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How To Make Healthy Pancakes – Oatmeal Pancake Recipe

How to make healthy pancakes is easier than you think. I’m always on the hunt for healthy pancake recipes and so I wanted to write a post focusing on how to make oatmeal pancakes. I think oatmeal pancakes offer up the same flavor profiles but without all the same ingredients your boxed varieties provide.

Healthy Pancakes

What are the benefits of eating Oatmeal Pancakes?

Oatmeal pancakes offer several health benefits, making them a nutritious choice for a meal. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Rich in Fiber: Oatmeal is a great source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber. This aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel health, and can keep you feeling full longer, which is beneficial for weight management.
  2. Heart Health: The soluble fiber in oats is known to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels without affecting the good cholesterol (HDL). This contributes to a healthier heart and a reduced risk of heart disease.
  3. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels: Oatmeal has a low glycemic index, which means it causes a slower rise in blood glucose levels. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
  4. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Oats are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, and B vitamins. These nutrients play a crucial role in overall health, from bone development to energy production.
  5. Protein Source: Oats contain more protein than most grains, making oatmeal pancakes a good protein source, especially when combined with milk, yogurt, or eggs in the recipe.
  6. Weight Loss Friendly: Due to their high fiber content and ability to keep you satiated, oatmeal pancakes can be an excellent addition to a weight loss diet. They provide a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
  7. Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, oatmeal pancakes can be a safe option, provided the oats used are certified gluten-free.
  8. Better Digestive Health: The fiber in oats can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
  9. Antioxidant-Rich: Oats contain antioxidants, including avenanthramides, which are unique to oats. These antioxidants can help reduce blood pressure and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects.
Healthy Pancake Recipes - How To Make Oatmeal Pancakes

It’s important to note that while oatmeal pancakes are healthy, their overall nutritional value can be influenced by other ingredients in the recipe, such as sugars, fats, and toppings.

pancake stack with syrup

How To Make Healthy Pancake – Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Pancake Tools:

Directions:

dry ingredients for oatmeal pancakes in mixing bowl

First, we have to start with our dry ingredients. Add the flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt to a food processor and process for 15 seconds. By using the food processor, you will break down the oatmeal which is something you need to do.

Otherwise, your batter will be a bit chunky and nobody wants chunky batter. You will feel that in your pancake if you omit this step. A food processor really breaks down the oatmeal and helps with the texture.

wet ingredients for oatmeal pancakes in mixing bowl

Then you want to add your eggs, milk and vanilla and process for an additional 20 seconds or until your batter is mixed well.

batter for healthy pancakes in mixing bowl

At this point, you are ready to preheat your griddle or frying pan until it is hot and ready to go. Spray whatever you are using with a nonstick cooking spray.

pancakes on a griddle bubbling and ready to turn over

Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle and heat your healthy pancakes for 2-3 minutes before flipping and heating for an additional 2 minutes on the other side. Be sure to keep an eye on everything you are doing.

We all know that pancakes can brown fairly quickly when we aren’t looking.

pancakes on a griddle bubbling and ready to turn over

A good indicator the pancakes are ready to flip is when the batter bubbles as shown. Stack them high. Serve with hot syrup. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy. You cannot beat this breakfast.  Makes 12 pancakes.

How To Make Healthy Pancakes… Healthier?

If you want to make this recipe even healthier, you can swap to whole wheat flour and add nut meal. Additionally, you could substitute the syrup for fresh fruit.

That would really help with the sugar and protein count. This would be a great way for you to make this pancake recipe healthier. You also might want to consider adding an egg to the meal for additional protein. This will also fill you up and limit you from reaching for a second serving of these oatmeal pancakes.

stack of pancakes with maple syrup pouring on top of it

How Many Calories Does An Oatmeal Pancake Have?

A single serving from an oatmeal pancake recipe with main ingredients including milk, oats, flour, oil, and eggs has 200 calories, 9 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs and just 1 gram of fiber.

Ways To Customize Your Pancakes

Customizing your pancakes is a fun and creative way to cater to different tastes and dietary needs while keeping your meals interesting and nutritious. Here are some ideas for customizing your pancakes:

1. Change the Flour

  • Whole Wheat Flour: For added fiber and nutrients.
  • Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: For a low-carb, gluten-free option.
  • Buckwheat or Spelt Flour: For a nutty flavor and rich nutrient profile.
  • Oat Flour: For a heart-healthy choice rich in fiber.

2. Add-ins and Toppings

  • Fruits: Blueberries, sliced bananas, strawberries, or apples.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Chopped walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds.
  • Chocolate Chips: For a sweet treat. Dark chocolate chips are a healthier option.
  • Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for added flavor.
  • Yogurt or Applesauce: To replace some of the fat and add moisture.

3. Protein Boost

  • Protein Powder: Mix in your choice of protein powder.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and creates a creamy texture.
  • Egg Whites: Increase the protein content without adding extra fat.

4. Diet-Specific Modifications

  • Vegan: Use plant-based milk, flax eggs, or banana instead of eggs.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends.
  • Dairy-Free: Opt for almond, soy, or oat milk.

5. Sweeteners

  • Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar.
  • Agave Nectar or Date Syrup: Vegan-friendly sweeteners.

6. Unique Flavors

  • Pumpkin Puree: For a fall-inspired flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: For a fresh, citrusy twist.
  • Cocoa Powder: For chocolate pancakes.

7. Savory Options

  • Cheese and Herbs: For a savory, cheesy pancake.
  • Bacon Bits or Ham: For a hearty, meaty addition.
  • Spinach and Feta: For a Mediterranean twist.

8. Creative Shapes and Sizes

  • Use molds or cookie cutters for fun shapes, perfect for kids.
  • Make mini pancakes (silver dollar) or large, crepe-like pancakes.

9. Toppings

  • Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: For creaminess.
  • Fresh Fruit Compote or Jam: For a sweet, fruity topping.
  • Nut Butter: For a dose of healthy fats and protein.

10. Healthy Sauces

  • Berry Sauce: Blend fresh or frozen berries with a bit of sweetener.
  • Caramelized Apples: For a naturally sweet topping.

Remember, the key to successful pancake customization is balancing flavors and nutrition.

If you want other breakfast ideas for this weekend, consider my Blueberry Lemon Donuts Recipe or my Strawberry And Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe. Of course, there’s always my Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe or Slow Cooker Applesauce.  The big showstopper is my Overnight French Toast though… just saying.

Other Recipes:

Healthy Pancake Recipes - How To Make Oatmeal Pancakes

Healthy Pancake Recipes

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Healthy pancake recipes include oatmeal and are absolutely delicious to eat. Add your favorite syrup and enjoy this special treat with your family and friends.

Ingredients

  • * 1 cup flour
  • * 1 cup oatmeal
  • * 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • * 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • * 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • * 2 eggs
  • * 1-1/2 cups milk
  • * 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Add the flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt to a food processor and process for 15 seconds. By using the food processor, you will break down the oatmeal which is something you need to do.
  2. Then you want to add your eggs, milk and vanilla and process for an additional 20 seconds or until your batter is mixed well. 
  3. At this point, you are ready to preheat your griddle or frying pan until it is hot and ready to go. Spray whatever you are using with a nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle and heat your healthy pancakes for 2-3 minutes before flipping and heating for an additional 2 minutes on the other side. Be sure to keep an eye on everything you are doing. We all know that pancakes can brown fairly quickly when we aren't looking. 
  5. A good indicator the pancakes are ready to flip is when the batter bubbles as shown. 
  6. Stack them high. Serve with hot syrup. Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy. You cannot beat this breakfast. 

Makes 12 pancakes

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 2
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 271Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 463mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 11g

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram (@VeraSweeney) so I can see your wonderful creation! I would love to see your dish.

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