Popeye Pancakes | Whole Wheat, Banana & Spinach Pancakes for Picky Toddlers
I’m a little embarrassed to admit how picky my toddler is. After all, I have a FOOD BLOG with all sorts of adventurous recipes. It’s true though. My toddler is the pickiest of all the little ones in his playgroup. I present him with all sorts of creative, healthy options, but for the longest time, his diet has been limited to “crunchy things”. He likes cereal, toast, granola, cheese, crackers and milk. He usually WON’T eat pasta, fruit, vegetables or most meats.
In order to slip in a balanced diet, I create recipes like these Popeye Pancakes. They have organic whole wheat, banana & spinach for picky toddlers who like to feed themselves.
I have peace of mind knowing my son is eating a healthy diet when I give him these. I make a big batch every week and it’s just one of the ways I slip in good nutrition.
Some other tricks I use:
- Reusable food pouches. My son will eat fruit if it’s pureed and in a squeeze pouch. I add veggies to every recipe.
- Homemade soup. He will eat soup if he sees mommy eating it. I sneak chicken broth and pureed veggies in this way.
- Chili and sausage: These are two foods he likes because they are easy to eat and flavorful. This child likes spice!
If you have a picky toddler the best advice I can give is to keep trying. Don’t pressure your child to eat. Offer different foods as often as you can, even if it seems like a waste of time. Don’t fall into the trap of only offering what you know they will eat! Eventually, they come around (my son is starting to).
With a little creativity, you will find things that make both of you happy, like these Popeye Pancakes. They are packed with healthy stuff like Greek yogurt, banana, 100% whole wheat and fresh spinach.
I even add pea protein powder, and natural supplements to make sure my little guy gets everything he needs. You can even make these with breast milk if you have some (yes, breast milk pancakes!). Just switch out the milk for equal parts breast milk.
It’s up to you what you add to your Popeye pancakes-I added lots of options in the recipe. The important thing is getting your little one what they need to stay healthy and happy. Enjoy!
Use organic ingredients if possible.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/3 cups (167g) whole wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (firmly packed)
- 1 large banana
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (63g) Greek yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons (optional) add-ins like natural protein powder or supplements
- 1/2 cup (optional) mini chocolate chips
Method
Mix together the flour, baking powder and cinnamon in a large bowl.
In small food processor or blender, add the spinach leaves, banana, egg, milk and Greek yogurt. Process until smooth. Pour into a medium-sized bowl.
Whisk sugar and vanilla and any protein powder into the spinach mixture until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Add chocolate chips if using. Do not overmix. You will have a thick pancake mix at this point.
Heat your griddle over medium heat. Coat with butter or coconut oil. Spoon pancake batter onto the griddle, 2 tablespoons per pancake.
Cook until the edges are dry and bubbles form, about 1 minute. Flip and cook a few minutes more and remove from pan. Coat griddle again with oil or butter and make another batch. You may need to lower the heat to medium-low if they are browning too quickly.
Store in the refrigerator or freeze any leftovers.
https://loveandduckfat.com/popeye-pancakes-whole-wheat-banana-spinach-pancakes-picky-toddlers/
Recipe adapted from Whole Wheat & Banana Pancakes from Sally’s Baking Addiction
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I have never had anything like these before, but I love the idea of incorporating spinach into the pancakes like that.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Our Day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Oh, this is a brilliant way to get some more veggies into your kiddos’ menu!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…On the Road in May
Very interesting never thought of adding spinach in to pancakes.my kids are not fussy in anyway and i have no problems getting them to eat veg.
Kay Adeola recently posted…Belinda And Bolt
These look absolutely delicious and it makes it even better to know that it’s healthy also.
Nice idea. We recently made the switch to whole wheat and are looking for great recipes.
Lady Lilith recently posted…Arrival of Honey Swamp
These would be awesome to try as we are always looking for healthier options.
becca recently posted…Weighing In WK#78
That is definitely a healthy way to start the day. I will definitely give this a try as I start every day with a healthy version of pancakes.
Jennifer Williams recently posted…Running With the Magellan Echo
He loves it!! that is great and an easy way to add spinach into his diet.
I should try this and see if my kiddo will eat them. Nice recipe!
Krystal recently posted…Summer Recipes: Spicy Shrimp Nachos With Hunt’s Tomatoes #DinnerDone
As much as I love spinach, I sure hadn’t thought of doing this. I’d be willing to give it a go!
Liz Mays recently posted…In the Event of an Emergency, You NEED a TIKE Sticker! #MasteringAuto
This is quite a nice stack of pancakes. they look so yummy too
veronica recently posted…Taking Your Dorm Room From Drab to Fab
I don’t have little kids, but I think my big kids might really like this. I’m going to give it a try this weekend. Thanks!
These sound interesting. I think I might try these on my son and see if he will eat them.
Danielle recently posted…7 Ways to Beat Workout Boredom Day 17 of 100
I bet my toddler would love green pancakes. I make a whole wheat pancake batter in my blender, I’m going to try to add spinich next time.
Whatever gets them to eat their spinach, right? 🙂 I’d try these too. 🙂
Rosey recently posted…Made in Nature Organic Dried Fruit
My 7 year old would gobble that pancake right up I’m going to be saving this recipe that’s for sure. I have enough pancake mix to feed an army lol
Amanda Ripsam recently posted…McDonald’s Towing – Home Review
My eight year old is a picky eater so I like the idea of having him eat this and get a daily dose of vegetables. They must taste really good to mask the veggie flavor.
Tough Cookie Mommy recently posted…Pamper Yourself With The Liquid Hand Soap Decor Collection! #SoftSoap #Giveaway #Ad
I never had pancakes like that before – I definitely want to try it one of these days
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted…An Essential Guide to Dieting For Over 65s
I’m glad you found something that works for your son!
Amanda McMahon – Creative Family Cooking recently posted…Infusing vegetables into your pasta water
What a great way to add in a veggie. I add spinach to my smoothies, but never have to my pancakes!
Toni recently posted…Cruise Away On The Carnival Sunshine! @CarnivalCruise @CarnivalPR #Travel #TonisTravels
WOW I will have to try these pancakes. They look delicious.
Mommy2Jam recently posted…FODADA ~ Dad and Me Giveaway
Thank you for tis wonderful recipe. I made these yesterday and was more than pleased how they came out. The flavor ist great, I added 1 tbsp hemp flour and 1 tsp wheatgrass powder. Will repeat them for sure!
How much frozen spinach would you substitute in place of 1 cup fresh?
Hi,
Do you know what I could do if I find the inside of the pancake are still wet even the outside is golden brown?
Thanks!