Pancakes are always a good call for breakfast. But sometimes they can feel a little indulgent. Perhaps the reason they are on constant request in my house. So, I like to include some healthy ingredients whenever I can. These Zucchini Pancakes are definitely one of their favorites. And to think my littlest, despises zucchini. Pancakes are such a good vessel for hiding certain “icky” ingredients, aren’t they? And well, while carrots aren’t necessarily one of those ingredients for us, these Carrot Cake Pancakes are still a win-win for everyone. The littles couldn’t get enough of them and I was certainly pleased that their “treat” breakfast included not one but two vegetables!
And if that couldn’t get any better, with some inspiration from the many wonderful ideas on the internet, I made them into the cutest little bunnies. Miss Sparkle was absolutely tickled. Really the perfect Easter weekend breakfast.
This Easter is certainly one for the books, We are quarantined at home and on complete lockdown here in Istanbul. Life has completely changed for all of us, and it’s hard to imagine what’s going through the minds of all the little ones not quite grasping what is going on all over the world. Why they’re not allowed to go to school or even go outside in our case. Why they’re not allowed to see friends or babaanne or return to our home country as planned for the birth of their new baby cousin. We are doing our best to explain it in a manner appropriate for them but there are for sure still so many questions unanswered in their minds. As in mine as well. So….these days, I’ve tried to adopt the motto that any extra thing I can do as a parent to bring a smile and some excitement to these precious little souls these days, is an invaluable task.
These Carrot Cake Bunny Pancakes accomplished that and more. But even if you bake them up into “normal” round pancakes, I think it’s safe to say there will still be plenty of smiles. They really are reminiscent of all the goodness of a decadent carrot cake. Sweet carrots, perfect notes of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and a little hint of maple syrup. With the combo of half whole wheat flour, and half all-purpose, they are still every bit indulgent without too much of that “healthy” taste or texture. I promise, they will be just the thing to brighten up your “different” holiday spent at home………Happy Easter from our home to yours.
Carrot Cake (Bunny) Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups shredded carrots *about 3-4 carrots
- 1/4 cup shredded zucchini, drained * half of a small zucchini
- 3/4 cup (96g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (90g) whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg lightly whisked
- 2 tbsps maple syrup
- 3 tbsps butter, melted *can also use coconut or another mild oil
- 1/4 cup raisins, finely chopped *optional
Instructions
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Grate the carrots. Then grate the zucchini and wring out most of the excess liquid in a clean towel. Set aside. (you can also use a total of 1 1/2 cups grated carrots and skip the zucchini)
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.
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In a liquid measuring cup or smaller bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, maple syrup, and melted butter. Whisk to combine.
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Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid. Mix slightly then add the carrots, zucchini and raisins. Then fold everything together until combined.
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Set the batter aside while you heat a lightly buttered/ oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Then pour or scoop the batter with a 1/3 measuring cup for each pancake onto the pan. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat using the rest of the batter, lightly oiling the griddle as necessary.
To make the bunnies:
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First make a large round pancake (the bottom.) Then a smaller round pancake for the head.
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Now make two small rounds for the feet. And curved ovals for the ears.
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If you're doing many bunnies, I would suggest making each size at the same time so they cook evenly.
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For the feet and tail, we used banana, but whipped cream, raisins, strawberrries, blueberries, or chocolate chips would all be fun and delicious.
Recipe Notes
*If you don’t have buttermilk, add two tablespoons apple cider or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup then pour in enough milk to hit the 1 1/4 cup mark. Let sit for just a couple minutes then it’s ready to use.
*This will make about 12 regular-sized pancakes or 3-4 bunnies.
