Delicious & Wholesome Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes: Your Ultimate Weekend Breakfast
This post is proudly sponsored by Diamond of California, bringing you the finest nuts for your culinary adventures.
There’s something truly special about a leisurely weekend morning that begins with the irresistible aroma of freshly cooked pancakes. In my humble opinion, a weekend without a stack of fluffy pancakes just isn’t a complete weekend. While I absolutely adore our classic buttermilk pancakes, sometimes it’s wonderful to venture out and try something new, something with a little more depth and a touch more wholesomeness. That’s where these incredible Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes come in – a hearty, flavorful, and delightfully wholesome twist on a breakfast favorite.
These aren’t just any pancakes; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures, achieved with just a few thoughtful adjustments to the traditional recipe. We swap out some of the all-purpose flour for nutrient-rich whole wheat flour, introduce the natural sweetness and moisture of mashed bananas in place of excessive butter, add a comforting dash of cinnamon, and, for that perfect crunch and nutty essence, a generous handful of chopped Diamond of California walnuts. These simple changes don’t just elevate the health factor; they unlock a truly fabulous flavor profile that will have you coming back for more.
The Wholesome Power of Whole Wheat and Banana
Moving beyond basic all-purpose flour offers numerous benefits, both in taste and nutrition. Whole wheat flour brings a wonderfully nutty flavor and a heartier texture to these pancakes, making them incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer, and provides essential vitamins and minerals that white flour often lacks. This means you’re starting your day with a more sustained energy release, avoiding that sugar crash often associated with traditional pancake recipes.
The addition of mashed bananas is a game-changer. Ripe bananas aren’t just for eating out of hand; they are a baker’s best friend. In these pancakes, they contribute natural sweetness, reducing the need for excessive added sugar. More importantly, they add an incredible amount of moisture and a dense, tender texture, making the pancakes wonderfully soft from the inside out. Their inherent sweetness also means we can cut down on the butter, creating a lighter, yet equally rich-tasting, pancake experience. The delightful aroma of bananas baking on the griddle is truly a precursor to the deliciousness to come.
The Essential Crunch: Diamond of California Walnuts
No banana nut pancake would be complete without the “nut” part of its name, and for that, we turn to the exceptional quality of Diamond of California walnuts. These premium walnuts provide the perfect textural contrast to the soft, fluffy pancakes. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, releasing a rich, earthy flavor that beautifully complements the sweet bananas and warm cinnamon. Beyond their delicious taste and texture, walnuts are nutritional powerhouses, loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein, making these pancakes not just a treat, but a smart choice for your morning meal.
Incorporating Diamond of California walnuts into your pancakes is a simple step that yields significant rewards. Their consistent quality ensures that every bite is as good as the last, adding a gourmet touch to your homemade breakfast. Whether you chop them finely for an even distribution or leave them in larger pieces for more pronounced bites, they are an indispensable ingredient for these wholesome flapjacks.
A Symphony of Flavors: Thick, Fluffy, and Irresistible
The result of these carefully selected ingredients is nothing short of spectacular. These pancakes are wonderfully thick, providing a substantial base for your favorite toppings. Their interior is incredibly fluffy, light, and airy, melting in your mouth with every bite. The combination of ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and walnuts creates a flavor profile that is strikingly reminiscent of your favorite banana bread. That comforting, warm, and subtly sweet taste makes these pancakes utterly irresistible and ensures your taste buds are delighted from the very first forkful.
Imagine waking up to the sweet, nutty aroma wafting from your kitchen, a scent that promises a truly satisfying breakfast. These pancakes deliver on that promise, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and a delightful textural interplay. They are the ideal cozy breakfast, perfect for lingering over a cup of coffee and enjoying the start of your day.
Serving Suggestions to Make the Dish Sing
While these Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes are divine on their own, a few simple garnishes can elevate the entire experience. My personal go-to serving method involves a generous topping of fresh sliced bananas and a sprinkle of extra chopped Diamond of California walnuts, all drenched in a heavy pour of pure, real maple syrup. The sweetness of the syrup, the fresh fruit, and the added crunch of the nuts truly make the whole dish sing.
But don’t stop there! Feel free to customize your pancake tower with other delicious additions:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of tart freshness.
- A Dollop of Yogurt or Whipped Cream: For an extra creamy touch.
- Chocolate Chips: If you’re feeling indulgent, a handful of mini chocolate chips never hurt anyone.
- Nut Butter Drizzle: A swirl of almond or peanut butter can add even more protein and flavor.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finish.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit. They are exactly what I crave to cozy up to every single Saturday morning, from the depths of winter right through to the first signs of summer.
Banana Nut Pancakes
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Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (113 grams)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk (375 ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed banana , about 1 large banana
- 2 tablespoons butter , melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped Diamond of California walnuts (113 grams)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, large eggs, mashed banana, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just a few streaks of the dry ingredients remain. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for fluffy pancakes. Gently fold in the chopped Diamond of California walnuts.
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Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or oil. Pour 1/3 to 1/2 cupfuls of batter per pancake onto the hot pan, leaving some space between each.
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Cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the edges appear dry and bubbles begin to form and pop on the surface of the pancakes. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on the other side and cooked through.
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Serve your delicious Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes immediately, garnished as desired. To keep pancakes warm while cooking additional batches, you can transfer them to a baking sheet and place them in a 200°F (95°C) oven. Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them well-wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster, microwave, or on a griddle.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. My genuine love and belief in their high-quality products make partnerships like this possible, allowing me to share delicious recipes with you on Completely Delicious. All opinions and recipe creations are always 100% my own. Your support helps sustain this blog.
To discover more fantastic recipes that feature the versatility and flavor of nuts, be sure to visit the official Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them and find daily inspiration on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.