Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted an effortless way to whip up a breakfast that’s both nourishing and delicious, then you’re going to adore this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe. Trust me, it’s not just good for you, it’s downright fan-freaking-tastic—and super quick, too! I remember how many times I needed a speedy breakfast that’d also stick to my ribs without a ton of fuss, and this recipe has been my go-to ever since. Stick around, and I’ll show you how to nail these fluffy, wholesome pancakes every single time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Wholesome Ingredients: Just ripe bananas, oats, and eggs combine to keep it clean and nutritious without any complicated additions.
- Quick & Easy Prep: A blender mixes everything perfectly in under two minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you love cinnamon, vanilla, or berries, you can tweak it easily to your liking.
- Perfect Portion Control: Making small pancakes means you get more control over cooking and they hold together better.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These simple ingredients come together in a way that’s both tasty and nourishing. What I love most is how each plays a key role not only for flavor but also texture and nutrition—plus, they’re easy to find in any grocery store! Here are a few shopping tips before you dive in:
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and help keep the pancakes moist and tender.
- Eggs: They’re your binding agent and add protein, ensuring the pancakes hold together without the need for flour.
- Oats: Use rolled oats for a smoother batter or quick oats if you want a more rustic texture. Avoid instant oats as they can turn mushy.
- Optional Mix-ins: Things like cinnamon, vanilla extract, berries, nuts, or chocolate chips add bursts of flavor and fun texture, but don’t mix them into the batter—sprinkle them on the pancakes while cooking to keep things neat.
Tweak to Your Taste
Now, while I often stick to the classic with just cinnamon and vanilla, you can totally make these pancakes your own. I like to sprinkle in different mix-ins right on the uncooked pancake side—it’s so satisfying to see them lightly caramelize as they cook.
- Berry Blast: Toss some fresh blueberries or raspberries on top before flipping—adds a juicy pop and a fresh contrast to the warm pancakes. I swear it feels like a little breakfast celebration.
- Nutty Upgrade: Crushed walnuts or pecans add both crunch and extra protein. I add these carefully so they don’t weigh the batter down.
- Spiced Twist: A pinch of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, or a splash of vanilla makes a world of difference for warming flavors, especially on chilly mornings.
- Chocolate Delight: For a treat, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on while cooking. These don’t melt all the way through but just enough for a bit of gooey indulgence.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Batter Just Right
First things first: add your ripe bananas, eggs, and oats into a blender and pulse on low speed until smooth and creamy. I find this step crucial—it whips air into the eggs and bananas, making your pancakes fluffier than if you just mashed and stirred by hand. Plus, the oats fully absorb moisture and break down just enough to blend easily.
Step 2: Heating the Skillet & Greasing It
While your batter’s waiting, warm up a non-stick skillet over low heat. I always use a little cooking spray or a tiny dab of butter to prevent sticking—since these pancakes are delicate, you want the surface just slick enough but not oily.
Step 3: Cooking Small Pancakes Like a Pro
Pour roughly 1/6 of the batter for each pancake—the smaller size helps them cook evenly without falling apart. Now, be patient! Cook on the first side until you see bubbles forming and the edges start to look set, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. If you’re adding any mix-ins like nuts or berries, sprinkle them gently on the uncooked batter side just before flipping.
Step 4: Flip & Finish Cooking
Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until golden and set. If you find your pancakes are sticking, give your pan a little more grease before the next batch. Repeat until all the batter is used up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Stack them up, add your favorite syrup or nut butter, maybe a handful of fresh fruit on top, and you’re ready to dig in. Honestly, these pancakes are so satisfying that I often find myself making a double batch—they don’t last long around here!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
- Use Ripe Bananas: The sweeter and softer, the better your pancakes will taste and hold together naturally without extra sugar or flour.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking on low heat prevents burning and helps cook the inside through without flipping too early.
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Smaller pancakes are easier to flip and less likely to fall apart, which I learned after one too many messy flips!
- Sprinkle, Don’t Mix Mix-ins: Adding nuts or berries on top during cooking keeps the batter intact and adds delightful texture.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my pancakes with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a dollop of natural peanut butter—that combo is my weekday favorite for lasting energy. Fresh berries or sliced bananas sprinkled on top add a refreshing touch, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few crushed nuts gives a nice crunch.
Side Dishes
I usually pair these pancakes with a side of Greek yogurt for extra protein, or some scrambled eggs if I’m craving savory alongside sweet. A warm cup of herbal tea or coffee is absolutely essential in my book to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch with friends, I like stacking the pancakes in a tall tower with layers of berries and a drizzle of honey running down the sides—it’s a total showstopper. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon sugar or even serve with small bowls of mix-ins so everyone can customize their own plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftover pancakes cool completely, then stack them separated by parchment paper in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them from sticking together and they’re good for up to 3 days, perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
Freezing
I’m a big fan of freezing leftovers for busy weeks. Just make sure pancakes are fully cooled, then layer with wax paper or parchment between each one in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ve kept well for a couple of months with no loss of flavor or texture in my experience.
Reheating
To bring them back to life, I prefer reheating in a toaster or on a skillet over medium-low heat—this keeps the outside crispy and the inside warm without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find it softens them too much for my taste.
FAQs
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Can I make this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk if needed to thin the batter slightly. The texture will be a bit different, but still delicious and wholesome.
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Do I have to blend the batter or can I mix by hand?
You can mix by hand if you don’t have a blender, but I recommend blending because it makes the batter smoother and the pancakes fluffier. Plus, the oats break down a bit, making the texture nicer and easier to cook evenly.
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Can I add sweeteners like honey or sugar?
The ripe bananas usually provide enough natural sweetness, but if you want it sweeter, a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup in the batter can work. Just be careful not to add too much or it might affect how well the pancakes hold together.
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How do I prevent the pancakes from falling apart?
Make sure your pan is well greased and hot but on low heat to cook slowly. Pour small pancakes and avoid mixing in heavy ingredients directly into the batter—sprinkle them on top instead. Patience while cooking also helps them set well before flipping.
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Can I freeze the pancakes and how long do they last?
Yes! Freeze pancakes after they cool completely, stacked with parchment or wax paper between each. Use airtight containers or freezer bags, and they’ll keep fresh for up to 2-3 months.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe is one of those kitchen treasures I’m so glad to have found. It’s quick, nutritious, and comforting—kind of like a warm hug in breakfast form. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping for a brunch, or just want a wholesome start to your day, these pancakes really hit the spot. I hope you have as much fun making and eating them as I do—give them a try and see why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my recipe box!
Print
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 small pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes are a quick and easy breakfast option made with ripe bananas, eggs, and oats. Light and fluffy with the option to add your favorite mix-ins like berries or nuts, they are perfect for a nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup oats
Optional Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Berries, nuts, walnuts, pecans, raisins, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips
- Syrup, butter, or peanut butter for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over low heat to ensure gentle cooking of the pancakes.
- Prepare Batter: Combine ripe bananas, eggs, and oats in a blender on low speed until well mixed and fluffy.
- Grease Skillet: Lightly grease the skillet with cooking spray, oil, or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/6 of the batter onto the skillet for each small pancake. Cook on one side until set and then, if desired, gently press mix-ins onto the uncooked side before flipping.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side until fully cooked and golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as syrup, butter, or peanut butter.
Notes
- Using a blender helps make the pancakes fluffier by whipping the eggs and bananas thoroughly.
- Add flavor variations with a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or other favorite extracts like strawberry or cake batter.
- Instead of mixing mix-ins into the batter, press them onto the top side before flipping to keep pancakes intact.
- To freeze, cool pancakes completely then store in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between each pancake; they last for several months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small pancake
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
