Welcome to your new favorite breakfast! These easy blender banana oatmeal pancakes are a game-changer for busy mornings. Naturally sweet and incredibly simple, they’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no added sugar, making them a fantastic healthy choice. Whether you’re feeding hungry toddlers, looking for a quick meal prep solution, or simply craving a delicious breakfast, these delicious banana oatmeal pancakes are incredibly versatile. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine!
Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
You will quickly fall in love with these delightful pancakes for many reasons.
- Effortless One-Blender Preparation: Simply toss everything into your blender and press a button! No multiple bowls or complicated steps.
- Naturally Sweet: Ripe bananas provide all the sweetness you need, eliminating the need for added sugars.
- Dietary Friendly: Easily made gluten-free and dairy-free with simple ingredient swaps, catering to various needs.
- Quick & Convenient: From prep to plate in less than 20 minutes, they are perfect for busy parents and beginners.
- Perfectly Fluffy Texture: Despite being made with oats, these pancakes come out wonderfully light and airy every time.
- Kid-Friendly & Freezer-Friendly: A hit with kids of all ages, and they freeze beautifully for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
- High in Protein & Fiber: Packed with oats and eggs, these pancakes offer a satisfying breakfast that keeps you full longer. Nutrition experts often highlight the benefits of a breakfast rich in oats and eggs for sustained energy and satiety. Research indicates the nutritional benefits of oats and eggs for satiety.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your healthy banana oatmeal pancakes:
- 2 medium ripe bananas: Look for plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Essential for binding and adding richness.
- ½ cup (120g) unsweetened almond milk: Provides necessary moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups (143g) old fashioned rolled oats: Choose certified gluten-free if needed.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the pancakes their lovely lift and fluffiness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a comforting warmth and aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the sweet flavors.
- Olive oil, for cooking: Or your preferred cooking fat.
Notes & Substitutions
- Bananas: Use about 1 cup of mashed banana, typically from 2 medium ripe bananas. Overripe bananas yield the sweetest results.
- Milk: Feel free to use any milk you have on hand. Dairy milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk works perfectly.
- Oats: Old fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best texture. Quick oats can work but may result in a slightly denser pancake. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t blend smoothly.
- Eggs: For an egg-free option, you can try flax eggs (2 flax eggs for this recipe, check package for ratio). However, this may alter the texture. Applesauce (1/3 cup per egg) or Greek yogurt (which can replace some of the milk) might also work for a partial substitute.
- Sweetener: While not necessary for sweet banana oatmeal pancakes, if your bananas aren’t super ripe or you prefer extra sweetness, a dash of maple syrup, honey, or a couple of pitted dates can be blended in.
- Flavor Boosts: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, or even a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolatey pancakes.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools to whip up these delicious banana oatmeal pancakes.
- High-speed blender: This is key for achieving a smooth, lump-free batter. A food processor can also work.
- Nonstick griddle or large nonstick pan: Essential for cooking the pancakes without sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
- Spatula: A flexible, thin spatula is best for easy flipping.
Instructions
Prepare your delicious banana oatmeal pancakes in just a few simple steps.
- Blend Ingredients: Add both ripe bananas, eggs, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, old fashioned rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Ensure there are no visible oat chunks.
- Rest Batter: Let the batter sit in your blender or a separate bowl for 2-5 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and thicken slightly, which is crucial for fluffy banana oatmeal pancakes.
- Heat Pan: While the batter rests, lightly coat a nonstick griddle or large nonstick pan with olive oil (or coconut oil/vegan butter). Place it over medium heat. Allow the pan to heat thoroughly; a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate.
- Cook Pancakes: Once the pan is hot, pour about 1/3 cup of the batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the edges look set and you see a few bubbles appearing on the surface.
- Flip & Finish: Carefully slide your spatula under each pancake and flip. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on the underside. If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low. If your griddle starts smoking, it’s too hot.
- Repeat: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and re-oil lightly if necessary. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter until all pancakes are made. This recipe makes 9 pancakes total.
- Serve Warm: Serve your freshly cooked banana oatmeal pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Ripe Bananas: Do not skip this! Super ripe bananas with brown spots are essential for natural sweetness and contribute significantly to the moist, tender texture of these healthy pancakes.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency. If too thin, you can add another tablespoon or two of oats and blend briefly.
- Pan Temperature: Medium-low heat is your friend. This ensures the pancakes cook evenly through the center without burning the outside. Too high, and they’ll be raw inside; too low, and they’ll be dry.
- Flipping: Patience is key. Wait for those bubbles and set edges before attempting to flip. If you use a thicker batter, you might need to spread it out slightly with the back of your spoon after pouring.
- Prevent Sticking: Always ensure your pan is properly preheated and lightly greased before each batch. A nonstick pan helps immensely.
- Baking Powder Freshness: Baking powder is crucial for lift. Ensure yours is fresh; an old one will result in flat pancakes. Understanding the role of leavening agents like baking powder is key to achieving a light and airy texture in baked goods. Explore the science of baking powder in leavening.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile banana oatmeal pancakes are easy to customize for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh fruit: A colorful array of berries, extra sliced bananas, or peaches adds freshness.
- Maple syrup or honey: A classic drizzle for extra sweetness.
- Nut butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter provides a boost of protein and healthy fats.
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream: Adds a creamy, tangy, or decadent touch.
- Granola or chopped nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for crunch.
- Fruit compote: Homemade or store-bought berry or apple compote.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover cooked banana oatmeal pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Let cooled pancakes sit on a baking sheet, freeze for 30 minutes until firm, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers. They will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave individual pancakes for 30-60 seconds, or toast them in a toaster or toaster oven for crispy edges. Do not try to reheat frozen batter; always cook fresh.
Variations
- Add-ins: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, or shredded coconut to the batter before cooking.
- Mini Pancakes: Use 1-2 tablespoons of batter per pancake to create smaller, bite-sized portions perfect for kids or for a fun brunch spread.
- Waffles: Many people report excellent results using this same batter in a waffle maker. Simply follow your waffle maker’s instructions.
- Savory (Experimental): While these are sweet, you could omit the vanilla and cinnamon and experiment with savory spices like turmeric or a pinch of curry powder for a unique twist.
Nutrition
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for these healthy pancakes:
- Serving size: 3 pancakes
- Calories: 311 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 51.5g
- Protein: 12.2g
- Fat: 6.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Fiber: 7.4g
- Sugar: 10.8g (natural from bananas)
- Note: Sodium content can vary based on specific ingredients and added salt.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, absolutely! Thaw them completely first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the blender.
- Can I prepare the batter the night before? It’s not recommended. The baking powder will lose its potency, and the oat batter can become too thick overnight, affecting the pancake texture.
- Can I use oat flour instead of rolled oats? Yes, you can! Substitute 1 heaping cup of oat flour for the rolled oats, but you may need to add a splash more milk to achieve the right consistency.
- Are these suitable for babies/toddlers? Absolutely. These naturally sweet banana oatmeal pancakes are perfect for little ones. For babies, you can omit the salt, and make smaller silver dollar pancakes for easy handling.
- Why are my pancakes gooey/not cooking through? Ensure your pan heat is medium-low for even cooking, and that your batter is thoroughly blended. Avoid making the pancakes too large or thick, which can hinder proper cooking.
Conclusion
These healthy blender banana oatmeal pancakes truly are a breakfast dream come true. They are incredibly easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and deliver delicious flavor without any added sugar. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast, a special weekend treat, or a versatile meal prep option, these pancakes fit the bill. Make these simple banana oatmeal pancakes a staple in your kitchen and enjoy the goodness. Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us on social media using #bananaoatmealpancakes!