| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 10g | 3g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 9g | 13g | 0.84g |
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If there’s one breakfast dish that encapsulates the comforting familiarity of southern cooking with the alluring intrigue of West African flavors, it’s my Cacao Nibs Pancakes. This recipe is a luscious blend of traditional pancake ingredients and African-inspired additions of cacao nibs and various fruits, bridging the gap between my Atlanta childhood and my Nigerian heritage. And for me, that’s exactly what food is: a way to travel to the places and people you love without ever leaving your kitchen.
A Taste of Cacao and Comfort
The recipe, which I’ve perfected over many weekend mornings, is simple and satisfying. There is something universally comforting about pancakes, stack after stack, drenched in wholesome maple syrup. The twist lies in the chunky pieces of dark cacao nibs and the naturally sweet unsweetened applesauce – ingredients that elevate these pancakes from a breakfast staple to a gourmet experience.
It reminds me of a dish my Nigerian parents used to make, akara, which is a bean cake, only this one is replaced with flour and cacao nibs, bringing a familiar yet unique flavor. If you’re looking for another dish to complement these pancakes, I’d suggest a helping of scrambled eggs or perhaps a caramelized onion and kale stuffing for a wonderfully hearty brunch.
Healthful Indulgences
While the joy of exploring flavors is a wonderful thing, it doesn’t mean we need to compromise on nutrition. These Cacao Nibs Pancakes are made with nutritious whole wheat flour, catering to a healthier choice. Whole wheat flour is less processed than all-purpose flour and retains all parts of the grain—bran, germ, and endosperm which means it’s packed with fiber, proteins, and vitamins.
Moreover, the cacao nibs aren’t just there for taste, they’re a natural mood booster – perfect for a breakfast treat. As well as being delicious, cacao nibs are rich in antioxidants, fiber, iron, and magnesium. And let’s not forget the mixed fruits that add a fresh breather to the pancakes and are loaded with vitamins, so every bite is a blend of taste and nutrition.
Enjoying a plate of these Cacao Nibs Pancakes is not just a culinary adventure, but also a practice of mindful eating – taking the time to savor and enjoy the food while acknowledging the contributions of the ingredients to our health. Bon appétit!
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What You’ll Need
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cacao nibs
- 1 cup mixed fruit (like bananas, blueberries, or strawberries) for topping
- Maple syrup, to serve
Method
Step One
Start off by combining the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Make sure these dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step Two
In another bowl, crack the large eggs and whisk them. Add the milk, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract to this bowl. Whisk all the wet ingredients together until well combined.
Step Three
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Make sure you mix well to avoid any lumps in the batter but be careful not to overmix.
Step Four
Once the batter is smooth, stir in the cacao nibs. Mix them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the pancake batter.
Step Five
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, drop a scoop of batter onto the pan. Cook each pancake until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip it over and cook the other side until golden brown.
Step Six
Repeat step five with the rest of the pancake batter. Remember to adjust the heat if the pan gets too hot. You want the pancakes to cook evenly, not burn.
Step Seven
Serve the pancakes warm topped with a generous handful of mixed fruits like bananas, blueberries or strawberries. Drizzle them with maple syrup for extra sweetness. Enjoy your Cacao Nibs Pancakes!
