| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 8g | 5g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 3g | 8g | 0.5g |
There isn’t anything quite like my delightful Cactus Pear Pancakes. This creation was inspired by my roots, growing up in Miami, where tropical fruits were not just a luxury but a way of life, and it became just second nature to me to incorporate them into my food. These indulgent pancakes are reminiscent of the weekend morning breakfasts back in my abuela’s Cuban kitchen, but with a harmonious twist of an exotic cactus pear.
Flavors Dancing on a Plate
The unique sweetness of the cactus pear, intermingled with the fresh zing of lemon zest and the comforting warmth of vanilla extract, make these pancakes something genuinely unique. You can further elevate these flavors by drizzling a little honey over the top. Honey acts as a natural sweetener and is known for its antioxidant properties.
If you’re familiar with my recipes, you know how much I relish combining the traditional and the exotic in harmonious symphony. And this recipe is no exception.
A Recipe to Remember
I fell in love with Cactus Pear Pancakes because of how they tell a story – a story of my heritage and my experiences. They are quite similar to the traditional American pancakes we all know and love but dare to be different by incorporating the unique cactus pear pulp.
Besides being deliciously unique, these pancakes are a healthy indulgence too. Cactus pear, also known as prickly pear, is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Some studies even suggest it could help regulate blood sugar levels, making this meal a perfect choice for diabetics or anyone who wants to start their day on a heart-healthy note. Learn more about the health benefits of cactus pear here.
If you’re planning a full-fledged breakfast or brunch, these Cactus Pear Pancakes go exceptionally well alongside my classic Jamon Serrano Omelette and some refreshing mimosas for a complete Miami-style breakfast experience.
So, whether you’re reminiscing about a past tropical vacation, want to mix up your pancake routine, or are simply on a quest to discover new and exciting flavors, give these Cactus Pear Pancakes a go. I promise—they’ll take your taste buds on an extraordinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of white sugar
- 1 1/4 cups of milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of cactus pear pulp, peeled and deseeded
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest
Method
Step One
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and white sugar together in a large bowl until well combined.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly and combine it with the milk, melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Three
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredient bowl. Stir well until you have a light, moderately runny batter. Ensure not to over stir as this can result in tough pancakes.
Step Four
Carefully, add the peeled and deseeded cactus pear pulp to the mixture. You may want to dice or mash the pulp for a desired consistency. Mix until just combined.
Step Five
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a soup ladle or pour about a 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
Step Six
Cook the pancakes until bubbles appear on the top side. Flip the pancake and brown it on the other side. Repeat these steps until all batter is used up.
Step Seven
In a small bowl, combine the honey and lemon zest. Drizzle this lightly over the pancakes. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious cactus pear pancakes!
