Delicious 3-Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes: Your Easiest & Healthiest Breakfast
Simplify your mornings with these incredible banana oat pancakes! Requiring just three simple ingredients – a ripe banana, an egg, and oats – they come together quickly and effortlessly, delivering a fantastic flavor that kids (and adults!) will adore. This recipe is a perfect project for little helpers in the kitchen, making breakfast preparation a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for the whole family. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Imagine a morning where a wholesome, delicious breakfast is just minutes away. With these banana oat pancakes, that dream becomes a reality. All you need are a few staples you likely already have on hand: a ripe banana from your fruit bowl, an egg from the fridge, and some oats from your pantry. Not only are these pancakes incredibly easy to prepare, but they also offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that elevate simple ingredients into something truly special. They’re an excellent way to start the day, providing sustained energy and a satisfying meal.
Why These 3-Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes Are a Game-Changer
These pancakes are more than just a quick fix; they’re a revelation! The simple act of combining banana, egg, and oats creates a moist, tender pancake with a delicate caramelization on the outside. The natural sweetness of the banana shines through without being overwhelming, perfectly balanced by the earthy, slightly nutty flavor of the oats. This subtle sweetness means you don’t even need to add extra sugar to the batter. The oats also contribute a wonderful “nubbly” texture and a boost of healthy fiber, making these pancakes more substantial and fulfilling than many traditional recipes. They are a fantastic variation of our popular 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes, with the oats adding extra goodness and a slightly heartier feel. Whether served with a dollop of creamy yogurt, a medley of fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup, these banana oat pancakes promise a mouthwatering and satisfying breakfast experience every time.
The Simplicity of Key Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach. Each of the three core ingredients plays a vital role:
- Bananas: They provide natural sweetness, binding properties, and a wonderfully moist texture. Choose ripe bananas, but not overly brown ones, for the best results (see notes in the recipe card).
- Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the pancakes hold their shape and contributing to their light, fluffy consistency.
- Oats: Offer structure, a delightful chewiness, and a healthy dose of fiber. Quick oats are preferred for a smoother texture, but rolled oats work well too, offering a bit more bite. They also make these pancakes naturally gluten-free (ensure certified gluten-free oats if necessary) and dairy-free.
This clever combination proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly delicious and nutritious.
Cooking with Kids: A Rewarding Kitchen Adventure
Introducing children to the kitchen at a young age is one of the most enriching experiences, and these banana oat pancakes are the perfect starting point. Meet my enthusiastic new cooking companion, Caleb! At three and a half years old, he already has a profound love for cooking and is thrilled to assist with every step of this recipe.
Beyond his culinary talents, Caleb also enjoys reading books, exploring parks, and riding the garden tractor. Elephants are his favorite animals, and he’s fascinated by all kinds of construction machines – both his toy versions and the real ones. His hero is Rubble, the construction dog from Paw Patrol, and he dreams of becoming an excavator operator when he grows up. It’s clear that Caleb brings a joyful and focused energy to every activity, especially in the kitchen!
Caleb Makes Banana Oat Pancakes, and You Can, Too!
Caleb is surprisingly skilled in the kitchen for his age, and he’s eager to guide us through the straightforward process of making these delightful pancakes. Let’s get cooking!
First, grab a ripe banana. Caleb demonstrates how to carefully peel it, a great fine motor skill for kids to practice. Once peeled, break the banana into smaller pieces and place them on a plate. Now comes the fun part: mashing them up with a fork. Encourage your child to mash until most of the large lumps are gone, achieving a relatively smooth consistency. This step builds hand-eye coordination and strength.
Next, it’s time for the egg. Take a large egg and gently tap it on the edge of a bowl or counter to crack it. This can be a tricky but exciting activity for little ones, requiring just the right amount of force. Once cracked, drop the egg into the bowl. Caleb then takes a whisk and gets right into beating the egg until it’s light and frothy. This develops arm muscles and teaches the concept of mixing.
Now, combine the stars of the show! Add the mashed banana and the rolled oats to the beaten egg. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon can be added at this stage to introduce a warm, aromatic note. Stir everything together until just combined. Overmixing isn’t necessary; a few small banana lumps are perfectly fine and add character. Caleb proudly shows off his spoonful of batter, checking if it’s mixed “good enough.”
Finally, it’s time to cook! Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter, oil, or coconut oil. This step requires adult supervision, especially when handling hot surfaces. Ladle about two tablespoons of batter per pancake onto the hot skillet, ensuring there’s enough space between them for easy flipping. Flipping these delicate pancakes can be a bit tricky, often requiring an adult’s steady hand, but children can observe and learn. Cook until golden brown on both sides. We even tried making one batch plain and another with a hint of cinnamon, and honestly, we couldn’t decide which version we loved more!
There is immense joy in watching children discover the wonders of cooking. Observing their intense concentration as they learn new skills, followed by their sheer pride and satisfaction when they taste the finished dish, is one of the most rewarding experiences a parent or guardian can have. Spending time in the kitchen with children of all ages is a fantastic way to connect, create lasting memories, and foster invaluable life skills. Starting kids young not only teaches them about food preparation, but also instills a sense of pride and accomplishment that builds confidence and lays the groundwork for developing good habits and mastering new abilities. Moreover, it teaches them the simple, profound joy of good food prepared with love and enthusiasm, turning mealtime into a cherished family ritual.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These versatile banana oat pancakes are delicious on their own, but they also serve as a perfect canvas for customization. For a simple yet complete breakfast, serve them warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative) and a scattering of fresh fruit slices like oranges, berries, or more banana. For a touch of indulgence, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. You can also experiment with different toppings such as a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, a spoonful of berry compote, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. In terms of variations within the batter, consider adding a tiny splash of vanilla extract for extra aroma, a pinch of nutmeg for warmth, or a few mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat. These simple additions can transform the pancakes into a new experience each time, keeping breakfast exciting!
Guten Appetit! Enjoy your delightful, homemade breakfast!
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Looking for more fun and easy recipes to make with your little ones? Check out our dedicated section for Cooking with Kids recipes here. Discover how to make homemade Cloud Dough, a super fun and simple playdough, or join Caleb and me again as we bake delicious Jam Cookies. There’s always a new adventure waiting in the kitchen!
Banana Oat Pancakes
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
- 1 medium banana ripe, but not brown
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons/25gms) rolled oats, preferably quick oats gluten-free if necessary
- butter, oil, or coconut oil for frying
optional:
- a pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel the banana and mash it on a plate with a fork until no large lumps remain.
- Crack the egg into a bowl and beat it with a fork.
- Add the mashed banana and the oats to the beaten egg. (If using cinnamon, add it now.) Stir to combine.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of cooking fat (about 1 teaspoon) and spread it around to coat the surface of the pan.
- Ladle about 2 tablespoons of batter into the pan to make each pancake, making sure to leave space between them to turn the pancakes easily (make only 3 pancakes at a time if using a 10-inch skillet).
- Cook the pancakes until they are golden brown underneath (1-2 minutes) – you can lift up an edge of the pancake to peek underneath. Flip the pancakes carefully, as they are delicate. Cook them until the other side is golden brown, too
- Serve with yogurt and fruit slices, or butter and syrup.
- Makes 6 (3-inch) pancakes, serving 1 adult or 2 young children.
Notes
For even more effortless, kid-friendly meal and snack ideas, explore our full collection of ‘Cooking With Kids’ posts. We believe in making cooking an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone!
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