Baby Led Weaning Pancakes (Oatmeal Banana Pancakes)

40 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.


These oatmeal banana pancakes are soft, fluffy, and naturally sweetened with ripe banana. They’re made with rolled oats and a few simple ingredients that blend together in minutes for an easy breakfast or snack!

Oatmeal banana pancakes served with berries.
Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and helps keep the pancakes soft and tender, while oats give them structure and make up the base of the batter. A little cinnamon and vanilla add flavor without overpowering the banana. Everything comes together right in the blender, so there’s no need for multiple bowls or extra prep. Serve these pancakes on their own or pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, nut butter, or your favorite pancake toppings for an easy breakfast the whole family can enjoy.

Looking for more easy pancake recipes? You’ll love these pear pancakes, peanut butter oatmeal pancakes, and cinnamon apple pancakes for more simple breakfast ideas.

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need to make these oatmeal banana pancakes:

Ingredients to make oatmeal banana pancakes. Specifics provided in recipe card.
  • Banana: Use a very ripe banana for the best natural sweetness and banana flavor. The banana also adds moisture and helps keep the pancakes soft and tender.
  • Rolled Oats: Make up the base of the pancake batter and give the pancakes structure. I like using old-fashioned rolled oats.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the pancakes structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warm flavor that pairs well with the banana.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds extra flavor and complements the banana and cinnamon.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

  • Banana: I recommend using an overripe banana with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness. Since bananas can vary in size, aim for about ½ cup (115–120 grams) of mashed banana for the most consistent results.
  • Rolled Oats: Quick oats may also work, but I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats. If you need these pancakes to be gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
  • Egg: For an egg-free option, a flax egg would be the first substitute I’d test (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken before adding it to the blender. I would test this with the reformulated recipe before adding it to the live post.
  • Cinnamon: You can leave the cinnamon out if you prefer or replace it with a small pinch of another warm spice such as nutmeg.
  • Vanilla: This can be omitted if you don’t have any on hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Steps to make oatmeal banana pancakes. See recipe card for detailed step by step process instructions.

STEP 1: Add all of the ingredients to a high-powered blender (placing wet ingredients like the banana and egg closest to the blade) and blend until the mixture is completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.

STEP 2: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.

STEP 3: Scoop small amounts of batter onto the heated skillet to form pancakes. Keep the pancakes fairly small so that they cook evenly and are easy to flip.

STEP 4: Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the edges look set and the pancakes release easily from the pan.

STEP 5: Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed.

Oatmeal banana pancakes cut into star shapes

Storage Instructions

Let the oatmeal banana pancakes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the cooled pancakes in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. You can place parchment paper between the pancakes to prevent them from sticking together or flash-freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat refrigerated or frozen pancakes in the microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or skillet until warmed through.

Oatmeal banana pancakes served with berries.

Tips For Success

  • Use a very ripe banana. Since there isn’t any added sweetener in these pancakes, an overripe banana with plenty of brown spots gives you the best natural sweetness and banana flavor.
  • Placing the wet ingredients closest to the blades helps the oats blend more easily and creates a smoother batter. Blend until completely smooth. Give the oats enough time to fully break down so that the pancakes have a smooth, tender texture rather than noticeable pieces of oats.
  • Don’t add extra liquid right away. The banana and egg should provide enough moisture to blend the batter. If your blender is struggling even after stopping and scraping down the sides, add 1 tablespoon of milk/dairy-free milk and blend again.
  • Cook over medium-low heat. Banana can cause the pancakes to brown quickly. Lower heat gives the centers enough time to cook through without the outsides getting too dark.
  • Oats absorb moisture as they sit, so the batter may become thicker while you’re cooking. If needed, stir in a small splash of milk/water.
Oatmeal banana pancakes served with a side of raspberries

Recipe FAQs

WHat type of banana is best for these oatmeal banana pancakes?

Use a very ripe or overripe banana with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be.

Can I use quick oats or steel-cut?

I recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. Quick oats are more processed and absorb moisture differently, which can change the consistency of the batter and the final texture of the pancakes. Steel-cut oats are much thicker and harder than rolled oats and won’t blend as smoothly, so the pancakes may have a coarse or gritty texture. For the best and most consistent results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.

Why is my batter so thick?

This batter is naturally thicker than traditional pancake batter because it’s made with oats and doesn’t contain milk. It should still be scoopable. If your banana was smaller or the batter becomes especially thick as it sits, stir in a small amount of water until it reaches a thick but scoopable consistency.

More Pancake Recipes You’ll Love

If you tried these Oatmeal Banana Pancakes, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing from you!

Oatmeal banana pancakes served with berries.
4.95 from 18 votes

Oatmeal Banana Pancakes

These oatmeal banana pancakes are soft, fluffy, and naturally sweetened with ripe banana. They're made with rolled oats and a few simple ingredients that blend together in minutes for an easy breakfast or snack!
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 8 minutes
Servings: 12 mini pancakes

Ingredients 

  • 1 medium ripe banana, about ½ cup mashed
  • ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • butter or oil, for greasing the pan, as needed
Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Instructions 

  • Add all of the ingredients to a high-powered blender (placing wet ingredients like the banana and egg closest to the blade) and blend until the mixture is completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
  • Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
  • Scoop small amounts of batter onto the heated skillet to form pancakes. Keep the pancakes fairly small so that they cook evenly and are easy to flip.
  • Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the edges look set and the pancakes release easily from the pan.
  • Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed.

Notes

  • Use a very ripe banana. Since there isn’t any added sweetener in these pancakes, an overripe banana with plenty of brown spots gives you the best natural sweetness and banana flavor.
  • Placing the wet ingredients closest to the blades helps the oats blend more easily and creates a smoother batter. Blend until completely smooth. Give the oats enough time to fully break down so that the pancakes have a smooth, tender texture rather than noticeable pieces of oats.
  • Don’t add extra liquid right away. The banana and egg should provide enough moisture to blend the batter. If your blender is struggling even after stopping and scraping down the sides, add 1 tablespoon of milk/dairy-free milk and blend again.
  • Cook over medium-low heat. Banana can cause the pancakes to brown quickly. Lower heat gives the centers enough time to cook through without the outsides getting too dark.
  • Oats absorb moisture as they sit, so the batter may become thicker while you’re cooking. If needed, stir in a small splash of milk/water.

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Trans Fat: 0.002g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 65mg, Potassium: 53mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 26IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Until next time, Lily!

About Lily Payen

Hi, I’m Lily! The mama behind Feeding Tiny Bellies. I’m here to help you take some of the stress out of meal times for your little ones. My goal is to create simple recipes with baby in mind that can easily be adapted for the entire family.

You May Also Like

4.95 from 18 votes (7 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




40 Comments

  1. Keerthana says:

    5 stars
    Hi Lily,

    I have made these several times now and honestly, they have been a super hit. So easy to put together and the LO loves it. Win win. The low heat tip actually worked and I got a evenly browned base which I have struggled to achieve in the past !

    1. Lily Payen says:

      I’m so glad that your little one enjoyed these pancakes!😊

  2. Marissa says:

    5 stars
    This is in my top 5 favorite BLW recipes for many reasons: it’s easy, it’s tasty, it freezes/stores well, you can add any/all toppings, and my baby girl and husband love them!

    Our favorite combination is adding a little dollop of peanut butter while the pancake cooks, then the adults slather maple syrup-sweetened ricotta on top while the baby gets Greek yogurt 🙂

    1. Lily Payen says:

      I love the idea of a maple syrup sweetened ricotta on top! So glad you love this recipe!😊

  3. Daphne says:

    hi, I tried your making your recipe today but my pancakes came fallen apart? Not sure what could have gone wrong, any advice?

    1. Lily Payen says:

      Hi Daphne! I’m so sorry that happened. A few questions: 1. Did you replace or omit any ingredients? 2. Did you make tablespoon sized portions of batter on the pan for the pancakes? 3. Did you cook on low heat? Hopefully we’re able to figure out what happened!

  4. Ann says:

    How would I substitute for oat flour? 1/4 cups of rolled oats would not the be same as 1/4 cup oat flour right?

    1. Lily Payen says:

      Hi Ann! You can still use 1/4 cup of oat flour, the amount is very similar when blended😊

  5. Kindle says:

    5 stars
    My 9 month old LOVED these! I’ve been slow to adopt BLW but these were perfectly soft and flavorful for baby. I will be making more to freeze and keeping these in the family breakfast rotation.

    1. Lily Payen says:

      I’m so happy to hear that your little one loved these!😊

  6. Aditi Kadur says:

    Can you freeze these? And how do you thaw and serve?

    1. Lily Payen says:

      Hi Aditi! The storage instructions for each recipe are listed in the blog post if you scroll up a bit titled “storage instructions” 😊 For these pancakes, I usually thaw in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

  7. K says:

    5 stars
    My picky 1 year old loves these!

    1. Lily Payen says:

      I’m so glad to hear that!😊

  8. Mpatti says:

    Could I used a waffle maker for this recipe instead?

  9. nm says:

    Can I substitutee rolled oats with gluten free 1:1 flour?

    1. Lily Payen says:

      Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free flour for these pancakes!

  10. Laurie says:

    5 stars
    I have made these several times and they taste great! They freeze super well and you can add any topics you’d like.

    They are a bit slow to cook but I just use multiple pans at a time.

    1. Lily Payen says:

      I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy these pancakes! Thanks for sharing your great review, Laurie!😊