Banana Oat Pancakes Recipe
If you’re craving a breakfast that feels both comforting and nourishing, then these Banana Oat Pancakes are about to become your new best friend. Imagine fluffy, golden pancakes infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the hearty goodness of oats. They’re super easy to whip up and bring together a perfect harmony of taste and texture that’ll have you reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a cozy weekend brunch, these Banana Oat Pancakes are a delightful way to start your day with energy and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for these Banana Oat Pancakes are just a handful of simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out the best in every bite. From the naturally sweet banana to the wholesome oats, each component adds flavor, texture, or a little lift to make your pancakes truly special.
- Ripe banana: The star of the show that adds sweetness and moisture, making syrup optional.
- Rolled oats: Gives the pancakes a hearty texture and wholesome flavor while keeping them gluten-friendly if using certified oats.
- Egg: Binds everything together and lends a fluffy, rich structure.
- Milk: Adds moisture and lightness; use your favorite variety for a custom twist.
- Baking powder: Provides the lift, ensuring your pancakes come out soft and airy rather than dense.
How to Make Banana Oat Pancakes
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Start by tossing your ripe banana, rolled oats, egg, milk, and baking powder into a blender or food processor. Blend until you get a smooth batter with no lumps in sight. This blending step is where everything comes together, creating the perfect pancake mixture that’s smooth but still thick enough to hold its shape on the griddle.
Step 2: Heat Your Pan
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and let it warm up. A well-heated pan is key to achieving those beautifully golden crusts on your Banana Oat Pancakes. You can lightly grease the surface with a little butter or oil if you like, but these pancakes often work beautifully even without extra fat.
Step 3: Cook Your Pancakes
Pour small portions of the batter onto the heated pan, about 2-3 inches wide each, to allow space for flipping. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting heat as necessary to avoid burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once all your Banana Oat Pancakes are cooked to fluffy perfection, it’s time to plate them up and add your favorite toppings or sides. They’re ready to brighten up your morning!
How to Serve Banana Oat Pancakes
Garnishes
These pancakes are a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas echo the natural sweetness, while a drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup adds a sticky, delightful finish. For a little crunch and flavor contrast, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn your plate into a feast, consider serving your Banana Oat Pancakes alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a savory touch. A dollop of Greek yogurt can add creaminess and protein, balancing the sweet and hearty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Banana Oat Pancakes high and slit between layers with a smear of nut butter or fruit compote for a layered effect that looks as good as it tastes. Or transform them into mini pancake sandwiches with cream cheese and a drizzle of jam for a fun party treat or lunchbox surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry because Banana Oat Pancakes store beautifully. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When stored properly, they retain their softness and flavor, making for a quick grab-and-go breakfast the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, these pancakes freeze wonderfully. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to defrost just what you need, anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your Banana Oat Pancakes in a toaster or microwave. A toaster will keep edges a little crispy, while the microwave softens them quickly. If you want to bring back a bit of that freshly-cooked charm, warming them briefly in a hot skillet works like a charm too.
FAQs
Can I make these Banana Oat Pancakes vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg substitute and use plant-based milk instead of dairy. The texture might be a tiny bit different but still delicious and wholesome.
Do I need to peel the banana before blending?
Yes, always peel your banana before adding it to the blender. The peel is bitter and tough, so using just the sweet, ripe fruit ensures the best flavor and texture.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but rolled oats tend to give a better texture because they are less processed. Instant oats might make your batter thinner and your pancakes a bit softer or denser.
Is it necessary to use baking powder in this recipe?
While you can make the pancakes without baking powder, including it helps create lightness and fluffiness so your Banana Oat Pancakes don’t turn out too dense or heavy.
How ripe should the banana be?
The riper the banana, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots—they’re sweeter and blend more easily, creating the natural sweetness and creamy texture that make these pancakes so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about sinking your teeth into a stack of warm Banana Oat Pancakes made from scratch. They’re fast, simple, and deeply satisfying with flavors that speak to both your taste buds and your body. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these pancakes are a wonderful way to make breakfast the best meal of the day. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making Banana Oat Pancakes a new favorite tradition.
