You may have noticed that the supermarkets have been strategically placing lemon juice, flour mixes and topping ideas in your shopping path for a little while now. The reason of course is that Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner.
What is Shrove Tuesday?
Otherwise known as ‘Pancake Day’, Shrove Tuesday takes place each year exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday. If you are a traditionalist, the day is celebrated in order to use up rich indulgent foods such as sugar and milk before 40 days of Lent begins the following day.
These days, not many of us observe Lent, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t all take advantage of an excuse to eat scrummy pancakes for tea!
But are they healthy for babies and toddlers?
The good news is, pancakes are so versatile that they can be made as a sweet treat, savoury meal, or healthy snack for little ones. If this year is your baby or toddler’s first introduction to pancakes, a simple plain pancake recipe cooked thinly and served with their favourite fruit can be an ideal breakfast food or baby-led weaning snack to eat on the go. Don’t forget to use your Bibetta placemat and Ultrabib to catch any mess!
There are also plenty of alternative recipes if you follow a gluten free, paleo or vegan diet, so no one has to miss out! Here are some of our favourite recipes:
Simple Pancake Recipe
- 100g plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 300ml milk
- 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil, plus a little extra for frying
Whisk the flour, eggs, milk, 1 tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt into a bowl or large jug until it becomes a smooth batter. Over a medium heat, carefully wipe a medium pan with some oiled kitchen paper. When hot, pour in enough batter to make a thin pancake and cook for 1 min on each side until golden.
Banana Pancake Recipe
If your little ones love bananas, they will go mad for these super easy pancakes. Less of a traditional pancake, but perfect for big or little tummies, these pancakes are naturally sweet so there’s no need to add any additional sugar.
- 1 overripe banana
- 2 eggs
Mash up the overripe banana with 2 eggs and mix in a blender or with a mixer. Heat and grease a pan, and pour the mixture in small portions. Keep them small though as they are thicker than normal pancakes and won’t flip.
Gluten Free/Paleo Pancakes by Goodness to Glow
We love these simple gluten-free pancakes from Goodness to Glow. They come out light and fluffy, with a slightly nutty flavour.
- 1 large egg
- Baking powder
- Buckwheat flour
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1/3 cup plant milk
Whisk together the egg with your plant milk of choice. Add the buckwheat flour and baking powder and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable. Heat a frying pan on low heat, and pour in the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes and flip, cooking for a further 2 minutes.
Vegan Pancakes by The Queen of Delicious
These vegan and gluten-free pancakes by The Queen of Delicious are also sugar-free, and super thick and fluffy.
- 130g plant-based yoghurt
- 130g almond milk
- 130g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Coconut Oil for frying
Whisk together all the ingredients until they are well-combined. Heat a pancake pan on a medium heat and grease with ½ tsp coconut oil. Pour batter into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip over and fry for a further 2 minutes.
