Ok, so they are wee bit purple and they don’t exactly look like the pancakes you might expect to be served at IHOP. But these Acai Apple Pancakes are one of those recipes you can’t just make once: that is to say, after the first time, you’re hooked.

And they are marvelously easy; you just put all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender, whirl together and then pour the batter onto a skillet. If you have not yet made blender pancakes you’ll be smitten with the process in no time!

Acai Apple Pancake Recipe is a Superfood Breakfast

When it comes to optimum nutrition, clean eating and pancakes I have always said my Blueberry Flourless Pancakes were one of the best choices on the blog, but I think these might be the next new best thing.

As indulgent as they taste, this is one apple pancake recipe that just oozes with antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber, omegas and nutrients galore. All of the ingredients in the pancakes are incredibly healthy, but the superfood Acai puree really takes it up a notch.

Acai fruit reportedly has the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value among all known fruits and vegetables, meaning it is just about the most antioxidant rich food on the planet. If you are following the anti-inflammatory diet in our book, then you know how important it is consume as wide a variety of different colored antioxidant-rich foods as possible, and adding Acai to your pancake batter is definitely a tasty way to get the job done!

In addition to antioxidants, Acai is also an incredible source of plant-based iron, calcium, fiber and vitamin A. Superfood Acai even has beneficial omega fats, including oleic acid, one of the most important fats in olive oil.

With the exception of the Acai puree, the rest of the ingredients in the apple pancake recipe are really super basic. Finding fresh Acai is not really an option though, so you’ll have to either go with frozen or freeze dried powder. I prefer Sambazon Acai Unsweetened Frozen Superfruit Packs (see photo above), which is widely available nationwide at stores like Whole Foods Market, Costco, Publix and even Safeway. If you can’t find the frozen packets though, you can always order freeze-dried Acai powder online (Navitas Naturals is a great brand) and simply mix with water.

Even if you are not making the pancakes, having the Acai around is great for smoothies, Acai bowls, homemade ice cream, popsicles and even Margaritas (yes! Acai Margaritas are now a thing.)

Enough chit chat, let’s just make some pancakes!

Gluten Free Acai Apple Pancake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup water
1 cup gluten free old fashioned rolled oats
1 organic (pasture-raised egg)
2 tablespoons organic (extra virgin coconut oil, plus more for frying)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 packet (3.5 ounces frozen unsweetened acai (such as Sambazon OR 1/2 cup water + 3 tablespoons freeze-dried acai powder (such as Navitas Naturals))
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon unrefined sea salt
2 cups grated apple (keep the skin on!, divided)
Coconut whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions

Place all the ingredients except for the grated apple and coconut whipped cream in a high-speed blender (such as a Vitamix). Process until the batter is completely smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the grated apple but do NOT blend again.
Lightly oil a heavy skillet (cast iron seems to work best for pancakes) over medium-low heat. Once the surface of the skillet is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on it, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan. Let the pancake cook for about 3 1/2 minutes, or until small bubbles start to form (Note: these pancakes take a wee bit longer to cook than conventional pancakes, so don’t get nervous if you think they are not cooking properly—just be patient!) Before flipping the pancake, use your spatula to test the edges; if the edges lift easily then the pancake is ready to flip. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3 1/2 minutes, or until cooked through.
Repeat with the remaining pancake batter.
Serve the pancakes immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven. To serve, divide the remaining grated apple on top of the pancakes and finish with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.