The Best Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes

As a parent, I am always on the lookout for healthy and easy recipes that my whole family will enjoy. That is why I am excited to share with you one of our family’s favorite breakfast recipes – Flaxseed Pancakes! These pancakes have become a staple in our household and it all started by accident! One morning, everyone really wanted me to make pancakes but we were out of eggs. I decided to replace eggs using flaxseed. To our surprise, they turned out to be preferred over the recipe with the eggs. The flaxseed added a slight nutty taste that paired well with syrup and made them extra moist and fluffy. Bonus – flaxseed is packed with nutritional benefits! It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation, and are also high in fiber, great for happy and healthy tummies.
These gluten-free, vegan, and family-friendly Flaxseed Pancakes are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. And the best part? They are so easy to make! All you need is some basic pantry ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. In fact, this recipe is so simple that my kids have taken over the responsibility of making them on weekends (with some assistance – they are still on the younger side).

Age-Appropriate Ways for Kids to Help Make Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes

There are many benefits to having kids help in the kitchen. Here are some ways kids can help make Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes:

  • Ages 2-3: Let your child help measure out the ingredients and pour and mix them together in a bowl. They can also help grease the pan (before heated) with oil or butter.
  • Ages 4-6: Have your child crack and beat an egg, while you measure out the dry ingredients. They can also add in the wet ingredients and stir everything together.
  • Ages 7-12: Give your child more responsibility by letting them measure out all of the ingredients on their own. They can also learn how to use a griddle or skillet to cook the pancakes (with assistance).
  • Teenagers: Encourage your teen to plan and prepare the Flaxseed Pancakes on their own. This will not only teach them important cooking skills but also give them a sense of independence.

Cooking with kids can is an opportunity to teach them about a recipe’s ingredients and nutritional benefits. You can even turn it into a science lesson by explaining the chemical reactions that occur when mixing pancake ingredients together. For example, baking powder and baking soda create carbon dioxide gas when combined with an acid, causing the pancakes to rise. Flaxseeds have many health benefits – they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and aid digestion.

In addition, cooking with your child can help improve their motor skills and coordination, as well as boost their confidence and self-esteem. Encourage them to take on different age-appropriate tasks each time you cook together so they can continue to learn and grow.

Not only will your kids learn about food and cooking, but they will also develop important life skills such as following instructions, measuring ingredients, and working together as a team. Plus, involving them in the process can make them more excited to try new foods and flavors.

Don’t worry if things get messy while cooking with your kids – it’s all part of the learning process! Just make sure to involve them in the cleanup as well, teaching them about responsibility and teamwork.

Safety tip 💡: Keep in mind that adult supervision is necessary for certain tasks, especially when handling sharp objects, operating kitchen appliances, or when using heat. Adjust the level of supervision for the age of your child based on their capabilities and skill level.

Now let’s get cooking!

Recipe: The Best Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes

Ingredients You Need for the Best Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes:

You will need:

  • 1 cup of regular or gluten-free flour
  • 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of oat milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

Instructions for Making the Best Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes:

Make

  1. Mix the flour, ground flaxseeds, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and sweetener.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined.
  4. Heat a pan over medium heat. You can add a bit of oil or butter to the pan so the pancakes don’t stick.
  5. Pour some batter onto the pan to make your pancakes. You can make them as big or as small as you like!
  6. Cook until you see bubbles on top of the pancakes, then flip them over with a spatula. Cook until both sides are golden brown.

Optional: drizzle with maple syrup, serve with berries and/or a protein source like eggs or turkey bacon or sausage.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips for making family-friendly flaxseed pancakes:

  • Make it gluten-free by swapping gluten-free flour in a 1:1 ratio.
  • Add some sweetness: Flaxseed on its own has a touch of nutty flavor that pairs well with something sweet like a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top.
  • Get creative with toppings: add colorful and fun toppings to your pancakes! Cut up fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas into fun shapes, or use chocolate chips or even sprinkles!
  • Mix things up with mini-sized pancakes! Kids love anything that is bite-sized and easy to eat with their hands. Consider making mini pancakes instead of full-sized ones by using small cookie cutters to shape them into fun shapes like hearts or stars.

How-to Store Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes

Here are some tips for storing family-friendly flaxseed pancakes (works for other pancakes, too!):

  • Allow them to cool completely before storing. This will prevent excess moisture from building up inside the storage container
  • Use an airtight container: Pancakes are prone to getting stale quickly if not stored properly. To keep your pancakes fresh for longer, use an airtight container. This will prevent any air from getting in and causing them to go stale.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper: If you need to stack your pancakes on top of each other, be sure to separate each layer with a sheet of parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to grab one individual pancakes without disturbing the others.
  • Freeze for long-term storage: If you want to keep your pancakes for longer than a week, consider freezing them. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, simply thaw for a few hours at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick defrost.
  • Reheat before serving: Pancakes are best served warm. If you have leftovers or frozen pancakes, reheat them in the toaster oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F or in the microwave for 30 seconds on high.

Please Share Your Thoughts!
If you make this recipe for Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes, I’d love to know what you and your kids think! Your feedback helps me continue to improve my content. Leave a comment below and/or post a pic and tag me on social @fromthestartnutrition!

Enjoy these delicious and nutritious Family-Friendly Flaxseed Pancakes!

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    beth conlon dietitian nutritionist new jersey

    Hi! I’m Beth Conlon, PhD, MS, RDN


    I'm so glad you're here!

    As a Pediatric and Family Nutrition Expert and mom of 4, I truly understand the ups and downs of feeding children. This is a space where you can get tips and tricks that will help you with any feeding challenges, from picky eaters to eating disorders, and more. Additionally, I'm excited to share recipes that are perfect for families.

    I can't wait to share this journey with you. If you need extra assistance, please contact me today and we can explore ways to work together.

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