For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, pancakes might seem like a distant memory. However, with a few clever ingredient substitutions, you can enjoy a stack of delicious, keto-friendly pancakes without using almond flour. This article explores various recipes and tips for making keto pancakes without almond flour, ensuring a satisfying and guilt-free breakfast.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into recipes, it's essential to understand why almond flour is often used in keto baking and what alternatives work well. Almond flour is made from finely-ground almonds and is naturally high in fats, protein, and fiber, while being low in carbs. However, some people may have almond allergies or prefer other options.
Coconut Flour Pancakes
Coconut flour is a popular alternative to almond flour in keto recipes. It's made from dried coconut meat and is low in carbs, high in fiber, gluten-free, and a good source of protein. Unlike almond flour, coconut flour is very absorbent, so you'll need less of it and more liquid in your recipes.
Coconut Flour Pancake Recipe
Here's a simple and delicious coconut flour pancake recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon powdered sweetener (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs with a whisk or electric mixer until frothy.
- Add the coconut flour, milk, and sweetener (if using). Beat until you have a smooth batter.
- Let the batter sit for a couple of minutes to allow the coconut flour to absorb the liquids.
- Melt butter or coconut oil in a skillet or non-stick frying pan over low heat.
- Use 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake and spread it out using the back of a spoon to approximately 4 inch / 10 cm in diameter. You can cook two to three pancakes per pan.
- Fry the pancakes on low heat until bubbles form on the top, about 3 minutes. Don't move them during this time.
- Flip and cook for a further minute until lightly golden.
- Repeat until all the batter is used up. The mix makes 8 pancakes.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Flour Pancakes:
- Measure accurately: Using a food scale is recommended for the best results.
- Mix well: Ensure the eggs are well beaten before adding the coconut flour to avoid lumps.
- Cook on low heat: Coconut flour burns easily, so stick to low heat.
- Small pancakes: Coconut flour pancakes are more fragile than wheat pancakes, so keep them small (about 4 inches in diameter) for easier flipping.
Cream Cheese Pancakes
Another excellent option for keto pancakes without almond flour is using cream cheese as a base. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and helps mask any alternative flour flavors.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Keto Cream Cheese Pancake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup sweetener
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except eggs to the blender - cream cheese, coconut flour, sweetener, cream, baking powder and vanilla.
- Mix until combined. If you don't have a blender, just use an electric mixer or food processor.
- Add the eggs to the blender.
- Preheat your griddle or non stick skillet to low.
- Pour pancake mixture onto the pre-heated, greased griddle or non stick pan. Pour enough to form a 3 inch in diameter pancake.
- Cook the pancakes on low heat until the edges start to set and the underside of the pancake is golden brown.
- Remove pancakes from the griddle.
Other Flourless Options
For those looking to eliminate flours altogether, there are flourless keto pancake recipes that rely on protein powder or nut butter.
Protein Powder Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop Keto Chow protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream
- Water (to desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Preheat a 10-inch skillet or griddle.
- Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients, except water (Keto Chow, baking powder, eggs, whipping cream, any additional sweeteners/flavors).
- Mix well with a wire whisk. Slowly add in water until a batter is a thin consistency (it should be similar to a regular pancake batter).
- Pour onto greased, hot griddle and cook on med-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side.
Nut Butter Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter (smooth, salted preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk the egg thoroughly in a medium bowl until light and foamy (about a minute or two).
- Add in the baking powder and vanilla extract (if using). If you like pancakes on the sweet side, add in a tablespoon of your favorite sweetener.
- Whisk in your nut butter of choice until nice and smooth. The batter will be runny, and that's ok!
- Heat up a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Melt a small pad of butter (or cooking oil of choice) and pour in two scant tablespoons of batter per pancake.
- Cook over medium heat until it begins to bubble, flip and cook until lightly golden.
Tips and Tricks for Keto Pancakes
- Use the right sweetener: Opt for low-carb sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Mix the batter until just combined.
- Grease the pan: Use butter, coconut oil, or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the pancakes from sticking.
- Cook on low to medium heat: This ensures the pancakes cook evenly and don't burn.
- Patience is key: Allow the pancakes to cook until bubbles form on the surface before flipping.
Serving and Topping Ideas
Keto pancakes are versatile and can be enjoyed with various toppings. Here are some keto-friendly topping ideas:
- Sugar-free syrup: ChocZero is a popular brand.
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are low in carbs and high in antioxidants.
- Whipped cream: Use heavy cream and a touch of sweetener.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds add healthy fats and texture.
- Butter: A simple pat of butter can enhance the flavor.
- Bacon or sausage: For a savory twist, serve with crispy bacon or sausage.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover keto pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. To freeze, place the pancakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer.
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