Oatmeal Pancakes (Without Banana) are a hearty and wholesome start to your morning. These pancakes bring together the warm, nutty flavor of oats with a soft, fluffy texture that everyone loves. Without banana, they have a nice, straightforward taste that makes them a great base for your favorite toppings, whether it’s syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt.
I really enjoy this recipe because it feels like a little wholesome treat that’s simple to whip up. The oats give just enough texture and substance to keep me satisfied longer, and since there’s no banana, it’s perfect for anyone who’s not a fan or just wants something different. Plus, it’s easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, which is always a win in my books.
One of my favorite ways to serve these pancakes is with a drizzle of honey and some sliced strawberries, but they’re just as good with peanut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. I love making a big stack on a slow weekend morning and enjoying them with a cup of coffee or tea. These pancakes have a special way of making the morning feel cozy and just a little bit extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These give the pancakes their hearty texture and mild nutty flavor. If you prefer a finer texture, try quick oats, but avoid steel-cut oats as they don’t soften well in this batter.
Milk: Dairy milk works great, but plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy are perfect substitutes. Choose unsweetened if you want to control the sweetness.
Egg: It helps bind the ingredients and adds fluffiness. For a vegan option, try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, set for 5 mins).
Flour: All-purpose or whole wheat flour can be used. Whole wheat adds a nice, nutty flavor and extra fiber. Gluten-free flour blends can be swapped for gluten-free pancakes.
Baking Powder & Cinnamon: Baking powder is key for fluffiness. Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy note, but it’s optional if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
How Do You Get Light, Fluffy Pancakes with Oats?
The secret to tender pancakes with oats is soaking and gentle mixing.
- Soak oats in milk for 10-15 minutes to soften them. This helps the oats blend better and keeps the pancakes tender.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make pancakes tough.
- Let the batter rest a few minutes to thicken and allow the flour to absorb moisture.
- Cook on medium heat, so pancakes cook through without burning outside.
- Wait for bubbles to form and edges to dry before flipping to avoid breaking them.
These tips help you get the cozy texture of oatmeal pancakes that aren’t too dense or crumbly. Enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for soaking oats and mixing batter separately, makes combining easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you keep the right balance of ingredients every time.
- Whisk or fork – great for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – cooks pancakes evenly and prevents sticking without extra oil.
- Spatula – to flip pancakes gently and keep them from breaking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to give your pancakes warm, cozy spice notes.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch and extra texture.
- Try adding chocolate chips for a treat that kids and adults both enjoy.
How to Make Oatmeal Pancakes (Without Banana)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pancakes:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
- Fresh blueberries or other fresh fruit
- Sliced almonds or nuts
- Maple syrup or honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes soaking the oats to soften them, then around 10 minutes for mixing and cooking the pancakes on your stove. It’s a quick and easy breakfast anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Oats:
In a medium bowl, mix the rolled oats with the milk. Let the oats soak for 10-15 minutes so they soften and blend better into the batter. This step makes your pancakes nice and tender.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup (if you want a touch of sweetness) to the oat mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, cinnamon (if using), and flour. Then, pour the dry ingredients into the wet oat mixture.
4. Mix the Batter:
Gently stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. Let the batter rest for a few minutes to thicken up. If the batter feels too thick, add a little milk to loosen it.
5. Cook the Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush lightly with vegetable oil or melted butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges look set—about 3-4 minutes.
6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the pancakes and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm. Repeat until all batter is used.
7. Serve Warm:
Stack your pancakes on a plate and top with fresh blueberries, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a delicious and wholesome breakfast.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Oats and Flour?
Yes! Just make sure your oats and flour are labeled gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten. The pancakes will turn out great with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Pancakes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or pop them briefly in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes), and use plant-based milk and oil or vegan butter for cooking.
What Can I Add to the Pancakes for Extra Flavor?
Try mixing in fresh berries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to boost flavor and texture without changing the basic recipe.
