5 Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast, look no further than these 5 ingredient banana oat pancakes. Not only are they a family favorite, they’re so easy to make and are packed full of yummy nutrients like fiber, potassium and protein.
I’ve always loved the experience of making pancakes. I remember my Mom and Dad making us little Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes sprinkled with blueberries or chocolate chips for eyes. The memories of cooking with my parents and making it fun, has had a major influence on my love of the kitchen.
As a Registered Dietitian, I love developing nutrient-rich recipes that are easy to make and can be batch meal prepped (so you have extra on hand for those days when you don’t have time to cook) and this recipe checks all the boxes – 5 main household ingredients, less than 20 minutes to make, and a great source of fiber, potassium and protein. What else could you ask for?
How to Make This Delicious Breakfast
This recipe was created while I was babysitting my niece in Hawaii. Some recipes are created with intention and others are just impromptu experiments that end up working out perfectly. This one is the latter. I’m so glad these were so dang delicious because these pancakes have become a staple in our household. Plus they use one of my fave pantry staples – rolled oats. I love putting these in everything like zucchini chocolate chip muffins, baked chocolate oats or beet overnight oats. These small but mighty grains add a boost of fiber and protein to any recipe!
What you’ll need:
- Ripe banana
- Large egg
- Milk
- Rolled oats (you can also grind these up into oat flour if you prefer a softer consistency)
- Cinnamon
- Dark chocolate chips
- Seasalt
To make the batter: Mash the banana in a bowl until it forms into a smooth paste. Mix in the egg, milk, oats and cinnamon until well combined (be careful not to overstir). Fold in the chocolate chips and seasalt.
To cook: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat (or turn a non-stick griddle on medium heat). Spoon the batter onto the pan or griddle to form small pancakes (I like using a measuring cup for this). Cook for a few minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Serve hot, topped with your favorite fruit and some maple syrup.
These pancakes are so delicious and satisfying and are a great way to start your day off on the right foot.
Are these Oat Pancakes Gluten Free?
Yes! All of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free including rolled oats. That being said both the oats and cinnamon can be processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and other gluten-containing grains, which can lead to cross-contamination.
To be sure that your ingredients are gluten-free, look for packaging that specifically says “gluten-free”.
If you’re looking for more gluten-free breakfast inspo, try this delicious chocolate baked oatmeal, these wholesome baked banana oatmeal cups, or my nutritious strawberry breakfast crumble.
Dietary Notes
Banana oat pancakes can offer a number of dietary benefits. Some of the potential benefits of these pancakes include:
Whole grain oats: Oats are a whole grain, which means they are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help to promote heart health, balance blood sugars and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart-healthy fats: The egg in these pancakes provides a source of heart-healthy fats, which can help to support heart health and lower cholesterol levels.
Protein: The egg, milk and oats add some protein which helps keep us feeling full and can help build and repair tissues in the body.
Nutrient-rich bananas: Bananas are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. They also contain natural sugars that can provide a source of energy and help balance our blood sugars and mood.
Can You Overmix the Batter?
Yes, it is possible to overmix pancake batter, including this one. This can lead to tough and chewy pancakes, rather than the light and fluffy texture you most likely desire.
When making banana oat pancake batter, it’s important to mix the ingredients just until they are well combined. To avoid overmixing, I recommend combining the ingredients by hand using a whisk or fork, rather than an electric mixer.
Can You Use Oat Flour Instead of Whole Oats?
Yes, you definitely can use oat flour instead of whole oats in this pancake recipe. Oat flour is made by grinding rolled oats into a fine powder (learn how to make it here), and it can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour in many recipes, including pancakes.
To use oat flour in banana oatmeal pancakes, simply replace the rolled oats in the recipe with an equal amount of oat flour.
Keep in mind that using oat flour will result in a slightly different texture than using rolled oats. Oat flour is finer and more powdery than rolled oats, so the pancakes made with oat flour may turn out slightly denser and more tender than those made with rolled oats.
How to Meal Prep & Freeze Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Batch prepping and freezing cooked pancakes is a great way to save time and ensure you have a nutritious breakfast option on hand when you’re short on time. I highly recommend doubling the recipe and freezing half so you enjoy them at a later time.
To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, lay on a parchment-lined baking sheet lined and place in the freezer for about one hour, or until they are solid.
Once the banana oat pancakes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 30 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a toaster oven or on a pan over medium heat.
If you love batch prepping or want to meal prep more, try these freezer-friendly no-bake granola bars or check out this list of more healthy meal prep breakfast recipe ideas here!
Delicious Toppings to Try
There are many tasty toppings that can be used to elevate the flavor and nutritional profile of this recipe. Some of the best toppings include:
Fresh fruit: Try topping your pancakes with sliced bananas, berries, or other fresh fruit for a burst of natural sweetness and flavor.
Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle your pancakes with chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds, for more crunch and satiating healthy fats.
Nut butters: Drizzle your pancakes with a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter for added protein and healthy fats.
Honey or maple syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to your pancakes and pairs well with the banana and oat flavors. Don’t be afraid to add sugar to a recipe – sugars are a great way to help balance blood sugar levels and can increase your overall enjoyment when eating the pancakes.
Greek yogurt: Top your pancakes with a dollop of plain or flavored Greek yogurt for some additional protein and creaminess.
Some Fun Ways to Serve Pancakes
Pancakes bring up so much nostalgia for me. From the mickey-mouse shaped ones my parents used to make to all the fun toppings and fillings you can use to make them different each time. Here are a few ideas to make your breakfast a little more fun:
Stack them high and top them with your favorite toppings. You can create a tower of pancakes and then drizzle them with syrup, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or top them with fresh fruit and nuts.
Make a pancake bar and let your guests create their own pancakes by choosing from a variety of toppings. Set out bowls of fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and syrups, so everyone can build their perfect pancake breakfast.
Make mini pancakes or fun-shaped pancakes (you can even use Mickey cookie cutters) for a fun and delish breaky.
Happy Eating!
5 Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: North American
Description
A marrying of two breakfast favorites, pancakes and oatmeal, this super simple recipe is perfect to get the little ones in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- ⅔ cup oats (you can also grind these up into oat flour if you prefer a softer consistency)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon, ground
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Heat your oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Meanwhile, add your banana to a medium mixing bowl and mash with the back of a fork until a thick paste is formed.
- Add remaining ingredients to the bowls and mix gently until well combined.
- Spoon 1-2 heaping tablespoons of your mixture into the pan for each pancake, depending on how big you want them. You may need to do a couple of batches depending on how big your pan is.
- Once the pancakes becomes nice and golden brown, flip them over. Once the second side is also golden, dish up and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, dollop of yogurt, fresh fruit or any other desired toppings!
Notes
I make these without any added sweetener, I find the sweetness of the banana and chocolate chips to be enough but you could always add a dash of honey or maple syrup if you like them a little sweeter.
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Best pancakes I have ever eaten!! These were so good and tasty! I really recommend this recipe!
This just made my day Sarah!! Thank you for the kind words and I’m so happy you loved them!! They also freeze really well for a quick weekday brekkie!
I appreciate a simple and minimal ingredient pancake recipe – this was so yum! They turned out awesome.
Yay! Thank you for sharing Jenna! So glad you liked it!