the ingredients as we added them to the bowl. He even stirred the batter with more gusto. But when his beloved blue beh behs needed to be folded into the batter, he lost it. He looked at me in horror as I took the batter bowl and proceeded to fold in the berries.

According to him, blueberries had no place in a pancake batter. But little did he know what deliciousness was in store. I continued on with the pancake making from there because the blueberry police had a meltdown.

That’s when I leaned on my friend, Thomas the Train, to calm the little guy down. Suddenly, the tears stopped falling and he became so mesmerized by the screen in which Thomas was tooting his horn. And then the first few pancakes were ready. He tried one bite with hesitation.

Then he took another bite. And another bite. Can you believe his polished off 3 pancakes? I had to cut him off at that point! Now my son understands that blueberries can be enjoyed in other ways – or at least, I hope he understands that.

The good thing is this recipe makes quite a few and you can make them, cool and then wrap them up for the freezer so an easy breakfast on any given morning.

Origin Of Blueberry Pancakes

Banana blueberry pancakes are a type of pancake made with mashed bananas and fresh blueberries in the batter. They serve it with syrup or other toppings, such as whipped cream or sliced fruit. You can track back the history of pancake to ancient civilizations. However, the specific combination of banana and blueberry is a more recent development. 

The modern pancake as we know it today is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, when baking powder became widely available and made it easier to create fluffy, light pancakes. Bananas and blueberries were not commonly used in pancakes until later in the 20th century, when they became more widely available and popular.

In terms of cultural significance, pancakes have been a beloved breakfast food in many cultures for centuries. In the United States, pancakes are often associated with weekend brunches or special occasions like holidays or birthdays. Banana blueberry pancakes have become a popular variation on the classic pancake recipe. Many people enjoy this as a delicious and healthy breakfast option. The combination of bananas and blueberries also offers a unique flavor and texture that sets them apart from traditional pancakes.

Banana Blueberry Pancakes

recipe adapted from For the Love of Cooking

Blueberry Pancakes Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of flour (or gluten free flour blend)
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 bananas, mashed well
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cups of milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries

How To Make Blueberry Pancakes

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mashed the banana with a fork and add the egg, milk, vanilla, and sugar. Whisk together with the fork until very well combined.
3. Gently add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in all the blueberries and set aside.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet or flat griddle over medium-low heat. Spray with cooking spray.
5. Once the skillet is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the pan. Cook the pancake for 2 minutes or until the tops are full of bubbles and the edges look cooked.
6. Carefully turn pancakes over; cook for 2 more minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.

Nutrition Benefits of Banana Blueberry Pancakes

Fiber

Both bananas and blueberries are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for maintaining healthy digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. It also helps you feel full and satisfied after eating, which can prevent overeating and snacking later in the day. Eating a diet high in fiber has also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports healthy heart and muscle function. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Vitamin B6 is important for brain development and function, as well as the production of hormones and red blood cells. Blueberries are high in vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Antioxidants

Blueberries are popular for their high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect against damage from free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Blueberries contain a group of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give them their distinctive blue color. Studies have shown that consuming blueberries or other anthocyanin-rich foods may help improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.

Protein

Adding protein to your pancake batter, such as by using a protein powder or adding an egg or Greek yogurt, can help you feel full and satisfied for longer. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, and can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Choosing a protein source that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as egg whites or Greek yogurt, can help reduce the overall calorie and fat content of your pancakes.

Tips to Make Your Banana Blueberry Pancakes Better

Here are tips for making Banana Blueberry Pancakes:

Don’t overmix the batter

Overmixing the batter can result in tough, dense pancakes. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps in the batter.

Use a nonstick pan or griddle

A nonstick pan or griddle will help prevent the pancakes from sticking and make them easier to flip. If you don’t have a nonstick pan, you can use a well-seasoned cast iron pan or griddle.

Flip the pancakes when the edges are dry

Wait until the edges of the pancakes are dry and the surface is bubbly before flipping them. This will ensure that the pancakes are cooked through and won’t fall apart when you flip them.

Keep the pancakes warm

To keep the pancakes warm while you cook the rest of the batch, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200-250°F) or cover them with a clean towel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion: Try Banana Blueberry Pancakes

Banana blueberry pancakes are a delicious and satisfying breakfast option that can be enjoyed any day of the week. The combination of sweet bananas and tart blueberries creates a flavor that is both comforting and refreshing. Additionally, bananas and blueberries are both rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can provide a range of health benefits such as improved digestion, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. Finally, making banana blueberry pancakes is a fun and creative way to experiment with new ingredients and techniques in the kitchen, and can be a great way to bond with friends or family members over a shared love of food. Overall, trying banana blueberry pancakes is a simple but rewarding way to enhance your breakfast routine and enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal.