Flip Out for Blueberry Flapjacks

Did you know the first official pancake recipe dates back to the 16th century? Pancakes have come a long way since then with various variations to the original recipe. One popular pancake ingredient addition that came about is blueberries, thus creating blueberry pancakes! This January 28th celebrates this delicious breakfast food for National Blueberry Pancake Day.

Pancakes are a delicious breakfast food but what makes them so fun and tasteful are the ingredients you make them with. Blueberry pancakes are great because the blueberries are packed with nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries can be added to pancakes in any way you like. You can add them in as a topping or pour them directly into the batter during cooking. For a delicious burst of blueberry flavor add them into the batter after you drop the batter onto the stove- this prevents them from bursting and locks in all their flavor for the perfect bite.

Antioxidants- Blueberries have a very high antioxidant level which helps your body fight off damaging agents that cause disease and cancers. The main antioxidant anthocyanin also helps fight inflammation.

Vitamin C– The vitamin C content of blueberries helps to promote a healthy immune system and aid in iron absorption.

Vitamin K- Blueberries are packed with vitamin K which helps with blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulation of calcium levels.

Fiber- Fiber helps to aid in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. It can also help control blood glucose and lower cholesterol!

Add a Twist to Your Blueberry Pancakes

What is great about blueberry pancakes, and pancakes in general, is you can get creative with the ingredients. Swapping out some ingredients for others or adding additional ingredients is a great way to pack in more nutrition and make a more unique and delicious pancake.

Here are some ways to pack in more nutrition to your blueberry pancakes:

Flour– Pancakes don’t need flour to be delicious! Flourless pancakes can be made with whole-grain oats and bananas that provide whole-grains and additional vitamins and minerals. Or if you can’t do without flour, try swapping white flour with whole-wheat flour or buckwheat flour.

Milk- Some recipes call for milk however, swapping cow milk for almond milk or soy milk is a great way to add in some nutritional benefits. It is also great for those who are lactose intolerant or dairy-free.

Toppings– Blueberries are great but, topping your pancakes with additional fruits like bananas or strawberries can make them even more delicious and add even more nutritious benefits.