Not to brag, but you’re going to flip over these Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes made with Lowfat Pumpkin Spice Lifeway Kefir! Our seasonal flavor is a must-try limited edition flavor, so grab it when you can in stores near you so you can make these pancakes with us as we kickstart the celebration of fall. Can’t find it? No problem; you can also use Lowfat Plain Kefir, Whole Milk Plain Kefir, or our Lowfat Vanilla or Whole Milk Vanilla Kefir options for a delicious stack of pancakes with all the same benefits.
Not only are these pancakes full of fall flavor from real pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and our seasonal kefir; they’re also high in bioavailable nutrients including protein, calcium, vitamin D, and real food fiber from oats and pumpkin. Lifeway Kefir is the perfect replacement to buttermilk in pancakes since its probiotics help tenderize the batter and keep it moist and tender. Kefir is also an excellent source of protein with all amino acids so your body can put those to good work to help you feel strong and energized all day long.
Plus, these pancakes are free of all the refined sugar and white flour found in most pancakes, so you can be certain while you’re getting your fill of pumpkin spice goodness with each bite, that your blood sugar and hunger levels won’t take a hit. So grab a fork and dig in, because these fall-flavored beauties won’t last long!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese, a creamy high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 10-15 mins Servings: 4-6Ingredients
For the Pancakes
- 1/2 cup Lowfat Pumpkin Spice Kefir
- *or use 1/2 cup Lowfat Plain Kefir
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin purée from a can (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour (or rolled oats, processed in a blender)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or pumpkin pie flavored protein (about 30 grams)
- 1/2 tbsp. vanilla extract (or flavoring)
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice mix*
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. coconut oil for coating the pan (or butter)
- *optional: chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds (or dark chocolate chips!)
For the Pumpkin Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup Farmer Cheese
- 2 tbsp. additional Lowfat Pumpkin Spice (or Plain) Kefir
- 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice mix*
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
Directions
- Preheat a skillet or pancake grill pan to medium high heat (about 375F).
- In a blender or large food processor, add the kefir, pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla extract (or flavoring), and blend until creamy. Pour into a large bowl. Add the gluten-free oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice mix, and the cinnamon. Stir well and fold in just until mixed and fully combined. Here, you can add in chopped pecans, almonds, walnuts, or chocolate chips, if using.
- Add the coconut oil (or butter) to the preheated skillet or pancake grill pan, and add the batter in 2-3 inch diameter circles, either one at a time, or add several onto the pan if large enough. Cook on first side 2-3 minutes until slightly browned, then flip to the other side, cooking 1-2 minutes. Remove and put on a plate to cool slightly before serving.
- If you want to add something extra special on top, dollop a little of our pumpkin whipped cream (below), then serve!
- To make the Pumpkin Whipped Topping, add farmer cheese, 2 tbsp. additional kefir, pumpkin pie spice mix, vanilla, and maple to a bowl. Whip with a hand mixer to get it nice and fluffy. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to chill and set, then serve.
- *To make your own pumpkin spice mix at home, combine the following: 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp. cloves. If you like, you can also add in 1/8 tsp. allspice. Combine all in a ramekin, then put into a spice jar. Make as much as you want and use all season long!
