Almond Flour Pancakes

Pancakes and waffles are a breakfast favorite around my house. Even though I love them I do not always love how some pre-made mixes are loaded with sugars and other unnecessary ingredients. Being that I have to eat gluten-free I do not always like making my own mix because a lot of the recipes call for ingredients that I do not usually stock in my pantry. I recently have been on an almond flour kick and wanted to see if I could create a simple and delicious pancake recipe. I accomplished my goal by creating pancakes with 6 simple ingredients!

**Even though I made these with almond flour I do not see why an all purpose mix wouldn’t work just as well.**

I love the fact that these pancakes can satisfy a craving and still provide the body with a filling, nutrient punch. Almonds, like most other nuts are a great diet staple. Almonds contain healthy fats and satiating proteins which can keep you fuller longer than traditional carbohydrate-packed batters. Research has shown again and again that a diet that includes nuts, such as almonds, are which are high in monounsaturated fat, can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease by reducing levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body. Almonds also contain many other nutrient superstars such as:

1. Dietary fiber: Fiber is the non-digestible “bulk” that passes through our GI tract pretty much in its original form. Fiber is perhaps most known for its ability to prevent constipation and keep the digestive system moving along, but fiber is also known to lower blood cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels.
2. Calcium: Calcium is the most prominent mineral in our bodies and it plays many important roles. A lot of people know calcium as the “bone builder”, but calcium also plays a role in keeping our heartbeats regular, maintaining a healthy immune system and helping to keep our weight under control.
3. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a vital part of a balanced diet because it helps aid in energy production and the body’s growth and repair mechanisms.
4. Vitamin E: Vitamin E, also known as Tocopherol, is a key antioxidant (helps to protect the body and cells from damage due to free radicals) in the human body. One of the key functions of Vitamin E is its ability to act as an anticoagulant that can help prevent abnormal blood clotting and keep our blood vessels open and flowing freely. Vitamin E plays a major role in the production and conversion of energy from the food that we consume.
5. Magnesium: Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in our body in that it affects just about every part of our body. Magnesium is needed for turning food into energy and it plays a role in the release of insulin, which regulates our blood sugar levels. Magnesium has also been shown to help fight depression and relax muscles.

Now that I have given you the “nerdy” run down of almonds and the health powers that they possess I will provide the recipe! As I stated above, I used almond flour, but an all purpose blend, gluten-free or not, should also work just fine. I also used lactose free 2% dairy milk, but I assume that a dairy alternative should work fine.

Pancake recipe

1. 3/4 C. Almond Flour
2. 1 tsp. baking powder
3. 1/4 tsp. salt
4. 1/2 C. Milk
5. 2 large eggs
6. 1 Tbsp. oil

A lot of recipes map out how you should combine ingredients and what should go in when, but I just went down the list and added things in and mixed it all together. Once your pan or cooking device is ready to go, start pouring! I had my stove at about a 6, so I would recommend a medium to medium-high heat. I poured my pancakes into small circles because almond flour is delicate and things can tend to break and tear if you make them too large. I let them cook for a few minutes, until they started to slightly bubble, you can also gently pull up the pancake with a spatula and see if it has browned and then turn it over.

I also added in a dash of cinnamon because I absolutely love it! I added in some chocolate chips as well, because well, chocolate!! My toppings typically include peanut butter and maple syrup. I think that berries, banana, grated apple, you name it would be good in this recipe!

I hope that you will try this recipe and get creative like I did!

Happy eating! 🙂