Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes

When I first looked at the ingredients, I was a little skeptical of how this might turn out. I had never substituted a banana for sugar (like who does that?!). But what really caught my attention about this recipe was the fact that I got to use chocolate chip morsels in the batter. If you couldn't tell, I have a HUGE sweet tooth. Anything and everything that is sweet, I will more than likely love! Despite my concern for some of the ingredients, I must say this ranks up there for breakfast favorites! The pancakes are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Most people might cringe or skip this recipe because it calls for a banana, but I promise, the banana flavor is barely noticeable!

I found this recipe on Pintrest (duh, where else do I find new recipes?), but the link took me to Minimalist Baker, which had some GREAT recipes. Bookmark, favorite, or write this website down. It has some yummy recipes. Her blog said that these pancakes reheat great, but I have a feeling that you won't have any leftovers to reheat!

Alright, drumroll please! Here is the Recipe...

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes

1 very ripe medium banana
1 tsp baking powder
1 flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 Tbsp water)
Pinch salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 Tbsp canola oil (or coconut oil)
3 Tbsp almond milk (or sub other milk)
1/2 cup rolled oats (or gluten free oats)
1/4 cut whole wheat or unbleached flour (or sub other flour)
3 Tbsp semisweet chocolate chips (non-dairy for vegan)

1. Preheat skillet to medium heat or about 300-350 degrees (I used a griddle, medium heat)
2. Prepare flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal and water and letting set for 3-5 minutes
3. Mash very ripe banana with baking powder
4. Add flax egg, oil, salt, vanilla, almond butter, almond milk and stir
5. Stir in oats and flour until just combined
6. Scoop scant 1/4 cup measurements onto lightly greased griddle
7. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side - until golden brown
8. Serve plain or with small drizzle of maple syrup and a few additional chocolate chips