You can use coconut milk or almond milk in place of milk, but be careful to use a non-dairy milk that is the same consistency as milk. If the milk in the recipe is too thick or thin, your pancakes will have issues rising. This pancake recipe has plenty of egg white so that you can use it in other recipes. Egg whites are very important for making fluffy pancakes.
Some people love to use oil instead of milk in pancakes for a thicker, chewy texture, and others don’t like the taste. In the photos in this post, I’m using regular corn syrup, but if you can’t find corn syrup you can always use the syrup you have on hand – you could try substituting another type of syrup.
Other than using corn syrup or another type of syrup, I didn’t see any other alternative ingredient that you’d want to use in place of milk. But to be honest, if you try the recipe and find you still can’t have your traditional milk pancakes, just swap out the milk part for yogurt or almond milk.
Light, fluffy and totally comforting, pancakes are a natural choice when you want to treat yourself at breakfast (or at breakfast-for-dinner!) And while pancakes don't exactly have a reputation as a health food, they do have some nutrients that can benefit your health. The trick is to opt for whole-grain pancakes, and limit the sugary toppings, like maple syrup, to a drizzle.
"I do believe pancakes are quite healthy," says registered dietitian Abby Langer. "The whole grain means you're getting a much better nutrition profile than white refined flour products. This will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as overall weight gain. Typically the whole grain pancakes are a healthier choice and contain less saturated fat, which increases good cholesterol levels and heart health. These foods also contain fiber, which helps prevent heart disease and weight gain.
"Pancakes are a healthy alternative to French toast or a whole-grain breakfast burrito," said Sandra Alves de Lima, M.S., R.D., an on-air nutritionist and an advocate for a plant-based diet. "Pancakes and French toast are two of my favorite breakfasts — I typically top them with peanut butter and bananas, blueberries and syrup. If you're looking for an even healthier option, make vegan pancakes with pumpkin and bananas, and add sliced apples and yogurt — it's like your own healthy version of a Waffle House treat."
So what's the main secret to a good pancake? A fluffier batter. No one wants soggy pancakes. "It doesn't have to be perfect; in fact, that's a recipe for failure," says chef and author of Vegan Grub, Julie Shaw.
That's a complicated question. In fact, the pancakes don't stack up to any specific bread when it comes to nutrients. There is some research to show that breads can be a healthier option when it comes to filling your belly, such as whole-wheat breads or multigrain varieties.
But in terms of satiating your appetite, the pancake seems to be a no-brainer. As Healthline noted, pancakes have no more calories than other carbs you might be using in a meal. Some whole-wheat breads can actually have a few more grams of carbs than pancake mix.
Along with being a delicious food, pancakes can have several health benefits. The USDA's nutrient database suggests that whole-grain pancakes may contain certain nutrients that are commonly found in lean proteins, such as selenium, thiamine and riboflavin, along with B vitamins and fiber. Additionally, they're loaded with antioxidants and heart-healthy fats. Pancakes have also been linked to a lower risk of diabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
