Ingredients

• 2 cups Old Fashioned rolled oats
• ¼ cup plain or vanilla yogurt (Greek or whole milk work)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted (or grapeseed/olive oil)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

Directions

1. Blend the Batter: In a blender, combine the oats, yogurt, eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Blend on high until a smooth batter forms.
2. Add the Bananas: Mash the bananas separately, then stir them into the blender with a spatula. If the batter is too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk until it is pourable.
3. Preheat the Skillet: Lightly grease a skillet with butter and wipe off excess with a paper towel. Heat over low heat.
4. Cook the Pancakes: Pour the batter into small circles. Cook until bubbles pop on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
5. Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

These Banana Oatmeal Pancakes are an easy, nutritious breakfast option that tastes just like banana bread! Perfect for a quick weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally Gluten-Free: Since the recipe uses oats instead of flour, it’s a great option for those avoiding gluten.
• Refined Sugar-Free Option: Sweetened naturally with bananas and an optional touch of brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Easy to Make: Everything is blended into a smooth batter, making the process quick and mess-free.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: Unlike some oat-based pancakes that can be dense, this recipe creates light and fluffy pancakes.
• Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak in nutritious ingredients while still serving a delicious breakfast.

The Secret to Perfect Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These pancakes are different from traditional ones made with flour, so a few key steps ensure the best results:

• Use a Blender for a Smooth Batter: Blending the oats with the wet ingredients creates a smoother, more cohesive batter that mimics traditional pancake batter.
• Let the Batter Rest: Oats absorb liquid over time, so letting the batter sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows it to thicken slightly.
• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
• Cook on Low Heat: Since these pancakes are naturally more delicate, cooking them over low heat ensures even cooking without burning.

How Oats Make These Pancakes Healthier

Oats are a fantastic alternative to traditional flour in pancakes, offering numerous health benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
• Heart-Healthy: Oats help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is safe for those avoiding gluten.
• Slow-Releasing Carbohydrates: Unlike refined flour, oats provide sustained energy, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Choosing the Right Oats for the Recipe

Not all oats work the same way in pancakes. Here’s what to use and what to avoid:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Best choice, as they blend smoothly into the batter while maintaining a light texture.
• Quick Oats: Can be used but may result in a slightly thicker batter.
• Steel-Cut Oats: Not recommended, as they don’t blend as easily and can make the pancakes too dense.

Dairy and Sweetener Options

This recipe is highly flexible when it comes to dairy and sweeteners, making it easy to adjust to dietary preferences:

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar.
• Lower Fat Alternative: Replace melted butter with unsweetened applesauce or coconut oil.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be served with various toppings to suit your taste:

• Classic Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness.
• Fresh Fruits: Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries add color and extra nutrients.
• Nut Butters: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for added protein.
• Toasted Nuts & Seeds: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or chia seeds add crunch and healthy fats.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt makes the pancakes creamy and extra satisfying.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These pancakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a healthy breakfast throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Pancakes last up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds per pancake.
• Toaster Oven: Toast for a few minutes to restore crispness.
• Skillet: Warm over low heat with a touch of butter for a freshly-made taste.

How to Make This Recipe Vegan

For a completely plant-based version, follow these swaps:

• Replace Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or mashed bananas as a binding agent.
• Use Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk works perfectly.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt: Swap Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-Blending the Batter: While blending is essential, overdoing it can make the pancakes dense. Blend just until smooth.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the batter sit for a few minutes helps thicken it and improves texture.
• Cooking Over High Heat: A low-to-medium heat setting ensures the pancakes cook through without burning.
• Flipping Too Early: Wait until bubbles form and the edges look set before flipping to prevent breakage.

Health Benefits of Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These pancakes aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with nutrients that make them a healthy breakfast choice:

• Bananas for Natural Sweetness & Potassium: Helps maintain heart health and energy levels.
• Oats for Fiber & Satiety: Keeps you full longer and supports digestion.
• Eggs for Protein: Provides essential amino acids for muscle repair.
• Greek Yogurt for Probiotics & Calcium: Strengthens bones and promotes gut health.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to experiment with different flavors? Here are some delicious ways to customize your Banana Oatmeal Pancakes:

• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in dark chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
• Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: Add ½ tsp cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for a fall-inspired twist.
• Coconut Banana Pancakes: Mix in shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
• Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: Add grated apple and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Protein-Packed Pancakes: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra protein boost.

Conclusion

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make breakfast that provides lasting energy and essential nutrients. Made with wholesome oats and naturally sweet bananas, they are a great alternative to traditional pancakes, offering fiber, protein, and healthy carbohydrates without the need for refined flour.