If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that’s both wholesome and downright delicious, you’ve just struck gold with this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe. I absolutely love how these pancakes come out fluffy, naturally sweetened, and packed with good-for-you ingredients—all made super easy in your blender. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or just craving a guilt-free weekend treat, this recipe ticks all the boxes and comes together in a snap.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Blender-Friendly: You throw everything in one go—no whisking or multiple bowls needed.
- Naturally Sweet: No added sugar—ripe bananas add perfect sweetness with a nutritious boost.
- Gluten-Free & Healthy: Oats provide fiber and make these pancakes hearty without refined flour.
- Family-Approved: My kids and hubby both go crazy for these—I bet your family will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like old friends—I love how the oats add a lovely texture while bananas bring natural sweetness, keeping it healthy without compromising on flavor. And the almond milk keeps it dairy-free but smooth. A quick tip: ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are key for maximum sweetness!
- Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are speckled or brown for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: They bind everything together—don’t skip them or the pancakes won’t hold.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Keeps it dairy-free; you can swap with any milk you like.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth—don’t underestimate this little flavor booster.
- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Make sure they’re rolled oats, not instant, for better texture and nutrition; gluten-free if needed.
- Baking Powder: Helps pancakes puff up—fresh is best here.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a cozy note that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Olive Oil: For cooking; lightly coats the pan so pancakes don’t stick.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I like to experiment with add-ins and toppings to keep breakfast exciting.
- Add-ins: Sometimes I toss in a handful of blueberries or chopped walnuts right into the batter. It adds a fun crunch and antioxidant punch.
- Vegan Version: You can swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk and vegan butter for cooking.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can warm up the flavors even more—perfect for fall mornings.
- Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra filling meal.
How to Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Blend it all together to an easy-smooth batter
Start by adding your ripe bananas, eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt right into your blender. I typically blend on high for about 30 seconds to a full minute until everything is completely smooth and creamy. This step is such a game-changer because it saves you from any mixing bowls or lumps. Once blended, let the batter hang out in the blender while your pan warms up—that way, the oats start to soften a bit, giving you a better texture come cooking time.
Step 2: Cook your pancakes on medium heat with care
Heat your griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil (or coconut oil if you prefer). Spoon about 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Watch for little bubbles forming at the edges and a slight puffing up—that’s your cue to flip. Usually, 2 to 4 minutes per side is perfect. If you notice your pancakes turning dark too fast or your pan starts smoking, don’t panic—you just need to lower the heat to medium-low. I’ve learned the hard way that patience is key here for that perfect golden brown.
Step 3: Repeat and enjoy!
After flipping, cook until the other side is golden and firm. Wipe the skillet clean if needed and add a touch more oil before continuing with the rest of your batter. This recipe makes about 9 pancakes, which usually serves 3 people nicely—perfect for a family breakfast or a cozy brunch with friends.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
- Banana Ripeness Matters: The sweeter and more spotted the banana, the better flavor and natural sweetness you get—don’t use underripe bananas!
- Control Your Heat: Start medium and drop to medium-low to avoid burned pancakes with raw centers. This was a crucial lesson for me early on.
- Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to sit for a few minutes thickens it and improves texture—it gives those oats time to absorb moisture.
- Use a Non-stick or Well-Oiled Pan: A trusty skillet makes flipping a breeze, and you avoid the frustration of stubborn pancakes sticking.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about simple, fresh toppings here. I like to pile mine high with fresh berries, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and a sprinkle of chia or flaxseeds for an extra health kick. Sometimes a dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness beautifully. You’ll find these toppings turn your pancakes from everyday to celebration-worthy!
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve these pancakes alongside crispy turkey bacon or scrambled eggs for some savory contrast. A side of sliced avocado or a mixed green salad works great too if you want to keep it light but satisfying. It’s a tasty way to add balance and keep everyone happy at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For special mornings, like birthdays or weekend brunches, I like stacking the pancakes into a tall tower and threading fresh fruit skewers around them. Dust a little cinnamon on top and serve with a small pitcher of warm maple syrup on the side. It turns a simple pancake breakfast into a charming centerpiece that everyone rallies around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes? No problem! I like to cool them completely on a wire rack, then stack with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 2-3 days, making for super quick breakfasts or snacks during busy mornings.
Freezing
Freezing works beautifully for these pancakes. After cooking, place them on a baking sheet without touching and freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They last up to 3 months this way. It’s a lifesaver when you want homemade pancakes but no time to cook!
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, I microwave frozen pancakes for 30-60 seconds or until warm. Alternatively, popping them in a toaster works great and crisps up the edges nicely. Just avoid reheating them too long or they’ll dry out—quick and gentle heat is the trick.
FAQs
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Can I make this Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit until gelled) and use plant-based milk and vegan-friendly oil or butter for cooking. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
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Do I need a blender to make these pancakes?
While the blender makes the process super quick and ensures a smooth batter, you can also mash the bananas well and whisk the ingredients by hand. The oats might give a bit more texture if not blended fully, but they’ll still taste great.
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Can I substitute rolled oats with oat flour?
Yes! If you don’t have oats handy, oat flour works perfectly and might produce a softer pancake. Just use the same quantity measured by weight for best results.
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How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned skillet and lightly oil it before cooking each batch. Also, avoid flipping too early—the pancake edges should look set and bubbles puff around the sides before flipping.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe has become one of my go-to breakfasts because it’s nourishing, quick, and so friendly to customize. I love sharing it with my family on lazy weekend mornings and knowing we’re fueling up with something wholesome that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll have a new favorite that’s as comforting as it is healthy—give it a go and see for yourself!
Print
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 pancakes (serves 3)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes are a nutritious, easy-to-make breakfast option that combines ripe bananas, rolled oats, and wholesome ingredients blended together and cooked on the stovetop. Naturally sweetened and gluten free if using gluten free oats, these pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weekday meal or weekend treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas (best when they have lots of brown spots)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup (120g) unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (143g) old fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let the batter sit in your blender while you heat your pan up to allow oats to absorb some liquid and thicken batter slightly.
- Heat Pan: Lightly coat a griddle or non-stick skillet with olive oil (or coconut oil or vegan butter if preferred) and place over medium heat. Allow the pan to become hot but not smoking.
- Cook Pancakes: For each pancake, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the heated griddle. Cook for 2-4 minutes or until pancakes puff slightly and bubbles form along the edges, signaling they are ready to flip.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the undersides are golden brown. Adjust heat to medium-low if pancakes brown too fast or pan begins to smoke.
- Repeat and Serve: Wipe skillet clean if needed, add more oil, and continue cooking remaining batter. This recipe yields approximately 9 pancakes, serving 3 people with 3 pancakes each.
Notes
- To freeze pancakes: Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet ensuring they don’t touch and freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer frozen pancakes to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen pancakes by placing them on a plate and microwaving for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.
- Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots to maximize sweetness and flavor without adding sugar.
- For gluten-free pancakes, ensure oats are certified gluten free.
- Adjust the pan temperature as needed to avoid burning and to achieve even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pancakes
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg