If you’re reading this right now I’m sure you love pancakes as much as I do. Big pancakes, small pancakes…fat pancakes, skinny pancakes…chocolate chip pancakes, blueberry pancakes. I’ll eat ‘em all! But I can safely say that I would choose these pancakes over any of the others I just listed (you can also make them all of those things so its always a win). These are at the top of my list because they are gluten-free and vegan, with no artificial sweeteners added and a lot of plant-based power. You can even switch up this recipe to add so many different superfoods, so how can you go wrong?
This recipe came about because, well… I wanted some pancakes. It was that simple. But I usually try to give anything I make an extra boost…this one just so happened to have a lot of extras. So let’s take a look at what they are and what they can do for you and your bodyyy!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a warming food. Not only do warming foods, like cinnamon, help to generate warmth in your body but this warmth also leads to comfort. Adding cinnamon to these pancakes makes them a comfort food.. and we’re talking the new definition of comfort food (not fried chicken and Mac n cheese type of comfort foods). But cinnamon also has many other healing characteristics such as balancing blood sugar and helping with circulation.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds have mucilaginous properties making them very healing for the digestive tract. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and help to balance blood sugar levels by slowing down the conversion of carbs to sugar. Chia seeds are also packed with many nutrients, including iron and calcium (which are both apparently hard to find in plant-based diets…jk, thats what you thought.. now you know its not true!)
Maca Powder
Maca is a root that has many healing properties and also helps increase libido (wink, wink). It also has analgesic effects making it a good overall pain reliever. Here area few other of this roots healing powers:
- contains many nutrients and vitamins such as phosphorus, calcium, fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2 and B12 (another vitamin that, until now you may have thought you couldn’t get on a plant-based diet…myth busted!)
- Supports adrenal glands, hormone function, energy levels and metabolic function
- Helps prevent growth of cancers
- Reduces chances of developing bone diseases
Cacao Powder
Raw Cacao is one of my favorite superfoods. It is chocolate in its most raw and healthy form. I’m sure you have heard some stories about how chocolate can be healing. Maybe you’ve heard that its good for headaches, cramps and more. This is not a myth, but its often taken out of contexts. Chocolate can be sooo healing, but we’re talking about when you’re eating it in its raw and natural form, aka raw cacao (not to be confused with cocoa!). The reason raw cacao is so healing is because it is filled with vitamins, nutrients and minerals. It is high in magnesium which helps to calm muscles, making cacao my go to during that oh-so-fun time of the month, and it is “anti-stress” meaning I can use a cup of Hot Cacao at the end of a stressful day to wind down and reduce the toll of stress on my body. It also has anandamide which is known as the “bliss chemical” and tryptophan (found in anti-depressants), making it my top recommend addition to diets of anyone suffering from depression! And lastly but not least, it helps achieve beautiful skin, hair and nails.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a complete protein and have the perfect balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. When these two types of fatty acids are in balance, it helps to reduce inflammation and heart disease and increase brain health. These powerful seeds are also good for your metabolism and immune system.
Note: Aside from the chia seeds, all of these are optional in this recipe. If you don’t have them, don’t worry… You can still make amazingly delicious pancakes and you can add some of your own favorite superfoods if you would like.
Another note: The optional toppings are power packed foods as well! If you can’t find all of these, don’t like them, or want to try something else…go for it!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
- 3 tbs chia seeds + 6 tablespoons water
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp maca powder
- 5 tsp cacao powder 2 tsp hemp seeds
- 1 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 tbs apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 coconut oil, melted* + more for cooking
- 3/4 cup raw maple syrup (or honey)
Optional toppings:
- Berries
- Banana
- Unsweetened Coconut flakes
- Crushed pecans/walnuts
- Raw cacao nibs
- Raw almond butter
- Raw Honey
- Raw maple syrup
- Bee pollen
- Chia seeds
- Ground Flax seeds
Instructions:
- In a small bowl mix chia seeds with water, set aside. The chia sides will expand making a chia paste.
- In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, maca, cacao and hemp seeds.
- In a small mixing bowl mix together almond milk and apple cider vinegar, then add the coconut oil. Mix until combined. Add vanilla and maple syrup.
- Pour the chia paste and liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until thoroughly combine, being sure to get rid of any clumps.
- Heat about a tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Once oil is heated add a little less that 1/4 cup of the pancake batter. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes and then flip. Pancakes will be ready to flip when the top is filled with bubbles. Once flipped you only need to cook for a minute or two. Note: If you want thicker pancakes, add more batter to pan. For thinner pancakes, add less batter.
*To melt the coconut oil, fill a bowl with hot water and place the coconut oil jar in the bowl. Or, warm it on the stove.