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Baked Whole-Wheat Strawberry and Blueberry Pancakes

Baked Whole-Wheat Strawberry and Blueberry Pancakes

The summer's first few pints of fresh local strawberries don't often make it past the bowl into a recipe, but the idea of baked strawberry pancakes can usually provide an occasion. One of my most popular recipes, and a personal favorite as well, these simple pancakes are soft, creamy and slightly chewy with a light crispy exterior, and so easy to make that they're always worth a reprise or a variation with other fresh fruits …

Baked Whole-Wheat Strawberry and Blueberry Pancakes

… such as blueberries, of which I had plenty juicy specimens on hand. This time around I decided to use whole wheat flour to preserve the vitamin, mineral and protein nutrients and dietary fiber found in the wheat bran and germ that are removed to make refined flour. But while a far superior food, whole wheat flour is a "heavier" product than white flour, and does not rise as well during baking without assistance. Soaking the flour at room temperature overnight in good, plain whole fat yogurt "leavens" the whole wheat pancake batter and results in a light and fluffy dough that smells so delicious you'll be tempted to bake it right away. The yogurt soaking has the additional benefit of helping to break down the phytates found in the wheat bran — these phytates bind with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and especially zinc, and block their absorption into the body.

The oils found in the bran also makes whole grain flours particularly susceptible to rancidity, which is why I recommend buying flours milled close to the source and storing in the freezer.

While I'm in a food-nannying role, I'll add to always look for non-homogenized whole fat yogurts without added gums or stabilizers. Whey should separate easily in a good yogurt, indicating live, healthy and active cultures. Saugeen Country and Hewitt's Dairy goat's milk yogurts are both healthy and delicious choices for Ontario readers.

On the other hand, these beautiful pancakes are meant to be savored, not calculated … so please do enjoy!

Baked Whole-Wheat Strawberry and Blueberry Pancakes

Baked Whole-Wheat Strawberry and Blueberry PancakesBaked Whole-Wheat Strawberry and Blueberry Pancakes
Recipe by
Published on July 23, 2009

Soft, creamy and nourishing baked whole wheat pancakes with fresh strawberries and blueberries — a wonderful dessert or breakfast treat

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes

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Ingredients:
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup plain whole fat yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
  • 1 pint (2 cups) blueberries
  • icing sugar (optional)
Instructions:
  • Combine the flour and yogurt together in a small mixing bowl. Cover and leave 8 hours or overnight at room temperature.

  • Heat an oven to 425°F. Place 1 tablespoon of butter in each of two deep 9-inch pie plates. Put in the oven to melt.

  • Beat the egg whites until stiff. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla and baking powder into the flour and yogurt mixture.

  • Fold the egg whites into the batter. Remove the pie plates from the oven and pour half of the batter into each. Arrange the strawberries and blueberries on top.

  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden on top.

  • Remove from the oven. Run a rubber spatula around the edges and slide the pancakes onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with icing sugar if desired, and serve immediately.

Makes two 9-inch pancakes or 8 servings

Baked Whole-Wheat Strawberry and Blueberry Pancakes

Other pancake ideas you may enjoy:
Baked Strawberry Pancakes
Baked Blueberry Peach Pancakes
Blueberry & Cornmeal Buttermilk Pancakes
Vanilla Oat Pancakes

On the top of the reading stack: The Frog and Toad Collection Box Set by Arnold Lobel

Audio accompaniment: Structures from Silence by Steve Roach

24 comments:

  1. Lisa this is just picture perfect! I haven't seen a prettier pancake.. if this was served to me, i would think twice before eating.. would not want to be just gone! ;-)

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  2. Wow...wonderful pancake.It looks sooo perfect.Delicious dish.

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  3. That is seriously the most adorable pancake I have ever seen in my life! How could you bring yourself to eat it? :D

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  4. new to me..the baked pancakes..ui think it wud b nice to have somethin crunchy in the end and soft and chewy inside.

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  5. Looks fantastic with those cute little colorful berries. Very beautiful click.

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  6. how delicious - I still have my eye on your other fruit pancakes to try - this will join them in my desires - I look forward to savouring without calculating :-)

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  7. No wonder this is such a popular recipe--it looks so appealing! The colors are gorgeous and I love the way the fruits sink just a little into the batter. Beautiful photos!

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  8. hi Lisa,
    I loved it compeltely :) it looks the preetiest breakfast ever :) I'd love to start my day with a beautiful filling breakfast!

    As we dont get strawberries(out of season)and blueberries here could you please suggest an alternative?!
    Thanks :)
    Happy weekend!!
    TC

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  9. Oh, the idea is great. I only put apple in my pancakes, red fruits are really a great idea!

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  10. These are beautiful, and a perfect thing to make with the abundance of berries right now. I hope to make this for a great weekend breakfast treat soon!

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  11. Thats gorgeous click Lisa, looks very pretty :)

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  12. Oh my goodness, your picture is amazingly gorgeous!! Berry art, truly! I love your idea of a baked whole wheat pancake, and I really enjoyed all the nutrition info in this post - the perfect delicious combo! Mmmm, I can't wait to try the recipe... It's printing right now... :-)

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  13. I've never made pancakes with yoghurt. Sounds like a great idea. The pancakes look amazing.

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  14. OMG look at those pan cakes so beautiful and colorful great recipe yum yum.

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  15. Hi Lisa,

    My first time commenting on your blog.

    This berry pancake is so Beautiful. It must be good to eat! If only I could get some...

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  16. Hi Suparna;

    As an alternative, you could use any fresh fruit, like apples, plums, cherries, or whatever tasty fruits are available to you. Hope you enjoy!

    Thanks to everyone for their encouraging comments!

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  17. Not only a beautiful picture but a great recipe. I've got to get me one of these.

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  18. I love this!! The color is amazing and the pancakes look deelish... Well done!

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  19. It looks gorgeous and I have never seen such a beautiful pancake!

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  20. This looks delicious, Lisa. Love the colours.
    I have seen your other baked pancakes and been promising myself I would make them.
    I think it's about time I did! :)

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  21. Yum this looks delicious and easy! Though I'm not sure I'll be able to sacrifice any blueberries for it. Maybe I'll use nectarines or plums! Mmmm. Thanks for the excellent information about soaking whole wheat flour with yogurt. Definitely have to try that.

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  22. It's perfect for those who love to cook food, just like me.

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  23. I love pancakes:) These looks so delicious:) :) :)

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  24. wonderful post Lisa.. new to ur blog, love it here

    happy to follow u

    Cheers
    UK Rasoi

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