Easy Oatmeal Pancakes

Do you ever wake up craving something warm, comforting, and wholesome?

These Easy Oatmeal Pancakes are the perfect way to kickstart your morning.

Packed with hearty oats, natural sweetness, and just the right amount of fluff, they bring all the coziness of a classic pancake breakfast with an added boost of nutrition.

Whether you’re making breakfast for your family or treating yourself to a slow morning, these pancakes are guaranteed to leave you smiling.

And the best part?

They’re easy to whip up with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

So grab your skillet and get ready to make a breakfast that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why We Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about a stack of pancakes that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

These oatmeal pancakes strike the perfect balance.

The oats provide a hearty texture and a subtle nutty flavor, while the pancake batter remains light and fluffy.

Plus, they’re versatile.

You can dress them up with fruit, nuts, or syrup, or enjoy them plain for a satisfying treat.

They’re also a healthier option compared to traditional pancakes, thanks to the fiber from the oats and the natural sweetness in the ingredients.

Whether you’re serving these for a lazy Sunday brunch or prepping them for busy weekday mornings, they’re a recipe you’ll want to keep in your breakfast rotation.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6

For the Pancakes

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/3 cup mashed banana or applesauce for extra moisture and sweetness
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts for added crunch

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Oats

Start by combining the oats and milk in a bowl.

Let them soak for 5-10 minutes.

This step softens the oats, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the pancake batter.

It’s the secret to achieving a tender, fluffy texture with just the right amount of chew.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

If you’re adding mashed banana or applesauce, stir it in now.

This mixture will give your pancakes their rich, moist base.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a third bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent lumps in the batter.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the soaked oats and milk mixture into the wet ingredients.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!

Overmixing can make your pancakes dense instead of fluffy.

Step 5: Heat the Skillet

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Lightly grease it with butter, oil, or cooking spray.

The skillet is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates on contact.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.

Spread the batter slightly with the back of a spoon if needed.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.

Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.

Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pancakes warm, stacked high, and topped with your favorite add-ons.

A drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh fruit will take them to the next level.

Enjoy every bite of this comforting, homemade breakfast.

Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Pancakes

Soak the Oats

Letting the oats soak in milk softens them and ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter.

Don’t Overmix

A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.

Overmixing can lead to dense, rubbery pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones.

Preheat the Skillet

Make sure your skillet is hot before you start cooking.

A properly heated skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Customize the Flavors

Experiment with add-ins like cinnamon, vanilla, or a pinch of nutmeg to tailor the pancakes to your taste.

Keep Them Warm

If you’re making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve.

Variations to Try

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes: Add a mashed banana to the batter for a naturally sweet and moist variation.

Blueberry Bliss: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for bursts of fruity goodness in every bite.

Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of protein powder for a post-workout breakfast option.

Gluten-Free Pancakes: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

Vegan Pancakes: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy milk.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in chocolate chips for a fun, kid-friendly twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Allow the pancakes to cool completely before storing.

Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pancakes in the toaster for a crisp edge or microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a softer texture.

For larger batches, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Oatmeal Pancakes are a game-changer for breakfast lovers.

They’re simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re enjoying them fresh off the skillet or reheating them for a quick weekday breakfast, they’re guaranteed to satisfy.

The combination of hearty oats, fluffy batter, and your favorite toppings creates a breakfast that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

So grab your ingredients, flip some pancakes, and enjoy the warm, cozy start to your day.

Happy cooking!

Easy Oatmeal Pancakes

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier option
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
  • 1/3 cup mashed banana or applesauce for extra moisture and sweetness (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts for added crunch (optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soak the Oats

  • Start by combining the oats and milk in a bowl.
  • Let them soak for 5-10 minutes.
  • This step softens the oats, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the pancake batter.
  • It’s the secret to achieving a tender, fluffy texture with just the right amount of chew.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  • If you’re adding mashed banana or applesauce, stir it in now.
  • This mixture will give your pancakes their rich, moist base.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a third bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent lumps in the batter.

Step 4: Make the Batter

  • Pour the soaked oats and milk mixture into the wet ingredients.
  • Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
  • Overmixing can make your pancakes dense instead of fluffy.

Step 5: Heat the Skillet

  • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  • Lightly grease it with butter, oil, or cooking spray.
  • The skillet is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates on contact.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

  • Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
  • Spread the batter slightly with the back of a spoon if needed.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
  • Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve the pancakes warm, stacked high, and topped with your favorite add-ons.
  • A drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh fruit will take them to the next level.
  • Enjoy every bite of this comforting, homemade breakfast.