Healthy Red Velvet Beetroot Pancakes

Name: Healthy Red Velvet Beetroot Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the pancakes:; 2 small beets; 200g / 1.5 cups plain flour (gluten free or regular); 1 tsp baking powder; 2 eggs; 2-3 tbsp honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 250ml / 1 cup milk; For the drizzle:; 2 tbsp cream cheese; 1 tbsp plain yogurt; 1 tbsp milk; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

February 6, 2015 by Ciara Attwell, Updated February 7, 2024

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A delicious, healthy and gluten free recipe for Red Velvet Pancakes. Made with no artificial colourings, just beetroot!

Beetroot…. it isn’t exactly the sexiest of vegetables is it.

We’re probably more used to seeing it in jars, languishing at the back of the fridge so I thought it was time the poor old beetroot got a bit of a makeover.

And with such an incredible vibrant colour then there’s no better time than just before Valentine’s Day!

“Why the heck are you adding beetroot to pancakes” you may be asking.

Well firstly pureed beetroot makes a incredible all-natural food colouring. No artificial dyes or chemicals needed.

And secondly it’s a great way to sneak some extra veg into you and your family’s diet.

Why is beetroot so good?

It’s high in fibre
A good source of iron
A good source of folic acid
Antioxidant rich

Recent studies have even shown that regular consumption of beetroot can also help lower blood pressure.

So this is one vegetable that we definitely should be eating more of!

Red Velvet Pancakes

With both Valentine’s Day and Shrove Tuesday coming up this month, there’s never been a better time to get creative with the kids in the kitchen.

The bright vibrant colour of these pancakes are sure to spark their imagination and get them excited about cooking.

This recipe does require a little bit of prep as the fresh beets do need to be roasted and then pureed.

I haven’t tried the recipe with pre-cooked beetroot, but I imagine it would work just as well. Just be sure to get the plain pre-cooked beetroot (usually in a packet) and not the pickled kind in a jar.

This recipe isn’t completely set in stone. I used gluten free flour but normal flour would work perfectly too.

If you find the batter a little too thick then feel free to add another splash of milk.

You could also customize it to your liking, maybe adding some raisins or chocolate chips.

I made thick American style pancakes with my batter but you could also make thin crepe style ones too.

Top Tip!

One tip I would urge you to follow, is to keep the heat quite low on the pan.

If the heat is too high the pancakes will burn and turn a charred black colour on the outside.

They may take a little longer to cook on a low heat but the pancakes will keep that lovely vibrant red colour.

red velvet beetroot pancakes no food dye

If you liked my Red Velvet Pancakes recipe, then please do leave me a comment and a star rating below. You can also share your pictures with me on Instagram. I always love to see your creations!

OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Courgette, Carrot & Banana Cake – A delicious moist and dense Courgette, Carrot & Banana Cake with an Orange Icing Glaze.

Chocolate Raspberry Pancakes – Delicious Chocolate & Raspberry Pancakes packed with healthy ingredients like oats, eggs and bananas and sweetened with just a little honey.