Acai pancakes

acai pancakes for chandeleur

Pancakes are a staple of French cuisine. They lend themselves to all occasions, and particularly to the Chandeleur festival at the beginning of February. In this version, we've added a fruity touch with acai, a superfood with multiple benefits. 

In this article, we'll look at : 

  • The origins of this French tradition
  • The must-have recipe for acai pancakes
  • Why this superfood is a real asset in this recipe

Why do we eat pancakes at Candlemas?

The tradition of eating pancakes at Chandeleur goes back many centuries and has its origins in symbolic beliefs and practices.

A pagan origin

Candlemas, celebrated every year on February 2, takes its name from the Latin word "candela meaning candle. Originally, this pagan festival marked the end of winter and the return of fine weather. Lit candles symbolized light and prosperity.

With the advent of Christianity, Candlemas became a religious festival commemorating the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. On this occasion, it was customary to bless candles to ensure happiness and prosperity.

Pancakes, a symbol of prosperity

At the time, the round shape of the crêpes was selected to recall the sun, heralding spring and the harvests to come. They also symbolize abundance and generosity, essential notions at this time of year.

Popular pancake traditions

According to an old superstition, blowing up a pancake while holding a gold coin in the other hand was supposed to ensure wealth and happiness for the coming year. This tradition testifies to the symbolic importance of crêpes in French households.

Our recipe for acai pancakes 

The addition of acai to this recipe brings an original touch to this classic. Acai not only adds a pretty purple color, but also nutritional benefits that enrich this traditional dessert.

Ingredients required

For the crepe batter :

For the spread :

  • A bar of white chocolate
  • 50 ml acai (thawed)

Toppings :

  • Frozen or fresh blueberries (in season, from July to September)

Preparation steps

Preparing the crepe batter :

  1. Mix the flour and sugar in a large bowl.
  2. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk to prevent lumps.
  4. Add acai for vibrant color and fruity flavor.
  5. Leave the batter to rest for 30 minutes for even fluffier pancakes.

Cooking crepes : 

  1. Heat a lightly oiled frying pan.
  2. Pour in a ladleful of batter, spread evenly and cook until the pancake comes away easily.
  3. Turn to brown the other side.
  4. Set the cooked pancakes aside on a plate under aluminum foil to keep them warm.

Preparing the spread :

  1. Melt a bar of white chocolate in a bain-marie.
  2. Divide the melted chocolate between two bowls. Add 50 ml acai to one of the bowls and mix well.

Service:

  1. Top half a crêpe with the white chocolate-acai spread.
  2. Fold the crepe in half and drizzle with plain white chocolate.
  3. Add a few thawed blueberries for a touch of freshness.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy while still warm.

Why add acai to your pancakes?

Acai can transform a classic recipe into an original, nutritious dessert. This food adds a natural purple hue to your pancakes, adding an eye-catching visual touch. It's a simple way to make your preparations more attractive.

Rich in antioxidants, acai helps protect the body's cells and support overall good health. It also contains fiber for balanced digestion and essential fatty acids for the cardiovascular system.

With its notes of red fruit and cocoa, acai adds a light fruity touch to your pancakes. This discreet taste goes well with ingredients such as white chocolate and fresh fruit.

By adding acai to this recipe, your plate is both healthy and tasty, while remaining simple to integrate acai into your usual preparations.