Healthy Pancake Recipe for Busy Mornings: DIY Pancake Mix and Toddler-Friendly Variations

I don’t know about you, but my mornings can get pretty crazy. Between feeding my little one, running errands, and trying to get him to his nap on time, there’s not much room for extra stress. That’s why pancakes have become my go-to breakfast—they fill up my toddler and are super easy to make healthy.

I’ve got this homemade pancake mix that I prep in advance, and it lasts for about 3 months. When I’m ready to cook, I just grab about 1/2 cup of the mix, toss in some blueberries and raspberries and top them off with coconut oil. On those days when I don’t want to deal with a blueberry-covered toddler, I mash up some bananas, drizzle with coconut oil, and boom—breakfast is done! These pancakes are packed with nutrition, and I love how easy they are to cook and clean up after.

Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients:

• Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re great for digestion and heart health and even give you a little calcium and magnesium boost.

• Blueberries and Raspberries: Full of vitamin C and antioxidants, these berries are a great immune booster. They’re also packed with fiber to help keep little tummies full.

• Bananas: Bananas are high in potassium and help keep energy levels steady throughout the day. Plus, they’re rich in vitamin B6, which helps with brain development.

• Coconut Oil: This is a healthy fat that’s great for brain function and gives you a quick burst of energy. It also has antimicrobial properties—bonus!

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DIY Storable Pancake Mix Recipe (Makes About 60 Pancakes)

• 4 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture)

• 2 cups oat flour

• 1/2 cup chia seeds

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional, but adds extra nutrition)

   Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oat flour, chia seeds, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and flaxseed.

2. Store the dry mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

   
   

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To Make Pancakes (Makes About 4-6 Pancakes per Batch)

• 1/2 cup pancake mix (from the recipe above)

• 1/4 cup water or dairy-free milk (or regular milk)

• 1/2 tablespoon melted coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes to form a “flax egg”)

Note: You don't have to use flaxseed or any binder, but the pancakes may be less fluffy and more delicate. However, if you’d like to add a binder, you can substitute with any of the following:

• 1/4 cup mashed banana or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: These will add moisture and binding power while still keeping the pancakes egg-free.

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons water (let sit for about 5 minutes to form a "chia egg").

  Instructions:

1. Combine the pancake mix with the wet ingredients and stir until smooth.

2. If you’re adding fruit or extras, like blueberries, raspberries, or mashed bananas, fold them into the batter now.

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil.

4. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.

5. Repeat with the remaining batter. This should make around 4-6 pancakes per batch, depending on the size.

Note: If you have the time, let the pancake batter sit for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This gives the chia seeds a chance to absorb some of the liquid and start to germinate, making the pancakes fluffier and more flavorful

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Making Cooking Easy

Let’s be real—cooking can be a hassle! Premaking things like this pancake mix is such a time-saver and makes mornings a lot less stressful. It’s all about finding little shortcuts that help make life easier, especially when you’ve got a toddler to wrangle! Stay tuned in the next few weeks as I share more of my go-to recipes that help me sneak in fruits and veggies without the usual toddler head shakes. He actually enjoys them, which makes me feel like I’m on the right track!