Healthy Oatmeal Pancakes

These oatmeal pancakes are healthy and one of my kid’s absolute favorite breakfasts.   This recipe is also pretty easy to throw together with only 6 ingredients. 

 

I originally got this recipe from a friend years ago and have tweaked a few things through the years. 

 

If you are looking for a healthier yet simpler version of pancakes to satisfy your sweet breakfast cravings, these are definitely for you!

 

Please leave comments on how this goes for you and if you do any substitutions, I’m always game for ways to change things up!

 

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Why Should You Make Your Breakfast?

 

Making your breakfast has numerous benefits, both for your health and your wallet, while also giving you control over what goes into your body.

 

It is an empowering activity that sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

 

1. Better Control Over Ingredients

When you prepare your breakfast, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. You can choose fresh, whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, instead of relying on processed or pre-packaged breakfast options.

 

Commercial breakfast items such as cereals, granola bars, and pastries often contain added sugars, preservatives, and seed oils.  By making your breakfast, you can opt for healthier alternatives that meet your dietary preferences, be it low-carb, gluten-free, or vegan.

 

You can also experiment with different spices, flavors, and textures, ensuring that your meal is not only nutritious but also enjoyable.

 

 

2. Cost-Effective

Eating out or purchasing pre-made breakfast items can quickly add up, especially if you’re buying coffee, pastries, or ready-to-eat meals daily.  If you don’t believe me, track your eating out expenses for one week and you’ll see how quickly it all adds up!

 

Making your breakfast is a cost-effective alternative. Basic breakfast ingredients such as eggs, oats, yogurt, fruits, and bread are generally affordable and can last for multiple meals.

 

By cooking at home, you can save a significant amount of money in the long run, allowing you to invest in higher-quality ingredients or other important areas of your life.

 

 

3. Supports a Balanced Diet

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. A nutritious breakfast sets the stage for sustained energy, improved concentration, and a stable metabolism throughout the day.

 

Preparing your meal allows you to ensure that you’re including the right balance of macronutrients—protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates—in your morning meal. This balance helps keep blood sugar levels stable, prevents mid-morning crashes, and keeps hunger at bay until your next meal.

 

Whether it’s these oatmeal pancakes, scrambled eggs with avocado, a smoothie with greens and protein powder, or a bowl of oatmeal with nuts and fruit, a homemade breakfast is a great opportunity to nourish your body and your family with wholesome food.

 

4. Encourages Healthy Habits

When you make breakfast at home, you’re less likely to skip it altogether or opt for sugary, nutrient-poor options. It encourages you to prioritize healthy habits from the start of the day.

 

A homemade breakfast provides structure and routine, helping to foster a more consistent eating pattern. Starting the day with a nutritious meal can also set the tone for the rest of your meals, promoting healthier eating choices throughout the day.

 

Why oatmeal pancakes instead of regular? 

 

Why not?! Sometimes it is just nice to have something different for a change.  This is a recipe I thought my kids would not be fooled by.  I figured they would take one bite and say No way, mom. 

 

Quite the contrary, they tried it, loved it, and keep begging for more!  Now I always make a double batch so I can throw some in the freezer for those quick breakfasts on busy school mornings. 

 

Why you will love this healthy version of oatmeal pancakes

 

Do you ever dread making pancakes in the morning because you know you’ll use so many dishes?  Well, this recipe is great because you throw it all in the blender!

 

I love that part for a few reasons: 1. It’s one piece of kitchen equipment.  2. It pours great, so no ladle and big mess by my stove top. In addition, the following are even more reasons you will love this recipe. 

 

Easy

 

With only 6 ingredients, this recipe comes together in a snap. I throw everything in the blender at once, so no additional bowls or spoons are needed. 

 

Healthy

 

This recipe is gluten-free if you use ggluten-freeoats, which are easy to find.   And there is no sugar, just the sweetness of the ripe bananas!

 

Make Ahead

 

You can easily make a double batch of these pancakes and freeze them for a later date.  Just separate them with parchment paper so they don’t freeze stuck together. 

 

When you are ready to eat them, take them out of the freezer, throw them in the toaster, and poof, you’ve got pancakes for breakfast! 

 

Tools You Could Need

 

Cast Iron Griddle

 

I currently cook them on a cast iron griddle on the stove too, and the flavor is much better than the nonstick. You could, however, cook them on any type of skillet. 

 

 

Measuring Cups and Spoons

 

Stainless steel for the win here.  

 

Spatula

 

This brand is awesome.  You get 4 shapes with this pack, and you will use them daily, I promise. 

 

Blender

 

I have had this Ninja blender for almost 7 years, and it still works pretty great!  Any blender will work, but not a asingle-cupp one, it won’t be big enough.  

 

And you do need to blend it all; otherwise, your oats will be too big. The blender helps to grind them into more of a quick oat, which cooks faster. 

 

Ingredients For Healthy Oatmeal Pancakes

 

• Gluten Free Rolled Oats

 

Not quick cooking oats.  I get mine from Costco, but any brand will work.  Just make sure to look for gluten-free if you are sensitive. 

 

• Cinnamon

 

• Baking Soda

 

• Bananas

 

Ripe is best.  I have used barely ripe, and they still turn out great. 

 

• Milk

 

Regular or any non-dairy variety will work.  I usually use almond milk. 

 

• Vanilla Extract

 

This adds even a little more flavor.

 

• Eggs

 

Local eggs are always the best. 

 

How To Make Oatmeal Pancakes

 

• Heat your nonstick griddle.  You want this to be hot by the time you put the batter on here.  I usually start it at medium high and then decrease to medium low when I start cooking.

 

• In a large blender, add the oats, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, baking soda, bananas, and milk. Blend at a high speed until all ingredients are incorporated well, about 1 minute or so.

 

• Using the spout of the blender, carefully pour about a ¼ cup of batter on your griddle for each pancake. 

 

• Let them cook for at least one minute or until you see small bubbles forming in the pancakes.  

Pro Tip: pulse the blender in between cooking sessions, this ensures everything stays mixed well and you don’t end up with some flat pancakes and other super poofy ones!

• Flip each pancake and cook for another minute or until cooked through. 

 

• Remove the cooked pancakes to a plate and serve immediately with butter and maple syrup. 

 

• If you need to keep them warm, you can put them in the oven at 200 degrees.

Storage

 

Store any leftover pancakes in the freezer.  I find they keep best here rather than tin he fridge. They will be good for up to 3 months!

Pro Tip: Cut out parchment paper to put in between each pancake and then put them into a freezer safe container or a large zip lock bag. 

FAQ

 

• Can I use quick cooking oats?  

 

Honestly, I’ve never done it, but I would assume it would work okay as you’re blending the regular ones anyway.  

 

• What types of milk can I use? 

 

Any!  I have done this with almond, oat,t, and coconut and had great results with each.

 

• Can I add chocolate chips? 

Es, but I would do it after blending so they don’t get chopped up. But maybe both ways would be good.