I loved pancakes as a kid. It was a weekend tradition - Saturday morning pancakes with chocolate chips, or M&M's if we were lucky. They were always a treat, and boy did they taste good, but nutritionally they were lacking. I don't think that my parents ever made pancakes from scratch. The mixture came from a box and we would add low-fat milk, maybe a bit of canola oil, and they would be cooked on a pan oiled with margarine. Oh how I cringe at the thought of eating a meal like that now! They're nothing like these dairy free Paleo Walnut Pancakes. Thank goodness my eating patterns have drastically changed and my parents' too.

This Paleo Walnut Pancake recipe is just the opposite of what I ate as a kid. It is full of nutritional, grain-free flours, healthy fats and unrefined sugar - perfect for an energizing meal to start the day.

What Makes a Paleo Pancake Healthy?

In my opinion, a pancake CAN be healthy. But, simply being a "Paleo" pancake doesn't make a pancake recipe healthy. It all comes down to the ingredients and most importantly, the quantity of added sugar.

For instance, a recipe calling for grain free flour, egg and fruit as a sweetener is a great healthy breakfast option. When you start adding ingredients like maple syrup and honey, or maybe a few dairy free chocolate chips, that's when pancakes fall into more of the "treat" category.

These pancakes use maple syrup as a sweetener. Because of that, I would consider them more of a treat rather than an every-day breakfast.

Healthy Pancake Toppings

Although I have nothing against chocolate chips or M&M's as a special treat, there are many healthier pancake toppings.

These days, my go-to's are dairy free yogurt, coconut cream, nut or seed butter, coconut butter and fresh or frozen berries. If I'm feeling a little extra, I'll add some bee pollen, cacao nibs, crushed nuts or goji berries.

Paleo Walnut Pancake Ingredients

These grain free Paleo Walnut Pancakes are made with a combination of cassava, coconut and tapioca flour - all grain free and Paleo approved. My recipe uses cinnamon, maple syrup and crushed walnuts for added flavor. However, you can make these pancakes nut free by eliminating the walnuts.

These pancakes are the perfect weekend treat that kids and adults can enjoy!

Can Pancake Batter Be Saved?

Yes! This Paleo pancake batter can be stored in the fridge if you don't use it all in one sitting. In fact, I think storing pancake batter tastes better than cooking extra pancakes and storing them. The batter will last best for 3-5 days. Prior to using, make sure to stir the mixture.