Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 3/4 - 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 ½ Tbsp water ((to make flax egg)*)
• 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal ((to make flax egg)*)
• 1 heaping Tbsp natural salted peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
• ½ cup finely ground GF oat flour
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup gluten-free flour blend (or sub whole wheat or all-purpose)
• 2-3 Tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan // depending on preferred sweetness)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• Homemade Peanut or Almond Butter Cup

Method

1. Preheat electric griddle to medium heat (or about 350 degrees F / 176 C), or a large skillet on the stove stop. You want the surface to be hot but not screaming hot – oil shouldn’t smoke when it makes contact with the surface.
2. To a large mixing bowl add flaxseed and water and let set for a minute or two. Then add melted coconut oil, agave nectar (or honey/maple syrup), baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract and whisk to combine. Add almond milk (starting with lesser end of range and adding a touch more if needed) and whisk again until well combined.
3. Next add oat and gluten free flour and stir until just combined. Taste and see if it needs more agave. I added a bit more.
4. Divide batter in half and add cocoa powder to one bowl and peanut butter to the other. Mix until just combined. Add more almond milk if PB made it too thick. You want a pourable batter that's not "gloppy."
5. Once the griddle is hot, lightly grease and spoon on scant 1/4 cup measure of chocolate batter, then scant 1/4 cup of peanut butter in the center. Cook until the edges appear dry and bubbles form on top, then carefully flip. Cook for another 2-ish minutes on the other side. Will make 5-6 pancakes.
6. Divide between serving plates and top with a peanut butter cup split in half or a Tbsp or two dark chocolate chips.
7. Dig in and enjoy. Will reheat fine in the microwave the next day.