I don’t know about you but, even as a grown-up, I still get excited about Pancake Day!
Shrove Tuesday is coming up on the 16th Feb this year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a special breakfast. Or lunch, or dinner… No judgement here!
The great thing is, pancakes can be enjoyed by all ages — they even make an ideal finger food brekkie for your weaning baby. So no matter how old your little one (or big one) is, the whole family can enjoy this fun holiday. They can also easily be adapted to suit all dietary requirements.
Why not get your toddler involved in the process as well? Take a look at some of these simple yet effective recipes that your child will love preparing, mixing, and eating!
Once the batter is made, you can choose what size you make your pancakes. Bitesize pieces for teeny mouths, and no waste!
1. Basic crepe-style pancake
This recipe from My Fussy Eater is the ideal pancake base. With just three ingredients, you’ll have a classic crepe that your kids can customise with a whole variety of toppings — check out our list below for some sweet and savoury ideas!
Healthy swap: If you want to reduce your child’s intake of white flour, substitute iit for a whole grain option such as wholemeal, buckwheat or spelt.
2. Vegan Crepe
BBC Good Food published this easy vegan crepe recipe, ideal if anyone in your family has a dairy allergy or if you’re a plant-based household. This recipe suggests hemp milk, which has more healthy fats and protein than other milk alternatives, but you could swap in coconut, almond or soya milk if you prefer.
3. Flourless rainbow pancakes
Bring a bit of colour to your morning with these fabulous rainbow pancakes from Dr Oeteker. This easy recipe uses oats instead of plain flour, giving it a lower gluten content and more fibre. If your child is coeliac, just add gluten-free oats instead.
The whole family will love these vibrant treats!
4. Three minute blender banana pancakes
If you’re short on time, these banana pancakes from BBC Good Food are super-speedy to whip up and you don’t even need to bother with kitchen scales! Just pop the ingredients in the blender and whizz for 20 seconds before frying.
5. Vegetable pancakes
If you’re looking for a savoury option, these vegetable pancakes from Baby Led Feeding are a delicious way to encourage your little ones to eat more portions of healthy veg. Although the original recipe does contain wheat, dairy, and eggs, the ingredients can easily be substituted to suit a gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diet.
Topping ideas
Very Berry
For a nutritious fruity boost, top your pancakes with a mixture of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. You can keep them raw and slice them — why not let your little one get creative and arrange their own smiley pancake face?
Another option is to gently heat your berry mix on the hob to create a delicious, healthy compote. Finish it off with a dollop of greek yoghurt or a dairy-free substitute.
Banana Bonanza
Pancakes and banana go hand-in-hand! To satisfy a sweet tooth, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Or go all out and smother your crepes with Nutella for an indulgent chocolatey treat. A handful of chopped nuts will give a protein boost.
Old Skool Lemon and Sugar
For a nostalgic classic, lemon and sugar is the only way to go! That perfect mix of sweet and tang. If you’d prefer to keep away from refined sugars, a squeeze of honey will complement the citrus.
Pizza Pancake
It might not be the first thing you think of when you mix your batter, but pancakes actually make great pizza bases! Spread your tomato sauce over the pancake, add whichever toppings you fancy, and finish off by melting cheese!
Sharing is caring
Whether you go for sweet or savoury, pancake making can be a lovely bit of family bonding time! Why not share your kitchen adventures and your child’s crepe masterpieces with your friends and family on your MySunshine timeline?
