Did you know that 77% of brunch enthusiasts are now seeking unique flavor combinations? You’ll transform your breakfast routine with these savory avocado pancakes topped with spicy maple syrup. The unexpected pairing of creamy avocado and warm, chili-infused maple creates a perfect balance of comfort and excitement. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or treating yourself to a special breakfast, these pancakes offer a fresh take on traditional flapjacks that’ll keep you coming back for seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Combine mashed ripe avocados with self-rising flour, eggs, and milk to create a slightly lumpy batter for fluffy pancakes.
- Cook pancakes on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown, watching for bubbles before flipping.
- Make spicy maple syrup by warming maple syrup with red pepper flakes for 5 minutes, then strain before serving.
- These pancakes offer a perfect balance of creamy avocado richness with sweet-spicy maple syrup for a unique brunch dish.
- Store leftover spicy maple syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and reheat pancakes on a skillet.
History
While traditional pancakes have graced breakfast tables for centuries, savory avocado pancakes emerged as a creative fusion dish in the early 2010s during California’s farm-to-table movement.
You’ll find these vibrant green pancakes started appearing on brunch menus in trendy San Francisco cafes, where chefs were experimenting with ways to incorporate fresh California avocados into unexpected dishes.
The addition of spicy maple syrup came from the popular sweet-heat flavor combinations that were taking off around 2015.
As home cooks discovered how easily they could replicate these restaurant-quality pancakes, the recipe spread quickly through food blogs and social media.
Today, you’ll see countless variations of avocado pancakes, but this original version – with its perfect balance of creamy avocado and spicy syrup – remains a beloved breakfast innovation!
Recipe
These savory avocado pancakes transform a breakfast classic by incorporating creamy avocados into a fluffy pancake batter. The natural fats from the avocados create an exceptionally moist texture while adding nutritional benefits and a subtle, rich flavor that sets these apart from traditional pancakes.
The combination of self-rising flour and fresh avocados yields pancakes that are both hearty and light, while the spicy maple syrup adds an unexpected kick that perfectly complements the mild, buttery notes of the avocado. This recipe requires minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor impact.
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocados until smooth. Add the self-rising flour, eggs, and milk, mixing until just combined with some small lumps remaining.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup portions of batter onto the hot pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden brown.
While pancakes cook, combine maple syrup and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, then strain and serve over the finished pancakes.
For optimal results, select avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm to the touch. The batter should maintain a thick but pourable consistency – if too thick, adjust by adding milk one tablespoon at a time.
Allow the spicy maple syrup to steep for the full 5 minutes before straining to achieve the right level of heat. Pancakes can be kept warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes while preparing the full batch.
Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure fluffy, tender pancakes.
Cooking Steps
Start by mashing your ripe avocados into a creamy consistency.
Then combine them with the flour, eggs, and milk until you’ve got a thick, slightly lumpy batter.
Heat up your non-stick pan over medium heat, and once it’s hot, you’ll pour 1/4 cup portions of the vibrant green batter to create perfectly sized pancakes!
While your pancakes are cooking, warm the maple syrup with red pepper flakes in a small saucepan, creating a sweet and spicy topping that’ll make these savory pancakes shine.
Step 1. Mash Ripe Green Fruits
Gently scoop the flesh from two perfectly ripe avocados into a large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy fork or potato masher, press down firmly to break up any large chunks. You’ll want to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps – this ensures your pancakes will have an even texture throughout!
Continue mashing until the avocados become a velvety green puree. Test the consistency by lifting your fork – the mashed avocado should slowly drip off rather than stick. If you’re finding stubborn lumps, try using the back of your fork to press them against the side of the bowl.
For ultra-smooth results, you can briefly pulse the avocado in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process. The perfect consistency will be similar to thick Greek yogurt.
Step 2. Mix Dry and Wet
Once your avocados reach the perfect consistency, it’s time to combine the key components of your pancake batter! In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed avocados first, creating a smooth green base for the remaining ingredients.
Add the self-rising flour to your avocado mixture, then crack in two fresh eggs.
Pour in the milk gradually while whisking – this helps prevent lumps from forming. You’re looking for a texture that’s smooth but still has tiny bits of avocado throughout. The batter should slowly drip off your whisk; if it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Don’t overmix! A few small lumps are actually good for creating fluffy pancakes with a tender crumb.
Step 3. Heat Non-Stick Pan
With your batter mixed to perfection, it’s time to get cooking! Place a clean non-stick pan on your stovetop and set the heat to medium.
You’ll know it’s ready when a few drops of water dance and sizzle on the surface.
Pour 1/4 cup portions of your avocado batter onto the hot pan, leaving enough space between each pancake for easy flipping.
Watch as small bubbles begin forming on the surface – this is your signal that the first side is almost done!
After 2-3 minutes, when those bubbles start popping and staying open, it’s flipping time. Slide your spatula underneath and flip with confidence.
The second side needs just 2 minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Remember: patience is key – rushing the heat will result in uneven cooking.
Step 4. Pour Batter Onto Pan
Scoop up a precise 1/4 cup of your creamy avocado batter and hold it steady above the preheated pan.
With a confident motion, pour the batter into the center, allowing it to naturally spread into a perfect 4-inch circle. You’ll know you’ve got the right amount when the pancake is about 1/4-inch thick!
Watch as tiny bubbles begin forming across the surface of your vibrant green pancake.
Don’t be tempted to move or adjust it – let those bubbles work their magic. The edges will start to set and become slightly matte, while the center remains shiny.
This is your signal that it’s almost time to flip! Space additional pancakes about 2 inches apart if your pan is large enough to cook multiple at once.
Step 5. Make Spicy Maple Topping
Before you start flipping those pancakes, it’s time to create the deliciously spicy maple topping that’ll take your breakfast to the next level!
Pour 1 cup of pure maple syrup into a small saucepan and add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Place the pan over low heat and let it warm gently for 5 minutes, allowing the spicy essence of the pepper to infuse into the sweet syrup. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma as the flavors combine!
Keep a close eye on the mixture – you want it warm but not boiling.
After 5 minutes, remove the pan from heat and let it steep for another minute.
Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the pepper flakes, and your spicy maple topping is ready to drizzle over those hot, fluffy avocado pancakes!
Final Thoughts
These savory avocado pancakes will revolutionize your breakfast game by bringing together classic comfort food and modern California flavors!
You’ll love how these unique pancakes transform your morning routine with their vibrant green hue and satisfying texture.
Don’t worry if you’re new to making pancakes – this recipe is foolproof and forgiving. The natural creaminess of avocados ensures your pancakes stay moist for hours, making them perfect for meal prep or weekend brunch gatherings.
They’re versatile too – try topping them with a fried egg for extra protein, or serve them as an appetizer topped with smoked salmon!
Remember to make extra spicy maple syrup – it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks and tastes fantastic on everything from chicken to roasted vegetables.
