These Banana & Spinach Pancakes are a great way for your kids to get some added nutrition at breakfast! They have more fiber and less sugar than a boxed pancake mix, while also helping your kids get comfortable with spinach and vegetables.
Why Should I Put Spinach in My Kid’s Pancakes?
Two reasons – for the added nutrition and for a positive introduction to vegetables.
Spinach is a great source of iron, vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber. All of which many kids are not getting enough of, especially if they are hesitant to eat green vegetables.
Also, hiding vegetables in foods can be a great first step in vegetable introduction. Although it is not the long-term answer, it helps them get used to colors and textures they aren’t often exposed to. Read here for more information on introducing your kids to vegetables.
Should I Tell Them there is Spinach in the Pancakes?
The answer is yes you should tell them – eventually! If you have an especially picky eater that is not interested in any green vegetables, definitely do not tell them the first time you make these pancakes. You can call them Hulk pancakes, Shrek pancakes, Yoda pancakes, etc.
The goal for them here is to get used to foods that are a different color – specifically green! We want them to have a tasty and positive experience with green foods.
After several positive experiences with the pancakes, let them know about the spinach while also sharing one of spinach’s benefits. Something like – “I add spinach to these pancakes because….”
- “it makes your eyes healthy so you can see the basketball better at your next game”
- “It has something called iron which gives you the energy to keep playing all day long”
- “It helps your immune system so you won’t be sick for your dance recital”
The goal is to pair spinach with a positive taste experience and an internal motivator.
Banana & Spinach Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 banana
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp oil olive oil, vegetable oil, or any neutral oil
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups spinach * about 1 handful
- 1/2 cup flour
- cooking spray
Instructions
- In a small blender, combine all ingredients except the flour. Blend well – we don’t want any chunks of spinach in there!
- After well blended, add in the flour and mix by hand. We want to mix until just combined, and nothing more! If we overmix (especially if blended), the pancakes will become dense and not fluffy.
- Place a skillet or pan on medium heat and spray lightly with cooking spray
- Pour the batter onto the warm pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to cook low and slow! Especially when a batter uses oats and banana, you want to give the pancake time to fluff up! If you cook too fast at a high temperature, they will end up flat.
- Repeat with the remaining batter. Enjoy!
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