Savor the Sweetness: Healthy Flatout Jam Pancake Sandwiches – A Weight Watchers Friendly Delight
I am thrilled to once again partner with Flatout this month to share another delightful culinary creation featuring their fantastic range of bread products. My inspiration for this recipe harks back to my early twenties when I worked as a server at an authentic English pub. Being born in England, I naturally harbor a deep affection for all things British, and that certainly extended to the pub’s signature desserts. One particular treat that remains etched in my memory was a deep-fried jam butty – and yes, it was every bit as delectable as it sounds, though probably accompanied by a million caloric points! Picture this: two slices of soft bread, generously loaded with sweet jam, then dipped in a light batter and deep-fried to golden perfection, served warm with a scoop of creamy ice cream. It was, quite simply, heaven in every bite.
My culinary mission was clear: to capture the essence of that nostalgic dessert, recreating it using versatile Flatout bread, while crucially eliminating the “deep-fried” aspect. I believe my end result is nothing short of perfection. Each bite instantly transported me back to those pub days, relishing that exquisite dessert, but now, I can indulge for a mere 6 Smart Points per serving! This transformation means enjoying a beloved treat without the guilt, making it an ideal option for anyone mindful of their dietary choices, especially those following Weight Watchers.
Flatout bread products are a genuine game-changer for healthy eating. Their wraps, fold-its, and pizza breads are incredibly versatile and perfectly suited for Weight Watchers, offering a low-calorie, high-fiber base for countless meals and snacks. Whether you’re crafting a quick lunch wrap, a creative dinner, or, in this case, a healthier dessert, Flatout provides an excellent foundation. Be sure to check out Flatout’s store locator to discover where you can easily purchase their full range of products. You’ll be amazed at how easily these products can integrate into a healthy, balanced lifestyle, helping you to enjoy delicious foods while staying on track with your wellness goals.
The Inspiration: A Trip Down Memory Lane with the Deep-Fried Jam Butty
The deep-fried jam butty was more than just a dessert; it was a cultural icon in the pub where I worked. It embodied that comforting, indulgent quality of British comfort food. The combination of warm, gooey jam encased in a crispy, golden batter, all contrasted by cold, melting ice cream, was a sensory delight. However, such indulgence comes at a cost, particularly for those counting calories or points. While undeniably delicious, its nutritional profile was far from ideal for regular consumption. This memory sparked a creative challenge: how to capture that specific joy and flavor without resorting to the deep fryer, and without sacrificing the texture or the satisfying sweetness? The key, I realized, would lie in finding a suitable, healthier bread base that could mimic the qualities of traditional bread but with significantly fewer points.
This quest led me back to Flatout bread. Known for their thin, flexible, and wholesome wraps, they presented an exciting opportunity. I envisioned a method where the wraps could be transformed into a “pancake-like” texture, acting as a lighter, more point-friendly vessel for the jam. The goal was not just to make it “less bad” but to make it truly good – a dessert that feels indulgent yet aligns perfectly with a smart eating plan. The challenge was to ensure the flavors remained authentic, the texture satisfying, and the preparation simple enough for an everyday treat. What I discovered was a method that not only achieves this but also opens up a world of possibilities for other sweet and savory creations with Flatout products.
Flatout Jam Pancake Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 Flatout wraps, I recommend multigrain & flax for added fiber and flavor, but any Flatout wrap will work beautifully.
- 3 Tbsp no sugar added strawberry jam, I used E.D Smith, but feel free to use your favorite low-sugar fruit spread.
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup + 1Tbsp unsweetened almond milk, ensure it’s unsweetened to control sugar content.
- 1 Tbsp liquid egg whites, adds structure to the batter.
- Cooking spray, for a non-stick cooking surface.
Instructions
-
Lay out your 2 Flatout wraps flat on a clean surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of your chosen no-sugar-added jam evenly across each wrap. Carefully fold each wrap in half, then spread another 1/2 tablespoon of jam onto the folded surface. Fold the wrap over again, creating a compact, jam-filled square (refer to the accompanying pictures for visual guidance). This layering creates multiple pockets of delicious jam, enhancing the flavor experience.
-
Prepare your cooking surface: Warm a large frying pan on medium heat on your stovetop. Once warm, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray to ensure a non-stick surface. This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish without excess oil.
-
Next, prepare the “pancake” batter. In a mixing bowl (or a large measuring cup for easy pouring, which is what I used), combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, liquid egg whites, and unsweetened almond milk. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, consistent batter. This mixture will give your Flatout wraps that delightful, fluffy pancake-like exterior. Now, carefully dip each folded jam wrap into the batter, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Do this on a plate, not directly in the frying pan, to manage any drips and ensure even coverage. The batter quantity should be just enough to cover both wraps.
-
Gently transfer the batter-coated wraps to your heated pan using a fork or a spoon. Cook them just as you would regular pancakes, allowing a few minutes on each side. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly puffed-up appearance, indicating they are cooked through and delicious. The key is to achieve a nice crispy exterior.
-
Once cooked, immediately serve your Flatout jam pancake sandwiches. For an ultimate dessert experience, pair them with your favorite low-point ice cream or a generous dollop of fat-free cool whip. The warm, jam-filled wraps with a cool topping create an irresistible contrast.
-
This recipe yields 2 servings, with each serving coming in at a satisfying 6 Smart Points (excluding any additional toppings like ice cream or cool whip). Please note that I calculated the nutritional information using the Weight Watchers recipe builder, as it involves a few simple ingredients, rather than performing a detailed nutritional breakdown. This makes it incredibly easy to track for those on the Weight Watchers program.
Additional Info
Tips for a Perfect Flatout Jam Pancake Sandwich
To ensure your Flatout Jam Pancake Sandwiches turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- **Jam Choice:** While strawberry jam is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other no-sugar-added fruit spreads. Raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam would be equally delicious. The key is to use a “no sugar added” variety to keep the Smart Points low and the overall health benefits high.
- **Batter Consistency:** The batter should be smooth and thin enough to coat the wraps evenly without being too thick or clumpy. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash more almond milk, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable but still clinging consistency.
- **Even Coating:** When dipping the folded wraps into the batter, ensure both sides are fully and evenly coated. This is what creates that uniform, golden-brown “pancake” exterior. A shallow, wide bowl or pie dish can make this step easier than a deep measuring cup.
- **Pan Temperature:** Medium heat is crucial. Too high, and the outside will burn before the jam inside warms through; too low, and they won’t achieve that lovely golden crispness. A preheated pan with a light spray of cooking oil ensures a perfect, non-stick cooking surface.
- **Flipping Technique:** Treat these like delicate pancakes. Use a wide spatula to gently flip them to avoid tearing or squishing the jam out.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook one or two wraps at a time, depending on the size of your frying pan. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and prevent proper browning.
Serving Suggestions and Customization
While these Flatout Jam Pancake Sandwiches are delicious on their own, a few additions can elevate them into an even more luxurious, yet still healthy, dessert:
- **Classic Pairings:** The original deep-fried version was served with ice cream. For a healthier take, opt for a low-fat, low-sugar ice cream or, as suggested, a generous dollop of fat-free cool whip. The contrast between the warm, fruity sandwich and the cool, creamy topping is simply divine.
- **Fresh Fruit:** A side of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or sliced bananas can add natural sweetness, additional fiber, and a beautiful presentation.
- **Light Dusting:** A light dusting of powdered sugar (or a sugar substitute like erythritol) or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add an extra touch of elegance and flavor without many added points.
- **Sugar-Free Syrup:** A drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup or a fruit-flavored syrup can enhance the “pancake” experience, adding another layer of sweetness.
- **Nut Butter Swirl (for extra points):** If you have a few extra Smart Points to spare and love the combination, a small swirl of low-fat peanut or almond butter alongside the jam before folding could create a delightful nutty flavor. Remember to factor this into your points calculation!
Why This Recipe is a Smart Choice for Healthy Eating
In a world where delicious desserts often come with a heavy calorie and sugar load, finding truly satisfying and healthy alternatives is a treasure. This Flatout Jam Pancake Sandwich recipe is precisely that – a guilt-free indulgence that supports your wellness journey. For just 6 Smart Points per serving, you get to enjoy a warm, sweet, and comforting treat that evokes nostalgic flavors without derailing your dietary goals. Flatout bread products are instrumental in making this possible, providing a fantastic, low-point canvas for creative, health-conscious cooking. They offer the texture and substance you crave, without the excessive carbs and calories often found in traditional bread. This recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction when you’re committed to eating healthier. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a taste experience that feels truly special. So go ahead, treat yourself to this delightful dessert – your taste buds and your waistline will thank you!