Are you looking for healthy toppings for your toddler’s pancake this Shrove Tuesday? We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s savoury or sweet, there are loads of toppings out there which are healthier alternatives. So look no further than our handy guide from A for Avocado to Y for Yogurt.
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1. Amazing Avocado – Healthy Toddler Pancake Toppings
Yummy when smushed up with a bit of milk, avocado makes a really healthy and delicious pancake topping. Alternatives include mashed-up banana and avocado (surprisingly tasty) or, why not blend a little cocoa powder into smashed avocado?
2. Brilliant Blueberries
Try blueberries on their own, or add a spoonful of plain yogurt first and sprinkle the blueberries on top. A little honey can balance the taste of the blueberries but use sparingly and only add this if your child is over one (read here for NHS safety advice on why).
3. Creamy Cacao Nibs – Healthy Toddler Pancake Toppings
Cacao nibs look a lot like chocolate chips but are much healthier. Full of nutrients, antioxidants, protein and fibre, cacao nibs are not only tasty but are less processed and less sugary than other types of chocolate.
4. Fabulous Fruit – Freeze-Dried Or Frozen
Frozen berry mix is ultra yummy and great for adding to pancakes. Just defrost the night before (unless your toddler particularly likes very cold fruit) and sprinkle over your pancake.
5. Luscious Lime Or Lemon
If your toddler is into sour tastes, why not squeeze a bit of lemon or lime onto the top of their pancake? They might pull a face at first, but if you can avoid adding extra sugar it’s much healthier.
6. Original Orange – Healthy Toddler Pancake Toppings
A classic. Enjoy orange segments or squeezed orange juice on a flat or rolled up pancake. And you can always drink any left-over squeezed orange juice afterwards.
7. Positively Perfect Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is very nutritious. Use sparingly on pancakes though or it may taste a little stodgy (have plenty of water to hand). If your little one has never tried peanut butter before, Pancake Day probably isn’t the best time to try it in case of any allergies. But evidence does suggest that trying peanut butter younger does help build up tolerance in the long term.
8. Scrumptious Sliced-Up Banana – Healthy Toddler Pancake Toppings
This one’s always a winner. Simply slice up your banana and enjoy. Add a drizzle of honey for sweetness if you really need to (and only if your baby is over one. See here for NHS safety advice on only giving honey to over ones).
9. Smooth Strawberries
Chopped-up strawberries provide a great texture for your toddler chomping through a pancake. Or you can blitz strawberries in the blender to make a smoother sauce.
10. Yummy Yogurt – Healthy Toddler Pancake Toppings
A dollop of plain or Greek-style yogurt will add a good amount of protein to your toddler’s pancake. You can also top this one with berries or other fruit.
Can Toddlers Help Me Make Pancakes?
You can definitely involve toddlers in the weighing of ingredients, mixing and stirring. If you have traditional scales, it’s great for toddlers to get used to what different quantities look like, as well as practising their fine and gross motor skills. Or you can measure out the ingredients and put them in tubs or bowls, all ready for your toddler to mix together.
What Are The Most Popular Pancake Toppings Ideas For Toddlers?
Fruit is always a winner. If your toddler is sensitive to the presentation of food, why not try arranging the fruit into something fun? We love the owl and dragon faces here!
Chocolate spread is also a popular topping for a pancake. So if your toddler really loves this as a filling, why not swap it out for healthier cacao nibs?
Are Pancakes Good For Toddlers?
Yes, even without a ‘healthy topping’, a basic pancake contains so much nutrition. Think eggs for protein and fibre, and milk for calcium, protein and vitamins. Try to avoid adding sugar to your pancake mix and for an even healthier recipe, use wholegrain flour. Or you can blend some spinach into the mix. Or add oats instead of flour. With children under 12 months old, try to use full-fat milk in your recipes.
“Cooking a slice of banana into the pancake into the batter mix was always a winner for my daughter.”
– Alex, Team Happity
Can I Make Dairy-Free Pancakes For My Toddler?
You can make dairy-free pancakes easily by switching out the milk for oat, almond, soya or coconut milk (but wait until 12 months old and speak first to a GP or dietitian if you think you need to cut dairy out of your child’s diet altogether). Alternatively take the milk/milk substitute out and replace with banana.
“You can make a really simple pancake mix with just a banana, an egg and a couple of spoonfuls of wholegrain flour.”
– Lisa, Team Happity
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