Delightful & Healthy: The Ultimate Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly)
Are you a pancake aficionado, much like myself? If so, you might have felt a slight pang of disappointment recently when popular pancake mixes saw an increase in their Weight Watchers SmartPoints values. What once cost you a mere 3 PersonalPoints (PP) for a 1/3 cup serving now demands a steeper 5 SmartPoints (SP). But fear not, fellow pancake lovers! This shift certainly won’t deter us from enjoying our favorite breakfast treat.
While a store-bought mix still has its place for quick mornings, I was inspired to create a scratch-made alternative that would be not only delicious but also more filling and satisfying, all while keeping those precious points in check. The result? These incredibly yummy and surprisingly hearty Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes! They offer a delightful texture, slightly different from traditional pancakes due to the natural sweetness and moisture of the banana, making them a truly unique and wholesome breakfast option.
This recipe yields 6 perfectly sized pancakes, and we’ve carefully calculated the Weight Watchers points for the entire batch to help you stay on track. Read on to discover how to whip up these incredible pancakes and why they’re about to become your new favorite!
Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes (Weight Watchers Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
- 2 Tbsp liquid egg whites
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tsp mini chocolate chips
Instructions
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Prepare your griddle or non-stick pan by heating it on the stove over medium-low heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In a medium bowl or a large measuring cup (for easy pouring), combine all your dry ingredients: flour, oats, and baking powder. Whisk gently until well combined.
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Mash your ripe banana thoroughly in a separate small bowl. Add the mashed banana to your dry ingredients, followed by the liquid egg whites and almond milk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for a lighter pancake. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip gently when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, healthy pancakes!
Additional Info
Why These Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Are a Game-Changer
Beyond being incredibly tasty, these banana oatmeal pancakes are packed with benefits that make them ideal for anyone looking to eat healthier or manage their weight:
- Naturally Sweetened: The ripe banana provides ample sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars. This makes them a smarter choice for your daily sugar intake.
- Fiber-Rich Oats: Oats are a fantastic source of soluble fiber, which is known for helping to lower cholesterol and keep you feeling fuller for longer. This satiety is key to preventing overeating throughout your day.
- Protein Boost: Egg whites add a good amount of protein, essential for muscle health and making your breakfast more satisfying.
- Light & Moist Texture: The banana not only adds flavor but also contributes to a wonderfully moist and tender pancake, a delightful departure from dryer, traditional versions.
- Weight Watchers Friendly: Designed with Weight Watchers in mind, this entire batch of 6 pancakes offers a surprisingly low point value, allowing you to enjoy a substantial and delicious breakfast without guilt.
Understanding Weight Watchers Points for This Recipe
For those tracking with Weight Watchers, these pancakes are a fantastic option. Here’s a breakdown of the point values for the *entire batch of 6 pancakes*:
- Personal Points (PP): 5-8 PP (this range depends on your specific 0PP foods, which can vary from person to person).
- SmartPoints (SP) – Blue & Green Plans: 8 SP for the entire batch.
- SmartPoints (SP) – Purple Plan: 5 SP for the entire batch.
Knowing the points for the full recipe allows you to easily divide them by the number of pancakes you consume to fit your daily allowance. This recipe truly proves that healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly delicious, offering a substantial breakfast for a very low point count.
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes Them So Special
- All-Purpose Flour & Rolled Oats: The combination of a small amount of flour with hearty rolled oats creates a substantial, fiber-rich base. The oats contribute a wonderful texture and boost the nutritional profile significantly compared to all-flour pancakes.
- Ripe Banana: This isn’t just for flavor; a ripe, mashed banana is the secret to these pancakes’ moistness and natural sweetness. It also adds essential vitamins and minerals like potassium.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps these pancakes get beautifully fluffy and light, despite being a healthier option.
- Liquid Egg Whites: A lean source of protein that acts as a binder, helping the pancakes hold together without adding extra fat.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: A lower-calorie, dairy-free alternative that adds the necessary liquid without contributing unnecessary sugars or fats.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: A small touch of indulgence! Using mini chips allows for chocolate in every bite without adding too many extra points. You can adjust the quantity or omit them if preferred.
Crafting Your Perfect Pancakes: Tips for Success
Achieving pancake perfection is easier than you think. Follow these simple tips to ensure your banana oatmeal chocolate chip pancakes turn out perfectly every time:
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy pancakes. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable!
- Proper Griddle Temperature: This is crucial. If your griddle is too hot, the outsides will burn before the insides cook through. If it’s too cool, the pancakes won’t brown properly. Medium-low heat is often ideal for even cooking. Test with a small drop of batter first.
- Use Cooking Spray Liberally: Even on a non-stick surface, a light spray of cooking spray ensures your pancakes won’t stick and get that beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Flip at the Right Time: Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to look dry and set before flipping. This indicates that the bottom is cooked through and ready for the other side.
- Serve Immediately: Pancakes are always best fresh off the griddle!
Customization & Exciting Variations
While these pancakes are delightful as is, feel free to get creative with additions and toppings to suit your taste:
- Add Berries: Stir in a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for an extra burst of fruitiness and antioxidants.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice can elevate the flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: For extra texture and healthy fats, fold in a tablespoon of finely chopped walnuts or pecans. (Remember to adjust point values for additions!)
- Protein Boost: Consider adding a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients for an even higher protein breakfast, which will keep you fuller longer.
- Different Chips: Instead of chocolate chips, try sugar-free white chocolate chips or a small amount of butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Breakfast
These pancakes are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can turn them into a truly gourmet breakfast:
- Sugar-Free Syrup: Drizzle with your favorite sugar-free maple syrup for classic pancake enjoyment without the added sugar points.
- Fresh Fruit: Top with additional slices of fresh banana, a handful of berries, or sliced kiwi for a vibrant and healthy addition.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt can add a creamy texture and an extra protein boost.
- Light Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered erythritol or a similar sugar substitute can give them a beautiful, elegant finish.
Nutritional Information (for the entire batch of 6 pancakes, without including the banana)
Please note that these values are approximate and do not include the banana, which would add roughly 100 calories and additional carbohydrates and sugars. If you include the banana, adjust accordingly.
- Calories: 271
- Fat: 5.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 47.7g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 9.9g
When factoring in the banana (approx. 100 calories, 27g carbs, 14g sugar), the total nutritional profile for the batch of 6 pancakes becomes even more robust. This means each pancake is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense treat!
There you have it – a guilt-free, delicious, and truly satisfying way to enjoy pancakes, even when you’re keeping an eye on your Weight Watchers points. These Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes are more than just a breakfast; they’re a testament to how creative cooking can keep your favorite foods on the menu while supporting your health goals.
So, preheat your griddle, mash those ripe bananas, and treat yourself to a stack of these wonderful homemade pancakes. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag @drizzlemeskinny with #drizzlemeskinny. Happy pancake making!