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A playful twist on a classic favorite – Green Swedish Pancakes, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe transforms one of the top 10 breakfast foods into a festive treat, perfect for starting your day with a bit of luck and a lot of flavor. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday or simply looking to add a pop of color to your morning breakfast spread, these green pancakes are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of making these thin, delectable pancakes that combine tradition with a pinch of fun.
As a mom, I like to find any excuse to celebrate and spice up our home routine. St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. I love all of the traditions that surround the holiday, from the parades to the green-themed everything. In embracing this festive spirit, I decided to add a touch of green to one of my all-time favorite breakfast dishes – Swedish pancakes. These aren’t your ordinary pancakes; they’re lighter, slightly sweet, and now, vibrantly green! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine during this celebratory season.
If breakfast is your jam, you should also check out my top two favorite breakfast recipes Cinnamon Rolls and Liege Waffles. They are sweet and delicious! But if you are more of a savory breakfast type, check out my Savory French Toast Casserole.
The Chemistry of Green Swedish Pancakes
The beauty of Swedish pancakes lies in their simplicity and the chemistry of their ingredients. The batter, a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and flour, is thin, which allows it to spread across the pan and cook into a delicate, crepe-like pancake. Eggs act as the binding agent, giving structure, while milk and flour create the batter’s base. The dash of salt enhances the sweetness, and the vanilla adds a layer of flavor complexity. The green food coloring doesn’t affect the taste but transforms the pancakes into festive treats that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
How do you achieve the perfect green color in the pancakes?
Add green food coloring, a few drops at a time, to the batter until you reach the desired shade. Liquid food coloring integrates easily, but gel coloring can also be used for more vibrant colors. Remember, the colors will lighten slightly when cooked.
Can Swedish pancakes be made ahead of time?
Yes, Swedish pancake batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight. In fact, that’s what my great grandpa would recommend for his recipe. You can also cook them ahead of time. Let them cool, stack with wax paper between each pancake and store in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
What’s the difference between Swedish pancakes and regular pancakes?
Swedish pancakes are thinner and more crepe-like than American pancakes, which are thicker and fluffier. The batter for Swedish pancakes is runnier, allowing it to spread thinly across the pan, and they are typically served rolled up or folded with sweet toppings.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Swedish pancakes, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure blend is 1:1 substitute for wheat flour for the best results. The rest of the recipe remains the same. My favorite gluten free flour to bake with is Bob’s Red Mill.
What is in Green Swedish Pancakes?
Milk
Adds moisture to the batter or dough. Milk adds protein and sugar (lactose) to your treat. It encourages browning and adds a bit more sweetness to your baked treat.
Eggs
Adds both a protein (egg whites) and fat (egg yolks). The egg whites help with rising because, when foamed, little air pockets get trapped inside the egg white mixture. The water content in egg whites encourages steam while baking, which helps with gluten formation, resulting in nice and thick treats. Egg yolks have emulsifying properties that bring batters and doughs together and help them from collapsing. Unless otherwise specified, always use large eggs.
Granulated Sugar
Adds sweetness, provides a caramelized flavor and crisp texture. Sugar assists with rising when creamed with butter. It helps add moisture to your treat and helps it evenly spread as it melts into a liquid in the heat of the oven. Sugar also helps with naturally preserving your baked treat.
Vanilla Extract
When using pure vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation flavoring, it will add the deep rich flavor that everybody wants in a treat.
Fine Sea Salt
Enhances flavor, adds balance, masks any bitter flavors. Salt is the most powerful and oldest preservative. Always make sure to use fine sea salt so it melts down at the right speed in the heat of the oven. If you use larger granule salt, it will not melt down fully when baked and will leave salt crystals throughout your treat, making it crunch like you dropped it into sand.
All-purpose Flour
Builds structure as it absorbs liquids and expands. All-purpose flour falls in the middle of bread flour (high in gluten) and cake flour (low in gluten). It’s exactly what it is named, all-purpose, the most universal flour that can be used in most baked goods.
Green Food Coloring
Adds a festive, vibrant green hue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Storage Tips
Swedish pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Place wax paper between each pancake before storing in an airtight container to prevent sticking. To serve, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Freezing Options
Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag with wax paper between each pancake. This method prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to enjoy one pancake at a time.
Making Ahead
For a stress-free morning, prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before cooking, as the ingredients may have settled. This advance preparation allows the flavors to meld and makes the morning cooking process quicker.
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Why make green Swedish pancakes?
With this guide to creating Green Swedish Pancakes, you’re well-equipped to bring a touch of fun and tradition to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Enjoy the process of making these light, flavorful pancakes and the joy of sharing them with friends and family on this festive occasion.
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Green Swedish Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 dash fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- green food coloring
Instructions
- In a blender start with adding milk (liquids must be at the bottom). Add the rest of the ingredients
- Blend for 30 seconds
- Place a large skillet over medium heat on a stove top. Allow the pan to heat up (5-10 minutes)
- Spray the pan with Pam or other non stick spray
- Pour about 2/3 cup of batter on the skillet as you rotate the pan in a large circle motion. This will spread the batter all over the pan.
- Cook for about 2-5 minutes until you see some curling on the edges of the pancake and the center looks set
- Use a metal spatula to flip the pancake
- Cook the other side of the pancake for 30 seconds to 1 minute
- Remove and place on a plate, cover to keep warm
- Repeat these steps until all the pancake batter is used
- Serve with fruit, spread and maple syrup
Nutrition
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