Carrot Pancakes

Easy

If you're anything like me, your weekend mornings are sacred. They're a blank canvas, a delicious opportunity to ditch the same-old routine and whip up something a little… unexpected. Recently, I tried a twist on the King Arthur Baking recipe for Carrot Pancakes and loved them!

Sweet, Spicy, Earthy, Comfort Food

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Carrots? In pancakes? Trust me on this one. The brilliant minds over at King Arthur Baking always deliver! They're a symphony of subtle sweetness, earthy undertones, and a hint of warm spice that will absolutely tantalize your taste buds.

Imagine the comforting aroma of your usual pancake batter mingling with the fragrant whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg. Then, picture those golden-brown beauties on your plate, flecked with vibrant orange and boasting a texture that's both fluffy and ever-so-slightly tender. 

The carrots practically melt into the batter, lending a natural sweetness.  I was concerned the wheat flour would weigh the batter down, but it doesn’t.  I used white wheat flour, and it was perfect. 

I also changed out the plain Greek yogurt for vanilla non-fat Greek yogurt and mixed the egg in all at once.  Perfection.  If you don’t have all the spices.  Don’t worry.  You can use just cinnamon, or if you have pumpkin pie spice, use that.  It will be just as delicious.

I also think some orange zest would be perfect in these pancakes…definitely trying that with the next batch.

Get Creative with Carrot Pancake Toppings

You can certainly have them with butter and real maple syrup, but you can also think outside the breakfast plate. Let's elevate those Carrot Pancakes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Here are a few ideas to get your culinary gears turning:

• Cream Cheese Dream: A swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting, perhaps lightened with a touch of lemon zest or a splash of orange juice, would be absolutely divine. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

• Spiced Apple Compote: Imagine warm, tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples spooned generously over your pancakes. If you like, you could cook some cranberries into the apples for a tart kick.

• Creamy & Tangy: For a brighter twist, consider a dollop of Greek yogurt with lemon or orange zest mixed in.  In the original recipe, they created a topping of Greek yogurt and maple syrup, which would also be good.

• Gingerbread Vibes: Lean into the warm spices with a drizzle of molasses or a homemade ginger syrup. A dollop of whipped cream dusted with ground ginger would be the perfect finishing touch.

• Sweet & Savory Surprise: Don't be afraid to venture into slightly savory territory! A fried egg on top with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dollop of herbed goat cheese could be an unexpectedly delicious combination. I love the combination of sweet and savory for brunch.

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The possibilities are truly endless! So, this weekend, why not embark on a delicious adventure and give these King Arthur-inspired Carrot Pancakes a try? They're a delightful way to shake up your breakfast routine, experiment with new flavors, and impress your brunch companions (or just treat yourself!).

Happy cooking, friends!

Let me know in the comments what creative toppings you dream up!