Banana Cream Cheese Pancakes

That's right. Snow days call for desperate measures, people. Sleeping in and pancakes for breakfast were in the plans, but I decided to whip up something a little different. As a result, this beauty was born.

Banana Cream Cheese Pancakes

Pancakes:

1 c. oat flour (or rolled oats ground up in food processor)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
8 drops liquid stevia
1 c. almond milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
dash of salt

*This is based on Chocolate Covered Katie's Recipe for Snickerdoodle pancakes, but I altered the recipe a little bit and added almond extract.

Topping:

1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 tub non-dairy cream cheese (I used Trader Joes' brand)
1 tsp. cinnamon
4-6 drops liquid stevia
1/4 c. walnuts, chopped
dash of nutmeg
drop of almond extract

Directions: mix all dry pancake ingredients and then add wet ingredients. Place griddle over medium/low heat and spray with coconut oil or cooking spray. Pour on batter for desired pancake size. Let cook for at least 2 minutes before flipping. Meanwhile, mash banana and mix with cream cheese and cinnamon. Heat in microwave for 45 seconds. Flip pancakes and cook for 1 minute. Remove topping from microwave and mix in remaining topping ingredients. Remove griddle from heat and serve pancakes with cream cheese topping. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar if additional liquid or sweetener is needed.

Makes 2 servings (2 medium pancakes each).

I also tried making the topping with blueberries - good, but not nearly as delicious as the banana topping. Give your favorite fruit a try! 

 
I can't wait for the next day that warrants staying at home, sleeping in, and making pancakes for breakfast. President's Day anybody? These will definitely be making another appearance.

Why do I feel good about eating this?
Although I'm not a big fan of processed food, and especially not a big fan of vegan substitutes for meat or dairy products, I love this non-dairy cream cheese from Trader Joes. First, the first two ingredients are filtered water and coconut oil. Second, soy protein concentrate doesn't make an appearance until much further down the ingredient list. Third, I eat so little of it that it's not a big concern. Having a few more processed items around the house is ok with me if it's something I really enjoy and it doesn't become a staple in my diet. Everything in moderation, and listen to your body!

Cheers,
AvocadoAthlete