Pancakes are easy to design and incredibly versatile. They are associated with Shrove Tuesday – the day before Lent in the Christian calendar – because pancakes are an easy and delicious way to use up all kinds of basic and rich foods before the traditional Christian fasting period.
Traditionally, the idea was that you could use several common household ingredients – like milk, sugar and eggs – all at once, adjusting the pancake recipe based on the contents of your cupboard.
These days, many of us enjoy the joyous benefits of Shrove Tuesday – often called Pancake Day – without the restrictions of Lent. In other words, we like to have our pancakes and eat them too.
In the spirit of always-adaptable pancake recipes, we’re sharing five healthy pancake recipes tailored to six special diets – high-protein, keto, diabetes-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. The best part? Those are all easy lemon squeezers.
1. Protein Pancakes – with Cheese
High in protein because: Contains cottage cheese, rolled oats and eggs.
Diet is also suitable: gluten-free, vegan.
Protein Cheese Pancakes
Are you interested in muscle toning and building? There’s no need to put off enjoying your pancake day with this hearty and nutritious protein-packed pancake recipe. Cheese and eggs provide a good dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, maintenance and growth.
By adding caramelized onions to the batter, it creates a dish that is light in texture without compromising on taste. Best served hot out of the pan, the recipe recommends pairing them with a dollop of sour cream or a handful of fresh chives.
Get the Paneer Pancake recipe here
2. Keto Pancakes – French Crepe Style
Keto Because: Replaces wheat flour with low-carb coconut flour.
Diet is also suitable: gluten-free, vegan.
Keto French Crepes
The keto diet (ketogenic diet) is a low-carbohydrate, fat-rich eating plan that may help some people manage health conditions including epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These special low-carb keto pancakes are thin, delicate, and beautifully classic when paired with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Low-carb coconut flour is a great alternative to white wheat flour – which is banned in the keto diet – and it’s also rich in fiber to aid your heart health and digestion. We recommend topping with whipped cream to add to the keto fat-rich ratio, and using berries for tang, sweetness, and a dose of healthy antioxidants and vitamins.
Get the French Crepe recipe here
3. Diabetic Friendly Pancakes – Cheddar and Leeks
Diabetic-friendly because: It’s low fat, low sugar, and replaces white flour for wholemeal flour.
Diet is also suitable: Vegetarian.
Cheddar and Leek Pancakes
Who says pancakes have to be sweet? while there are also Diabetes-Friendly Pancake Recipe for Those With a Sweet ToothThis delicious Cheddar and Leek Healthy Pancake Recipe makes a delightful and delicious Pancake Day healthy breakfast or lunch.
Why does this thing make diabetic-friendly pancakes fun? For starters, it’s nearly sugar-free and relatively low-fat for pancakes, making it a healthy option for people with type 2 diabetes who are aiming for healthy weight loss.
The recipe also uses wholemeal flour instead of white flour – a whole grain that may be better for managing blood sugar levels than refined grains.
Diabetes UK has more simple switches you can make for diabetes-friendly pancakes Here.
Get this Cheddar and Leek Pancakes recipe here
4. Gluten and Dairy-Free Pancakes – Banana Batter
Gluten and dairy-free because: Substitute flour and milk for banana and egg batter.
Diet is also suitable: vegetarian, keto.
Banana Pancakes
When it comes to healthy pancake recipes, it can’t get much simpler and more satisfying than this. The genius of this recipe lies in the two-ingredient banana and egg batter. This blend not only replaces flour and milk – making it suitable for celiacs, people with gluten sensitivity and those with lactose intolerance – but also provides one of your five servings for the day.
Bananas contain high amounts of fiber, which is good for your digestion, and are a great source of potassium, which supports your muscles and nerves. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and your favorite toppings to bring even more flavor to these fluffy and sweet treats.
Get the Banana Pancake recipe here
5. Vegan Pancakes – Make Your Own
Vegan because: Replacing eggs and dairy milk for plant-based liquids.
Diet is also suitable: vegetarian, dairy free.
Whole Wheat Pancakes
These vegan blueberry pancakes use a combination of whole-grain flour, oat bran, and wheat bran to deliver a satisfying texture and deep, nutty flavor. For liquid, it recommends soy milk or a rice and soy milk mixture.
Fresh or frozen blueberries are added to the batter while baking, fresh blueberries are added to serve, and maple syrup is added as a sweetener.
Get the Vegetarian Pancake Recipe Here
