We may never go back to plain pancakes again after feasting on this Baked Whole Wheat Peach Pancake. It's low in added sugar and fat, and has a gorgeous texture! And let's not forget those sweet summer peaches.
Everyone seems to have their old stand-bys when it comes to brunch. For us, it's whole wheat pancakes, whole wheat waffles or southwestern breakfast quesadillas. They are so easy to make that the kids have taken it upon themselves to start breakfast when my husband and I are feeling a little lazy or we're sitting in our reclining chairs outside, recuperating from a run (and trying our best not to fall into a late morning slumber).
Seriously, if we ever put a hammock in our backyard, my family would never see me. I'd be afternoon-napping like it was on my business card!
When the peaches started appearing at the markets, I decided it was time to break the brunch mold and step away from the waffle maker. As much as I love eating peaches straight, letting the juices run down my chin and arm, I bit the bullet and sliced up the pretty, tender fruit so that they could play the starring role in a baked pancake.
Baked pancakes are also known as Dutch baby pancakes and are traditionally made with caramelized apples. They puff up beautifully in the oven and then fall rapidly, souffle-like, as soon as they are pulled out. They are often made in cast-iron skillets, as these skillets are oven-proof and you don't have to slather the bottom and sides with butter to stop the pancake from sticking. A large nonstick skillet can also be used, provided that it is oven proof and you cover the handle with foil before sliding the skillet into the oven.
Of course, I had to "health-ify" a standard recipe, and did so easily by replacing all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour, swapping skim milk for whole milk and cutting the butter significantly. When your family tastes this, they will never know that you slashed the calories and fat, and upped the fiber content. It's that good!
My kids hit the nail on the head when they said this baked pancake has the texture of French toast (one of their favorites). And, oh my, the sweet peach flavor shone through beautifully, and had a lovely caramelized taste, even though there is less than 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and only 1 tablespoon of butter in the whole recipe. We served it with a drizzle of maple syrup, but it barely needs any.
And now, I'm off to take that backyard nap.
Other peach recipes:
Baked Whole Wheat Peach Pancake
How to: Peel a Peach
Beer-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with Peach & Tomato Salsa
Printable Recipe
Baked Whole Wheat Peach Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 3 egg whites
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
- 2 peaches pit removed & cut into thin wedges
- powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg whites.
- Add the whole wheat pastry flour, skim milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt, and stir to combine.
- Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet set over medium heat. (A nonstick skillet can be used, too.)
- Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the peaches and cook until the peaches are coated and starting to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the whole wheat flour mixture and spread it to the sides.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven (cover the handle with foil if it is not cast-iron) and bake until the pancake is set, 17 to 20 minutes.
- Cut into 6 wedges and serve with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
I just made a Dutch Baby for the first time last week. I think my recipe needs a bit of work. This however looks smashing!! Love the use of peaches.
Crystal | Apples & Sparkle
This is perfect! I love beautiful summer peaches, this just sounds heavenly!
Kim - Liv Life
Oh my heavens!!!! I don't think I've seen anything so fabulously awesome in forever. Love, love, LOVE this pancake!! I wait all year for peach season and can never have enough peach recipes. The "tastes like French Toast" comment has me hooked!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
There isn't one thing about this that doesn't make me gaga! Peaches, whole wheat, and everyone gets to enjoy their pancake at once without having to wait at the stove and flip. Winning at life!
Elizabeth T
This recipe looks good enough to eat =) I can't wait to try it. Do you think it would work in a 10" cast iron pan...it's all I have? Thanks for the recipe!
Dara
Thanks, Elizabeth! A 10" pan should be fine. You may need to bake the pancake slightly longer to compensate for the thicker batter. I hope you enjoy it!
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)
Perfect timing! Peaches are just starting to show up at the farm stands here.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
I am drooling over this - the photo of the peach slices is breathtaking!! I want this!
Christine at Cook the Story
Those peaches look perfect!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
So beautiful! And I love the healthier ingredients!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
This pancake looks delightful! Love the recipe!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
I LOVE that you used the word "healthify" it's totally my favorite word!
Plus, I happen to ADORE pancakes, but have never made a baked one. Clearly, you just saved me life from missing out on that! Pinned 🙂