Start your day with these wholesome, naturally sweetened oat pancakes that prove healthy eating can be delicious. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these pancakes offer a perfect balance of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness from apples. They’re ideal for health-conscious individuals, those watching their sugar intake, or anyone looking for a nutritious breakfast option.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes
- Oatmeal: 150g (1.5 cups)
- Apple: 250g (1 large)
- Plant milk or cow’s milk: 300ml (1.5 cups)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Olive oil: for cooking
Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries
- Greek yogurt
- Nut butter
- Cinnamon
- Fresh apple slices
- Maple syrup (if desired)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (10 minutes)
- Grind oatmeal into a fine flour:
- Use a food processor or grinder
- Process until texture resembles fine flour
- Set aside
- Prepare the apple:
- Wash apple thoroughly
- Keep peel on for extra fiber and nutrients
- Cut into small, even pieces (about 1cm/0.4inch)
- Place in a pot with lid
Cooking Process (15-20 minutes)
Cook the Apple (5 minutes)
- Place pot with apple pieces over medium-low heat
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Apple should be tender but not mushy
- Set aside to cool slightly
Make the Batter (5 minutes)
- In a blender combine:
- Ground oatmeal
- Cooked apple pieces
- Milk of choice
- Eggs
- Blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth
- Transfer to a bowl
- Let rest for 5 minutes to thicken
Cook the Pancakes (10 minutes)
- Heat a non-stick pan over low heat
- Add a small amount of olive oil
- Pour approximately 1 tablespoon batter per pancake
- Cook 2-3 minutes until bubbles form
- Flip and cook 2 minutes more
- Repeat with remaining batter
Nutritional Information (per serving of 3 pancakes)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 6g (naturally occurring)
- Iron: 1.2mg
- Calcium: 85mg
Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 12-14 small pancakes
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Perfect Oat Flour:
- Grind oats in small batches for finest texture
- Use rolled oats rather than quick oats
- Store extra ground oats in airtight container
- Batter Success:
- Don’t skip the resting time
- Batter should be slightly thick but pourable
- Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time if too thick
- Cooking Excellence:
- Maintain low heat for even cooking
- Watch for bubbles before flipping
- Use minimal oil to keep pancakes healthy
Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit Options:
- Mashed banana instead of apple
- Grated pear
- Applesauce
- Mixed berries
- Milk Alternatives:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
- Egg Substitutes:
- Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)
- Chia eggs
- Commercial egg replacer
- Add-Ins:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Nutmeg
- Protein powder
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Cook pancakes and store in an airtight container:
- Refrigerator: 2-3 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
Reheat in toaster or microwave.
Why are my pancakes not cooking through?
Common issues and solutions:
- Heat too high: reduce temperature
- Batter too thick: add more milk
- Pan not preheated: wait for pan to heat fully
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended as they won’t grind as finely. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for best results.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for these signs:
- Bubbles form on surface
- Edges begin to set
- Bottom is golden brown
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Stack with parchment paper between layers
- Freeze: Flash freeze individually, then store in freezer bag
- Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours
Make-Ahead Options:
- Prep Components:
- Grind oats ahead and store
- Cook apple and refrigerate
- Mix dry ingredients
- Batter Storage:
- Not recommended for more than 1 hour
- Make fresh for best results
- Reheating Methods:
- Toaster: 1-2 minutes
- Microwave: 20-30 seconds
- Skillet: Low heat briefly
These healthy oat pancakes offer a delicious way to start your day without refined flour or added sugar. Perfect for meal prep and suitable for various dietary needs, they prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. The natural sweetness from the apple combined with the hearty oats creates a satisfying breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the morning.
