Name: BLW Spinach Pancake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp vanilla; 1/3 cup flour ((gluten free, oat flour or wheat flour)); 1/2 ripe banana ((Can do a whole banana)); 1 cup spinach ((Can use less if desired)); 1/2 tsp baking soda; water (Milk, Dairy free milk, Breastmilk *Add 1 TBS at a time to thin); 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1 egg ((optional)); 1 Scoop collagen or protein powder ((optional)); 1/2 tsp spirulina powder ((Optional - if you choose to opt out of spinach, add in this for color.)); 1 green food coloring ((Optional - if you choose to opt out of spinach, add in this for color.)); 1 tsp vanilla; 1/3 cup flour ((gluten free, oat flour or wheat flour)); 1/2 banana ((Can do a whole banana)); 1 cup spinach ((Can use less if desired)); 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 cup Water (Milk, Dairy free milk, Breastmilk *Add 1 TBS at a time to thin); 1/2 cup Sourdough Discard; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 egg ((optional)); 1 Scoop collagen or protein powder ((optional)); 1/2 tsp Spirulina Powder ((Optional - if you choose to opt out of spinach, add in this for color.)); 1 Green Food Coloring ((Optional - if you choose to opt out of spinach, add in this for color.))

Jump to Recipe

BLW spinach pancakes are a favorite in this household. Naturally dyed green from spinach and sweetened with bananas, these pancakes hit the jackpot. And did we mention they even have soaked grains in the form of sourdough discard, if you prefer?

BLW Spinach Pancakes

This week my daughter and I went to the library and found the book ‘If You Give a Pig a Pancake…’. Her face lit up as she started sharing with the librarian who was checking out our books about how we eat pink pancakes and green pancakes, pancake roll ups, pancakes for breakfast and even pancakes for dinner.

What can I say, she started loving pancakes when she started BLW! When I know these pancakes are packed with protein, have soaked grains (sourdough), minimal sugar and even have vegetables – I don’t feel too bad making them apart of every meal.

They say we eat with our eyes first. With St. Patty’s day last month and Earth Day right around the corner, your kids may be on a green food kick. These BLW pancakes use spinach to provide a green color, though you could use a natural food coloring (or spirulina powder) as well. Like we said, highly customizable!

BLW Pancake Variations

This recipe has a few different variations to make personalized waffles for your little one, no matter if they like pancakes or waffles.

These BLW spinach pancakes can be made with or without flour to make them gluten free pancakes as well. You can even make these BLW pancakes egg free if you decide.

It is important to note these pancakes are not your typical fluffy pancakes. They are not overly sweet and are a great option for a developing pallet.

Blender pancakes - multiple layers of food within a blender cup

Ingredients for BLW Spinach Pancakes

To make these BLW spinach pancakes, there are a few basic ingredients needed.

All purpose flour or gluten free flour
Baking soda
Bananas
Milk, dairy free milk, breast milk or water
Spinach
Eggs – this is optional
Vanilla extract
Spirulina Powder or natural green food coloring – this is optional
Sourdough starter – this is optional
Collagen Powder or protein powder – this is optional

Benefits of BLW Spinach Pancakes

These BLW spinach pancakes are full of nutrient dense foods. They are rich in omega 3 and 6 from the egg. They also contain vitamins A, C, K, folate, potassium and iron from the spinach and banana. If you choose to use sourdough starter, the pancakes are also rich in phytic acid and B vitamins.

Kitchen Tools

Because this recipe has spinach, I would highly recommend a method to pulverize the spinach. Our favorite way to fry up these pancakes is in a cast iron skillet coated in butter. This allows us to sneak a little extra iron into our little ones diet without having to think about it!

Immersion blender, blender or food processor
Cast iron skillet, pan or electric griddle
Waffle Iron (optional, if making waffles)
- We love this DASH waffle iron because it’s a personal sized one which does not take long to heat!
Reusable Plastic Bags (for storage)

Instructions

From prep to plate, these pancakes are ready to serve within 10 minutes or less.

Add all ingredients to an immersion blender, blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. There should be no chunks or spinach visible within the mixture.
- Mixture should be pancake thin consistency – not soupy and not muffin batter thick.
Heat cast iron skillet, pan or electric griddle. Place butter or oil onto the cooking surface.
Pour a pancake onto the pan. Allow to cook until bubbles are pooping on the surface and the edges of the pancakes are cooked.
Flip and allow to finish cooking before serving.

Child eating breakfast off of green plate.

How to Serve BLW Pancakes By Age

When serving pancakes and following the baby led weaning approach, the size of the pancake will depend on the age of the child.

6-9 months old can have pancakes cut into large strips which are the size and length of two fingers together.
9+ months old (or once the pincer grasp is prominent), can have pancakes cut into bit-sized pieces.
18+ months old can be served large pieces of pancakes (even up to a full pancake). This will allow them to tear off pieces or bite it themselves.
- We love to serve ‘pancake roll ups’ for a meal. To make a pancake roll up, slather in a nut butter and roll from one end to another. If needed, place a toothpick in the middle to hold the pancake together.

Pancake Toppings

There are a variety of pancake toppings. We love:

Butter
- Unsalted is best for baby led weaning
Nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, nutella)
- A great way to introduce allergens to babies
Maple Syrup, agave or honey
- If child is under 1 YO, do your research on serving honey due to increased risk of infant botullism
Coconut ‘whipped’ cream
- Another potential allergen to introduce
Fresh or frozen fruit made into a jam / jelly
Banana slices
Sprinkle of chocolate chips
Hemp hearts, chia seeds or flax seeds
Greek Yogurt
- Whole fat is our favorite! You can also try goat’s milk or sheets milk yogurt
Cinnamon

Turning Pancakes to Waffles

If your little one enjoys waffles over pancakes, or you just need to run away from the stove to chase a mobile little one, consider a waffle iron. We have a small one (DASH brand) which is perfect for individual sized waffles.

Use the same recipe as below and follow the cooking times on your waffle iron. Waffles and pancakes are the perfect finger food for babies, making it ideal for baby led weaning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you reheat a frozen pancake?

To reheat a frozen pancake, place them directly into a toaster or toaster oven for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, wrap them in a paper towel and place within the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How do you store pancakes?

Store pancakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, they can be placed in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can you make these pancakes without bananas?

To make these pancakes without bananas, substitute applesauce or pear sauce! Applesauce is a great source of fiber and another naturally occurring sweetener, like bananas. If neither of these options are available, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup to the pancake batter.

The bottoms of these pancakes turned brown. Why?

Reduce the temperature of your cast iron skillet, pan or electric griddle to reduce the brown color of the pancakes.

Can you use other vegetables in place of spinach?

Sure! To keep them green, try another green lettuce like baby kale or broccoli. Alternative color options can be yielded from sweet potato, beets, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries or pumpkin. Note changing the vegetable (or fruit) will result in a different flavor and texture of the pancake.