If you need a quick, tasty and healthy breakfast idea, these flourless oatmeal pancakes—made without dairy or banana—are the perfect choice. They’re simple, kid-friendly and ready in about 10 minutes using oats, an egg and a touch of honey.
These pancakes are dairy-free, flourless, banana-free and contain no refined sugar. The recipe uses ground oats and a handful of pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Since first sharing this recipe a few years ago, these oat pancakes have become a popular go-to breakfast. Many readers double the batch because they go fast. I make them regularly and have refined a few tips over time—below you’ll find the updated notes, step-by-step method and serving suggestions.
Oatmeal Pancake Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these healthy pancakes:
- Oats. Use old-fashioned or quick oats and grind them to a flour-like consistency. I prefer organic, gluten-free oats to avoid additives.
- Egg. One medium or large egg binds the batter so the pancakes hold together. A chia or flax egg may work as an alternative.
- Honey or maple syrup. A tablespoon adds a touch of sweetness without refined sugar.
- Baking soda and baking powder. A small pinch of each helps the pancakes rise and become fluffier.
- Vanilla. Natural vanilla extract or ground vanilla improves the flavor.
- Coconut oil or butter. For frying the pancakes.
- Vinegar or lemon juice. A small splash (about 1/3 tsp) can help create lighter, airier pancakes.
- Dairy-free milk or water. Two tablespoons of dairy-free milk or water smooths the batter and improves texture.
How To Make Oatmeal Pancakes
With ingredients ready, these pancakes take about 10–15 minutes to make. Follow these steps:
- Grind the oats in a food processor, blender or grinder until they resemble a fine flour.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg with honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of dairy-free milk or water and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Add the ground oats, a pinch of baking soda, a pinch of baking powder and vanilla. Whisk until combined; the batter should be fairly thick.
- Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and coat it with coconut oil or butter. Spoon or ladle small rounds of batter onto the pan.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 1–2 minutes, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
- Serve warm with your preferred toppings.
What To Serve With These Oatmeal Pancakes?
These pancakes are very versatile. Their mild flavor pairs well with sweet or savory toppings. Try any of the following:
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh fruit such as berries, banana slices or apple
- Butter and jam
- Nut butter with jam or honey
- Melted dark chocolate for a treat
Oatmeal Pancake Add-Ins
These pancakes take mix-ins well. Add fruit, spices or chocolate to the batter—just adjust the oat amount so the batter stays thick rather than runny.
Popular variations include adding berries, mashed banana, grated apple, cinnamon, or chocolate chips. If you add a watery fruit, add a little more ground oats to maintain the right consistency.
- Strawberries or other berries
- Banana (if you don’t need them banana-free)
- Blueberries or chopped apples
- Chocolate chunks or cinnamon
Oats Nutrition And Health Benefits
Oats are an excellent choice for these pancakes because they provide more than just calories: they’re nutrient-dense and filling.
- Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that supports gut health and may help lower cholesterol.
- They’re a good source of protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium.
I prefer oats over whole-grain store-bought flours for this recipe because they produce a lighter texture and reliable flavor.
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes With Oats
If you enjoy these pancakes, try other oatmeal-based breakfasts for variety and convenience:
- Oatmeal banana breakfast cake
- Healthy breakfast apple crumble
- Flourless oatmeal cookies
Oatmeal Pancakes
These flourless oatmeal pancakes are dairy-free, take 10 minutes to make using oats, eggs and honey, and make a healthy and easy kid-friendly breakfast idea!
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats, ground
- 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp water or milk of choice
- baking soda (just a pinch)
- baking powder (just a pinch)
- butter or coconut oil (for the pan)
- ACV or lemon juice (about 1/3 tsp)
Instructions
- Grind the oats in a food processor or grinder until they resemble flour.
- Whisk the egg with honey and 2 tbsp water or milk of your choice.
- Stir in the ground oats, a pinch of baking soda, a pinch of baking powder and vanilla until the batter is thick.
- Alternatively, blend whole oats with the other ingredients until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium, coat with coconut oil or butter.
- Pour small rounds of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles appear and edges set, about 1–2 minutes.
- Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
- Serve immediately with toppings like honey, syrup, fruit, jam, yogurt or nut butter.
Notes
Tip: For extra fluffiness try adding 1 tbsp of yogurt or 1/3 tsp vinegar plus 2 tbsp dairy-free milk—the vinegar is barely noticeable but helps the texture. Use only a small pinch of baking soda to avoid an off taste.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1
Serving Size
1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 301
Total Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 2g
Trans Fat 0g
Unsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 186mg
Sodium 75mg
Carbohydrates 46g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 18g
Protein 12g
Originally published in May 2019, this post was updated with new tips and images in November 2022.