Green Tea Pancakes: A Light and Healthy Breakfast Delight
1. Introduction
Breakfast is often the most important meal of the day, and if you’re looking for something a little different to start your morning, green tea pancakes are the perfect option. Combining the classic fluffiness of pancakes with the earthy, slightly sweet taste of matcha green tea powder, these pancakes are a delicious and healthy twist on a beloved breakfast dish.
What makes green tea pancakes so amazing is the subtle flavor that the matcha powder imparts, giving the pancakes a unique, refreshing taste. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also packed with antioxidants, thanks to the matcha. Whether you’re looking to impress guests for brunch or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these pancakes are both indulgent and nourishing.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of making these green tea pancakes, share tips for customizing the recipe, and offer some delicious serving suggestions. So, grab your matcha powder, and let’s get started on making the perfect stack of green tea pancakes!
2.Ingredients Breakdown
1. All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the base of the pancake batter. It gives the pancakes their structure and light, fluffy texture. It’s essential to the consistency of the batter, helping hold everything together as the pancakes cook.
Substitutions: If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly with different flours.
2. Matcha Green Tea Powder
Matcha powder is what gives these pancakes their unique flavor and color. Packed with antioxidants, it’s a wonderful addition to any recipe. Matcha has a mild, earthy flavor with a slight sweetness, making it the perfect complement to the pancakes’ fluffiness.
Substitutions: If you can’t find matcha powder, you can substitute with green tea powder or try a different flavored pancake variation like vanilla or chocolate.
3. Baking Powder
Baking powder is the leavening agent that makes the pancakes rise, giving them their soft, fluffy texture. It helps create air bubbles in the batter, ensuring the pancakes are light and tender.
Tip: Make sure your baking powder is fresh to avoid dense pancakes. Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
4. Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the pancake batter. It balances the sweetness of the pancakes and helps bring out the natural flavors of the matcha and other ingredients.
5. Milk (or Dairy-Free Milk)
Milk provides the liquid needed to make the pancake batter smooth and pourable. It also helps make the pancakes moist and tender.
Substitutions: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Full-fat coconut milk will give the pancakes a rich, creamy texture and complement the matcha flavor.
6. Eggs
Eggs are essential in pancake batter, providing structure, moisture, and richness. They help bind the dry ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture of the pancakes.
Substitutions: For a vegan version, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
7. Sugar
Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the matcha. It also helps the pancakes caramelize and get that golden-brown color as they cook.
Substitutions: You can substitute white sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. For a sugar-free version, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
8. Butter or Oil
Butter gives the pancakes a rich flavor and adds to their tender texture. You can use it to cook the pancakes, or you can melt it and add it to the batter for extra richness.
Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegetable oil. Coconut oil will add a subtle tropical flavor that complements the matcha.
9. Vanilla Extract (Optional)
A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the matcha and sweetens the pancakes naturally.
Substitutions: If you prefer a different flavor, almond extract can be used for a more nutty twist, but it’s optional for this recipe.
3.Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined, and the matcha powder is evenly distributed throughout.
Tip: Sift the dry ingredients if the matcha powder is clumpy to ensure an even distribution.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Tip: If using coconut oil instead of butter, ensure that the oil is melted before adding it to the wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.
4. Heat the Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil to prevent the pancakes from sticking.
5. Cook the Pancakes
Once the pan is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
Tip: Adjust the heat if the pancakes are cooking too quickly or too slowly. Medium heat is ideal for cooking pancakes evenly without burning.
6. Keep Warm
As you cook the pancakes, transfer them to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep them warm. You can also place them in a warm oven (set to 200°F or 93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the green tea pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
4.Tips and Variations
- For Extra Green Tea Flavor: Add an extra teaspoon of matcha powder for a more pronounced green tea taste.
- Vegan Version: Use a flax egg, dairy-free milk, and coconut oil to make these pancakes completely plant-based.
- Make Them Fluffier: If you prefer extra fluffy pancakes, separate the egg yolks and whites. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and gently fold them into the batter.
- Add Fruit: For added flavor and texture, fold in chopped fruit such as berries, bananas, or even tropical fruits like mango before cooking the pancakes.
- For a Crunchy Topping: Top your pancakes with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch.
5.Serving Suggestions
While these green tea pancakes are delicious on their own, you can pair them with other dishes for a complete meal:
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced bananas, berries, or kiwi for a refreshing, healthy contrast to the rich pancakes.
- Eggs and Bacon: Pair with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a more savory breakfast option.
- Side of Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making your breakfast more filling.
- Drinks: Pair with a cup of hot matcha tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a fruit smoothie to complement the flavor.
6.Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the pancakes for 30-60 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: To freeze, place a piece of parchment paper between each pancake and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw and reheat as needed.
7.Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: Prepare the pancake batter the night before and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast the next morning.
- Best with Fresh Matcha: Use freshly ground matcha powder for the best flavor and texture. If you’re unsure, try to buy high-quality, culinary-grade matcha.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your pancakes sweeter, increase the sugar or top with your favorite sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
8.Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbs | 33g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9.Recipe Card Summary
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix together wet ingredients: eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined (slightly lumpy is fine).
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease with butter or oil.
- Pour batter into the skillet, cooking pancakes until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes:
- Use coconut oil for a stronger coconut flavor.
- Vegan option: use flax eggs and dairy-free milk.
Nutrition:
230 calories, 9g fat, 33g carbs, 5g protein.
10.Final Thoughts
Green tea pancakes offer a fun and unique twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With the added benefits of matcha, they’re not only delicious but also nourishing. Whether you’re making them for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a breakfast staple. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below—I’d love to hear your variations and how you make these pancakes your own!