Fluffy & Flavorful: Hearty Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes for a Wholesome Breakfast
This post is proudly sponsored by Diamond of California, bringing you quality nuts for every culinary adventure.
There’s something inherently comforting about a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes on a slow morning. For many, a weekend isn’t truly complete without the aroma of freshly cooked batter filling the kitchen. While classic buttermilk pancakes hold a special place in our hearts, sometimes a craving for something a little different, yet equally satisfying, arises. That’s where these incredible Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes come into play – a delightful and wholesome twist on a beloved breakfast staple.
These aren’t just any pancakes; they are a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures, crafted with thoughtful ingredients to nourish and delight. We’ve taken the familiar pancake base and elevated it with a few simple, yet impactful, changes. By incorporating whole wheat flour, we introduce a hearty texture and a boost of fiber that keeps you feeling full and energized. Mashed bananas replace a significant portion of the traditional butter, infusing each bite with natural sweetness and incredible moisture. A whisper of cinnamon adds a layer of warmth, while a generous handful of chopped walnuts from Diamond of California provides the perfect crunch and nutty depth. These adjustments don’t just yield a healthier pancake; they unlock a fabulous flavor profile that will have you coming back for more.
Why Choose Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes?
Opting for whole wheat flour in your pancakes brings numerous benefits beyond just taste. Whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ of the wheat kernel, which are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This means these pancakes offer a more sustained energy release compared to those made solely with all-purpose flour. The fiber content aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar, making them a more wholesome choice for your morning meal. Furthermore, the robust, slightly nutty flavor of whole wheat flour beautifully complements the sweetness of bananas and the richness of walnuts, creating a more complex and satisfying eating experience.
The Magic of Bananas and Walnuts
Bananas are a star ingredient in this recipe, doing double duty by adding natural sweetness and keeping the pancakes wonderfully moist without needing excessive amounts of added fat. Their soft, creamy texture integrates seamlessly into the batter, ensuring every pancake is tender and infused with that irresistible banana bread flavor. Overripe bananas, with their intensified sweetness, are particularly excellent for this recipe, transforming what might otherwise be discarded into a delicious treat.
Then there are the walnuts, generously provided by our partners, Diamond of California. These aren’t just for crunch; they are a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Diamond of California walnuts are known for their premium quality, delivering a buttery, slightly earthy taste that perfectly balances the sweetness of the banana. Each chop adds a textural contrast that makes these pancakes truly dynamic. Beyond their deliciousness, walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein, making them a smart addition to any diet. Their presence here elevates these pancakes from a simple breakfast to a gourmet experience, making them truly unforgettable.
Achieving Pancake Perfection
The result of these thoughtful ingredients and balanced proportions is a batch of pancakes that are thick, incredibly fluffy, and utterly irresistible. They possess a comforting aroma that truly evokes the warmth and nostalgia of fresh banana bread. This delightful scent and taste profile will undoubtedly bring joy to your taste buds and brighten any morning. While these pancakes are fantastic on their own, personalizing your serving style can make the dish truly sing.
For an ultimate presentation and flavor boost, consider topping your freshly cooked pancakes with additional slices of ripe banana and a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts. A generous pour of pure, real maple syrup is, of course, a must, providing that essential sticky sweetness. Other delightful additions could include a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy tang, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a handful of fresh berries for a burst of color and tartness. Whether you’re enjoying them for a festive brunch or a quiet Saturday morning, these Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes are the ideal companion from now until the warmer days of summer.
Tips for Fluffy Pancakes Every Time
Making perfect pancakes is a skill that improves with practice, but a few key tips can ensure your Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes are consistently light and airy:
- Don’t Overmix: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for tender pancakes. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and even desirable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy pancakes.
- Rest the Batter: If you have time, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender pancake. It also gives the baking powder and soda time to activate, contributing to that wonderful fluffiness.
- Proper Pan Temperature: Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. A pan that’s too hot will burn the outside before the inside cooks through, while one that’s too cool will yield flat, greasy pancakes. You know it’s ready when a drop of water dances on the surface and evaporates quickly.
- Use Consistent Portions: For uniformly sized pancakes, use a ¼ or ⅓ cup measure to pour batter onto the hot skillet.
- Know When to Flip: Wait until bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set and slightly dry. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Flipping too early can lead to uncooked centers or deflated pancakes.
Creative Variations and Customizations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize your Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes to suit your preferences:
- Add More Spices: A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of cardamom can further enhance the “banana bread” flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: For a sweeter treat, stir in ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) along with the walnuts.
- Berry Boost: Fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries at the same time you add the walnuts for a burst of fruitiness.
- Nut Alternatives: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, pecans or even slivered almonds can be substituted, though we highly recommend the classic banana-walnut combination.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make these pancakes dairy-free, use a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for melting.
Storage and Reheating
These Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes are so delicious, you might not have any leftovers! However, if you do, they store beautifully and make for quick breakfasts during the week:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, flash freeze individual pancakes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well-wrapped in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated pancakes in the toaster, microwave, or on a griddle until warmed through. Frozen pancakes can be reheated directly in a toaster or oven for a crispier result, or in the microwave for a softer texture.
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 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons butter , melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (113 grams), from Diamond of California
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 until 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.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just a few streaks of the dry ingredients remain; do not overmix. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
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Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil.
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Pour ⅓ to ½ cupfuls of batter per pancake into the hot pan. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the edges appear dry and numerous bubbles form and pop on the surface. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, or keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack until all pancakes are ready to serve. Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
A Wholesome Breakfast Awaits!
These Whole Wheat Banana Nut Pancakes offer the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition, making them an ideal start to any day. Whether you’re making them for a special weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast (thanks to easy reheating!), they are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. The hearty whole wheat, the sweet mashed bananas, and the satisfying crunch of Diamond of California walnuts create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. We are grateful for partnerships with brands like Diamond of California that share our passion for quality ingredients and enable us to bring you delicious recipes. All opinions and culinary creations are always 100% our own.
To discover more inspiring recipes featuring the goodness of nuts, we encourage you to visit the official Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them and find more delicious ideas on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Enjoy your wholesome pancake journey!