Peanut Butter Pancakes

As a lover of all things peanut butter and a frequent pancake maker, making Peanut Butter Pancakes was inevitable.  I searched online for some inspiration, but did not quite find what I was looking for.  Most recipes I found did not use natural peanut butter (some even discouraged it).  Natural peanut butter is a must for me, so I decided just to wing it.  The rest of the recipe just fell into place, and the result was just what I had in mind.  These Peanut Butter Pancakes have the perfect amount of peanut butter flavor, with a little sweetness from brown sugar.  Buttermilk contributes to the fluffy texture, and the whole wheat flour adds more nutrition.  They are delicious plain, with a little syrup, or even jelly to make a PB&J pancake!

Speaking of peanut butter for breakfast, be sure to check out my giveaway for a chance to win  a $50 Visa gift card and help feed hungry people!   



Peanut Butter Pancakes
Yields 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
2-3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 1/4 cups low fat buttermilk
1/2 cup chunky natural peanut butter (see note)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

maple or chocolate syrup (optional, for serving)
chopped peanuts (optional, for serving)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt (if using).  Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, peanut butter, oil, vanilla and eggs, until well-blended.
3. Add peanut butter mixture to flour mixture, stirring until just combined.  Let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat large nonstick skillet (or griddle) to medium (about 325 degrees). 
5. Pour batter onto griddle (2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup, depending on desired size of pancakes).  Flip pancakes when top are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked (about 2-3 minutes).  Cook the other side until set (about 2 minutes).   Serve warm.

Note:  To soften natural peanut butter and make it easier to work with, just microwave it in the jar for about 30 seconds (adjust depending on how much is left in the jar).