Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These Banana Oatmeal Pancakes are a wholesome, naturally sweet, and delicious breakfast treat. They’re gluten-free, made with rolled oats instead of flour, and packed with the natural sweetness of bananas. With their soft texture and warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, they make for a satisfying and nourishing start to the day!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium very ripe bananas (the peel should have lots of brown specs or even be solid black for maximum sweetness)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Unsalted butter, for the pan
• Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the Batter:

• Add all ingredients—bananas, eggs, almond milk, vanilla, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg—to a blender. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter sit for a few minutes while you preheat your pan or griddle.

2. Cook the Pancakes:

• Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with a small amount of unsalted butter. Once the pan is hot, pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the surface for each pancake.
• Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the pancakes puff up, bubbles form, and begin to pop. Flip them gently and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Adjust the heat if the pancakes brown too quickly to avoid burning.

3. Serve:

• Wipe the pan clean between batches, adding more butter as needed. Serve your pancakes warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and extra banana slices, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• Ripe Bananas are Key: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Overripe bananas that are mostly brown or black will give the best results.
• Oat Substitutions: If you prefer, you can substitute rolled oats with quick oats, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Dairy Alternatives: Almond milk keeps this recipe dairy-free, but feel free to use any milk you prefer, such as cow’s milk or oat milk.
• Add-ins: For an extra treat, stir in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or blueberries into the batter before cooking.

This banana oatmeal pancake recipe is a healthier twist on classic pancakes, with added fiber and nutrients from the oats and bananas. Whether topped with syrup, fruit, or even peanut butter, they’re sure to become a breakfast favorite!