Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Homemade Coconut Syrup
We’re going back to Hawaii today! The land of waterfalls, pineapple trees and pristine beaches. I figured after a long, sunshine-filled weekend, it would be good to start the week off dreaming of Maui.
Speaking of which, how was your weekend? Did you celebrate Memorial Day?
We didn’t do much because I had to work, but I am so very thankful for all of the men and women out there, as well as their families, who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I wish I could serve you all a big stack of fluffy pancakes.
But not just any pancakes. I’m talking about the most amazing pancakes I’ve ever eaten. Just thinking about them makes me swoon.
Some of you might’ve seen said pancakes on my Instagram while we were away on our honeymoon. It was the second day of the trip and we were staying on Napili Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Soft sand, crystal clear waters, rainbows, sea turtles…it was paradise at it’s finest.
Right on the edge of Napili Bay is a restaurant that’s famous for it’s outstanding breakfast and breathtaking views. It might not look like much from the outside, but the daily line out the door is proof that it’s well worth the wait.
The lines are actually so common that they have a bell outside for people to ring when they spot a whale…
We were there a little late in the season to see any but I can imagine it’s an awesome sight.
We actually found out about Gazebo from a jeweler at Na Hoku in California, where we bought Brandon’s wedding ring. She was originally from Lahaina and gave us a list of things to do and see while were on the island and as it turned out, our hotel was only a two minute walk from the restaurant.
To avoid the line, we placied a to-go order and brought it back to our room, where the view was just as good. We sat on the patio and stuffed ourselves to oblivion, enjoying one stack of banana macadamia nut and one white chocolate, both with coconut syrup.
The coconut syrup was so good but I completely forgot to buy some before we left! #fail
On a mission to satisfy my craving, I researched a few different brands online but they were all filled with partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose syrup. Then I decided to try making it at home but all of the recipes I found used a ton of sugar or corn syrup. I mean, where’s healthy coconut syrup when you need it?
Okay, I know, healthy syrup is an oxymoron. But I tried to make it as healthy as I could by using coconut milk, agave nectar and only one tablespoon of organic sugar, which you could even leave out if you wanted to.
I’ve been working on developing a gluten-free and vegan pancake recipe but after three batches and 4 hours of my Saturday morning in the kitchen, I threw in the towel and used the Quinoa Greek Yogurt Pancake recipe instead. It’s a work in progress.
But these pancakes worked beautifully. They are light and fluffy and the coconut syrup goes perfectly with the macadamia nuts and bits of banana or white chocolate. Just one bite and I can already feel the cool Hawaiian breeze….
Ingredients
Macadamia Nut Pancakes
Quinoa Greek Yogurt Pancake recipe
1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts, raw or roasted
1 banana, diced or 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
Coconut Syrup
1 can coconut milk
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon organic sugar (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (use less for a thinner syrup, if desired)
Instructions
- Start preparing the coconut syrup by combining the coconut milk and arrowroot powder in a sauce pan and whisking until dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add the agave nectar and sugar and stir until dissolved. After a few minutes, remove from the heat and set aside while syrup thickens.
- Prepare the pancakes as directed, adding either banana or white chocolate chips along with the chopped macadamia nuts to the batter. Serve warm with syrup and enjoy!
totally inspired to make macadamia pancakes now – yummy.
Ahhhh girl these look and sound amazing! Anything coconut gets an A+ in my book. What a neat restaurant and lucky for you guys that your hotel was so close you were still able to enjoy the views!
Coconut syrup?!?! Lady, that sounds incredible. And those views!! Perfect spot to eat pancakes ;-)
Those views are gorgeous! Wish I was there! And those pancakes look fabulous, especially the coconut syrup!
Ever since you mentioned coconut syrup I’ve been so intrigued! I love how fluffy and creamy your version looks. And coconut anything is perfect for summer… although I do think I need to make a trip to Hawaii to try this first hand ;)
These pancakes, I need them. They sound fabulous especially with that coconut syrup. The day you chose to post this is kind of funny — my very good friend from college is moving back to Michigan from Hawaii today! I’ll help her drown her sorrows in some coconut syrup ;-)
Today is a sad day for your friend…but coconut syrup would definitely help! :)
I always associate macadamia nut pancakes with Hawaii! These look SO SO good, and I’m DYING over those gorgeous Hawaii pictures!! That’s the next stop for my husband and I. Yummmmmm
Oh man, I love macadamia nuts! Your views are gorgeous and I’m super jealous. My aunt and uncle are in Hawaii right now and they’re facebook bragging like it’s their job. I really want to go now!
I could use a little vacation in my mouth! These pancakes look/sound absolutely divine.
Coconut syrup? Oooomigosh. Even my very Canadian maple-syrup-loving self would go crazy for that. And I know what you mean about missing the food in Hawaii… I’m still dreaming of the Hula Pie I had in Kauai…
Sign me up for the next flight to Hawaii, I’m up for some tropical pancakes!! These are gorgeous, my dear! I love the coconut syrup and can always go for a stack of pancakes. Vegan pancakes can be a bit tricky. Have you tried making them with a flax egg? For one flax egg, I use 3 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed. This seems to work really well! Typically, I use 2 flax eggs per batch of pancakes and use 1.5 cups of whatever gluten-free flour blend. I find almond flour and brown rice flour combined make for an excellent gf pancake :) Anyhoo, I’m off topic because your stack of tropical bliss is calling my name!!
I didn’t try flax eggs because they were holding together fine. The problem was that they stuck to the pan. I used quinoa and almond flour but I’ll have to give the brown rice/almond a try instead. Thanks for the tips, love!
Maui is the best honeymoon spot ever!! We were thinking of going to kauai this winter, but my husband is totally hooked on Maui and really just wants to go back there. We had heard so much about that restaurant before going, but the line was so long that we decided to go somewhere else. These pancakes look so good and now I think that we will just have to go back to Maui so we can enjoy them, I guess I could just make these ones at home, but I’ll take any excuse I can get to go back :)
Yesssss I remember the coconut syrup when we were in Hawaii for our honeymoon!! These look awesome – I always associate macadamia nuts with our trip : ) Now if only I could find a way to get back there soon … lol I’ll keep dreaming for now…!
Could those pancakes look more delicious? Oh m’ gosh, I need them now!! And a trip to Hawaii wouldn’t hurt either…..;-)
I’m going back to Hawaii next month and your pictures are making me very excited to go back!!
These pancakes look so moist and fluffy! The coconut syrup also sounds incredibly amazing!
I guess I should go back to Quinoa flour! I have to… your pancakes look like a dream, matching very well the paradise where you spent the honeymooon :) Well done with the coconut syrup, it’s very nice that you tried your best at making it healthier.
OMG- these look so amazing! So does Hawaii! ;)
Beautiful pics, of both the pancakes and of Hawaii! I was just talking to a friend yesterday about his honeymoon to Maui. I’ve only been to Oahu and so want to go to another Hawaiian island! And I’m drooooling over here. And on that note, I’m off to make pancakes for lunch!
I love macademia nuts. I had pancakes very similar to these when I was in Hawaii, can’t wait to try your recipe. I know what’s for breakfast sunday. :)
Oh my gosh you just transported me back to Maui! I bought some pancake mix and coconut syrup to bring home with us and it was so good! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
These pancakes look incredible, and I seriously can’t imagine anything more perfect than eating them while looking at those views! I guess that’s what a honeymoon is all about :) I need to make these this weekend – macadamia nuts are my fave!
I love Hawaii and can’t wait to go back to visit again. Have a great trip! These pancakes look delicious! I love the coconut syrup macadamia nut combo. I need these ASAP :D