Healthy Pancakes for Toddlers: Easy Eggless Recipe

Creating healthy eating habits early on is crucial for a toddler’s development and can shape their preferences and relationship with food for years to come. Pancakes have the potential to be both a delicious treat and a nutritious meal. With these simple ingredients you can make these healthy pancakes for toddlers too!

Pancakes can be packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, all of which are vital for a growing toddler. Using ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, and even vegetables, can increase the nutritional value of this family-friendly food. Let me show you this simple recipe for healthy pancakes! P.S. These are great finger foods especially if you are incorporating baby-led weaning. 

Essentials of Toddler Nutrition

We all know that providing a balance of macro and micronutrients is crucial, while also being aware of allergy consideration. Speaking of allergy considerations, my daughter has a peanut and egg allergy, so today I’m focusing on healthy EGGLESS pancakes. 

Macro and Micronutrients

Toddlers need a range of macro and micronutrients. Macronutrients include carbohydrates for energy, proteins for growth and repair, and fats for brain development. Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and vitamin D, are essential for bone health and immune function. A balanced diet is the best diet. 

• Carbohydrates: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables
• Proteins: Lean meats, dairy products, legumes
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts (if no allergies), olive oil
• Vitamins/Minerals: Variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, fortified cereals and dairy

Can we combine a few of these to make some yummy and delicious pancakes? For sure! 

Speaking of sneaking healthy ingredients in a food, also check out our Healthy Muffins with Fruits and Vegetables that Kids actually Eat. They might not look the prettiest, but rest assured they taste great. Also check out this ultimate picky eater food guide for your kiddos who likes to fight you on the fruits and veggies.

Healthy Pancake Recipe

Let’s talk about choosing the right ingredients. 

Choosing Whole Grains

Whole grains are integral for a healthy pancake recipe. They offer more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains. A great option is whole wheat flour, which can be used in a 1:1 ratio with white flour to gradually introduce whole grains to a toddler’s palate. Also, oat flour or buckwheat can be used for gluten-free pancakes. Today we are using a whole wheat flour pastry product, but any whole wheat flour works well. 

Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables

Vegetables and fruits can stealthily be added to pancakes to increase their nutritional content. Pureeing a banana or pumpkin can add natural sweetness as well as vitamins. For those with a more adventurous toddler, juicing a zucchini or carrot can offer an extra servings of vegetables. If you don’t have a juicer, you can finely grate the veggie for a heavier textured pancake. I would make sure to peel the veggie first if you go the grating route. 

Sweetening Naturally

Reducing added sugars is always a plus for a toddler diet. Natural sweeteners like applesauce, mashed bananas, or a dash of maple syrup can provide just enough sweetness without the need for refined sugars. We chose to add a “honey vanilla” flavored Greek yogurt and a splash of vanilla to add extra sweetness to these pancakes. 

​Healthy Pancakes for toddlers; Eggless and delicious

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (this is being used as an egg replacement. Want to add an egg? just replace the coconut oil)
• 2 tbsp grape seed oil (vegetable oil is fine too)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 cup whole wheat flour 
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup juiced zucchini
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (we used a honey vanilla flavor)

Materials:

• 2 large bowls
• Juicer, grater, or food processor
• Large spoons
• Non stick pan or small pancake griddle

How to make Eggless healthy pancakes for toddlers

1. Start by combining your dry ingredients in a bowl and your wet ingredients in another bowl and stir well. Set aside.
2. After washing the zucchini, either juice it, grate it or process it. If you grate it or process it, remove the peel if you have picky eaters who prefer not to see a color in their pancakes. Note that the peel is actually a good source of nutrition so try not to remove it if possible. 
3. Add the zucchini juice to the wet ingredients and mix well. 
4. Combine both ingredients together and stir until it’s thick enough to drip off of a spoon and pour. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk until you reach the consistency you want. If it’s too thin, slowly add in a little more flour. 
5. Heat a large non stick pan over medium heat or use a pancake griddle. 
6. Coat the pan or griddle with vegetable oil and slowly ladle the batter onto the surface. Note; small baby pancakes or mini pancakes are better for toddlers to pick up. Keep that in mind when pouring the batter
7. Cook until the first side has a golden brown color or until the top is starting to bubble, then flip (this step isn’t required if you are using a pancake griddle). 
8. Serve them immediately with your favorite fruit or syrup!

If you are following the eggless option, these pancakes tend to be more moist and doughy. If you prefer a fluffier option, use 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt and add less milk. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to make toddler-friendly pancakes without bananas?

To make pancakes without bananas, one can use applesauce or pumpkin puree as a substitute to retain moisture and sweetness. These ingredients also add nutritional value while making the pancakes soft and palatable for toddlers.

Can I include oats in my toddler’s pancakes for a healthier twist?

Absolutely, oats can be included in toddler pancakes by grinding them into flour or simply adding them whole to pancake batter for added fiber and nutrients, enhancing the health profile of the pancakes.

What’s the secret to making fluffy pancakes that are perfect for toddlers?

The key to fluffy pancakes lies in not overmixing the batter, which can deflate the air bubbles, and in letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking, which allows gluten to relax and leavening agents to activate.

Is it possible to create baby-friendly banana pancakes without using eggs?

Banana pancakes can be made without eggs by using a combination of mashed banana, a little flour, and a teaspoon of baking powder. This mixture will yield soft, naturally sweet pancakes suitable for a baby’s palate.

Are there any health benefits to serving homemade pancakes to children?

Serving homemade pancakes allows for control over ingredients, enabling parents to prepare nutrient-dense meals using whole grains, reduced sugar, and incorporating fruits, which contribute to a balanced diet for children.