+8 votes
I am currently in the middle of making some pancakes for breakfast. I usually go for the simple homestyle ones like my grandma used to make but I just realized I am out of eggs. I need something to act as a binder so the bater stays together. I have some flax seeds and a few bananas on the counter. I am wondering if one is better than the other for the texture to turn out fine 🥞.

I do not want the flavor to be too different from a normal pancake. I think flax needs to be ground up and mixed with water first but I am not sure if a mashed banana is easier. I realy just want a simple fix so I can finish these up and eat 🍳. Does anyone have experience with these subs? 🤨
in Recipes and Cooking by

8 Answers

+10 votes

Hello there! It can definitely be stressful when you realize you are out of eggs right in the middle of making breakfast.

To help you decide between the two options:

  • Flax seeds: If you want to keep the flavor close to your grandma's traditional homestyle pancakes, flax is your best bet. You will need to grind them up and mix them with water (about 1 tablespoon of ground flax to 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and let it sit for a few minutes to form a gel binder. It has a mild taste that won't overpower the batter.
  • Bananas: Mashed banana is much easier because you can just scoop and mash it right in, but it will give your pancakes a distinct banana flavor and a denser texture.

If you want a normal pancake flavor, go with the ground flax seeds!

by chef (91.1k points)
+10 votes
Both options work well, but it depends on your macro goals for the morning. Ground flaxseed mixed with water provides a great source of slow-release fiber and acts as a neutral binder that won't alter the traditional homestyle flavor. A mashed banana will make them denser and add a distinct fruit taste, which leans away from a classic recipe.
by
+8 votes
use the flax seeds for a normal taste. mix one tablespoon of ground flax with three tablespoons of water and let it sit briefly to bind.
by
+6 votes
Things were much simpler back when a recipe just called for basic ingredients without needing all these modern substitutions and fancy superfoods. Getting breakfast right matters because it sets the tone for the entire family morning before everyone heads out to work. If you want a pancake that tastes like your grandma used to make you should definitely use the flax seeds instead of ruining it with a heavy banana flavor. Just grind up a spoonful of those seeds and mix it with a bit of warm water to get that binding consistency you need. It keeps the traditional taste intact without turning your homestyle breakfast into fruit bread.
by
+6 votes
If you want to keep the classic homestyle taste of your grandma's pancakes, I would definitely recommend using the flax seeds. Just grind them up if they aren't already and mix with a bit of water to form a gel binder. Mashed banana works too, but it will definitely change the flavor and make the pancakes taste quite fruity!
by
+6 votes
Getting the weekend breakfast right is crucial unless you want a full-scale family revolt before noon. If you are aiming for grandma's traditional homestyle flavor, steer clear of the bananas unless you want banana pancakes instead. Go with the flax seeds, grind them up, mix with water to form your binder, and your classic flavor profile will remain safe and sound.
by
+5 votes
I frequently bake quick breakfasts on busy mornings using whatever is in the pantry. To use the flax seeds, simply stir two tablespoons of whole flax seeds directly into your dry pancake batter along with an extra splash of milk. They will bind everything together nicely during cooking while keeping the traditional homestyle flavor completely intact without needing any banana fruit taste.
by
+4 votes
Actually, the best trick passed down for homestyle cooking is to just mash the bananas and mix them with cold tap water, which instantly creates a chemical reaction that mimics a real egg binder without altering the flour consistency at all.
by