Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes


After talking in my last recipe post about my commitment to sharing more healthy recipes and inspiration from my daily life in food, I know what you must be thinking.

Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes? Well, that hardly qualifies as a healthy breakfast. But let me explain.

For a while now, pancakes have gotten a bad reputation for being unhealthy and full of empty calories. But with a little tweaking, they can actually be a great way to start your day. What may look unhealthy on the outside is filled with good-for-you ingredients like whole wheat flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, protein powder and low-fat milk. And topping your pancakes with peanut butter or Greek yogurt instead of syrup saves loads of calories and grams of added sugar.

Since Joey requests pancakes on a regular basis, I loved the idea of mixing the dry ingredients ahead of time and storing them in the pantry for a hassle-free breakfast in the morning when I'm short on time or just feeling a little lazy.


Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes

Dry Ingredients
*1/2 cup all-purpose flour
*1/2 cup whole wheat flour
*1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
*1/2 teaspoon baking soda
*2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
*1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, or you could substitute 1 teaspoon stevia)
*1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*1 cup low-fat milk
*1 large egg, lightly beaten

Toppings
*Natural peanut butter and/or Greek yogurt

Instructions
*In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a second bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined, leaving a few lumps to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
*Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add pancake batter, a 1/4 cup at a time, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping when bubbles form on the surface of the pancake.
*Top pancakes with a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter or Greek yogurt. And if you're feeling bold, go with both.

Rough nutrition info: Each 1/4 cup pancake is about 185 calories, without the peanut butter. Although I like to eat two pancakes with a tablespoon of peanut butter when I'm eating these babies for breakfast. 

10 comments:

Lauren at Keep It Sweet said...

How could I not love this?! Can I come over for breakfast?

Katie @ This Chick Cooks said...

Ha ha :) I know we all want to share more healthy recipes but the sinfully delicious ones are just so fun to post. Those pancakes look great. I've never tried topping my pancakes with Greek yogurt but that sounds interesting. I may give that a shot. I would like to invite you over to show off your pancakes or any of your favorite recipes at These Chicks Cooked Recipe Spotlight. Have a blessed day :)
Katie

DessertForTwo said...

I'm so with you on this one! You can have delicious things that are still healthy, even pancakes and chocolate! Thanks so much for this! I'm a whole wheat flour addict.

Heidi @ Food Doodles said...

Yum, those look awesome. I totally agree, and I think what you put on the pancakes really makes the difference. Love that you just put PB on yours :D

Anonymous said...

Yum! I love peanut butter and will be trying these next time my husband requests pancakes.

Cara said...

Oh my gosh, I know what I'm having for breakfast in the morning. Yum!

Georgie said...

I just can't wait for breakfast tomorrow!!

Jess said...

delicious idea, i was just thinking of making pancakes this weekend with a fresh strawberry syrup. will definitely try with your additions:D

Rachel @ The Avid Appetite said...

Wow this is a fantastic idea! I love it! Can't wait to try it. Pancakes are totally my weakness though I never get to have them since they are so 'unhealthy.' Hmph.

Natalie said...

holy brilliant. want this asap!

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...