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Wholesome Animal Shaped Pancakes Recipe Easy Natural Food Coloring Guide

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These wholesome animal shaped pancakes use natural food colorings from fruits and vegetables to create playful, nutritious breakfast treats that kids love. The recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for family mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon organic cane sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk)
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons beet juice (for pink coloring)
  • 1 tablespoon spinach powder or 1/4 cup blended fresh spinach leaves (strained) (for green coloring)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (for yellow coloring)
  • 2 tablespoons carrot juice (for orange coloring)
  • 1 teaspoon butterfly pea flower tea concentrate (steeped and cooled) (for blue coloring)
  • Optional toppings: fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, strawberries
  • Pure maple syrup or honey (for serving)
  • Greek yogurt or nut butter (optional for added protein and creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the natural colors: juice or blend beet, carrot, spinach, and brew butterfly pea flower tea; strain liquids as needed.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the egg with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; lumps are okay.
  5. Divide batter evenly into 4-5 small bowls and add natural colorings to each; stir gently to blend.
  6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
  7. Using squeeze bottles or piping bags, draw animal shapes on the hot pan, layering batter for details.
  8. Cook shapes for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and edges set; carefully flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more until golden and cooked through.
  9. Serve warm with fresh fruit and maple syrup; repeat with remaining batter and colors.

Notes

Use medium heat to prevent spreading and burning. Prepare color batters just before cooking to keep colors vibrant. Layer batter to add details and avoid bleeding. If batter is too thick after adding colors, thin with a splash of milk. Practice simple shapes first. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 2 days or freeze with parchment paper between layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: animal shaped pancakes, natural food coloring, wholesome pancakes, kid-friendly breakfast, whole wheat pancakes, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/wholesome-animal-shaped-pancakes-recipe-easy-natural-food-coloring-guide/