Light and Fluffy Strawberry Yogurt Pancakes

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Low Calorie and Low Sugar: These pancakes are made with balanced nutrition in mind, using more nutrient-dense ingredients like unsweetened applesauce to provide natural sweetness and lower sugar, supporting calorie-conscious eating.
• Gluten Free and High Protein: With gluten free rolled oats, high protein Greek yogurt and egg whites, these treats deliver a protein boost that helps balance carbs and keeps you full longer.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These pancakes store well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy a hassle-free meal or snack throughout the week.
• Quick and Simple: Wholesome yet easy to make, this strawberry pancake recipe comes together in 20 minutes—perfect for busy mornings when you're on the go!

Strawberry Pancakes Ingredients

• Gluten Free Rolled Oats: These oats provide the structure in this strawberry pancakes recipe while adding fiber and protein, making them more wholesome and satisfying. Oat flour is a good 1:1 substitute, if preferred. I don’t recommend using coconut flour, white or whole wheat flour, but almond flour works well—start with 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup.
• Greek Yogurt: Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt helps create a fluffier, moister texture, adding a touch of tanginess while boosting the protein content. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan higher protein yogurt without added sugar.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce acts as a fat substitute (replacing egg yolks), contributing moisture without excessive sweetness, and enhancing the overall texture and flavor. If you prefer, maple syrup or honey can be substituted, but they will increase the calorie content.
• Egg Whites: Combined with baking powder, egg whites are the key leavening agent, helping to make them light and fluffy by incorporating air into the batter. You can replace 2 egg whites with 1 whole egg, but this will reduce the protein and increase the calorie count.
• Strawberries: Frozen and thawed strawberries add a delightful sweet, tart, and fruity flavor to the fresh strawberry pancakes.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: A classic complement to strawberries, dark chocolate chips add a contrasting, crunchy texture and rich flavor without too much added sugar. Use dairy-free chocolate chips if necessary.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations & Dietary Modifications

• Citrus Spin: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter and a squeeze of juice for a citrusy kick that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and chocolate chips.
• Caramelized Strawberries: Take the strawberries up a notch and caramelize them with a pinch of cinnamon, coconut sugar, or maple syrup on the stove for a richer flavor.
• Change the Fruit: You can swap the strawberries with other berries or fruit. Try this recipe with mixed berries, blueberries, or even peaches.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s stack them up and serve them right! Whether you're enjoying these strawberry pancakes as part of a wholesome breakfast, a quick snack, or even as a fun dessert, here are a few creative ways to pair your healthy strawberry pancakes:

• Garnish them with fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, and top with a dollop of light whipped cream or drizzle with your favorite nut butter for added richness.
• Pair with a refreshing smoothie like an Orange Julius smoothie, cherry smoothie with yogurt, or blueberry protein smoothie for a balanced and energizing breakfast.
• For a more filling meal, serve alongside a sausage tomato egg bake, scrambled eggs with yogurt, or turkey sweet potato hash.

Expert Tips

• Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to drip off a spoon but not clumpy. The ideal consistency is slightly lumpy, allowing it to pour onto the griddle and spread naturally.
• Griddle Temp: Preheat the griddle to around 375°F for about 5 minutes. To test if it's hot enough, flick a few drops of water onto the surface—if it sizzles, it's ready!
• Storing: Store leftover gluten-free strawberry pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat them when frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, warm in the oven at 325°F for 5-8 minutes or microwave for 1 minute. For refrigerated pancakes, reheat in the oven at 325°F for 5-8 minutes or microwave for 1 minute.

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