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These banana oat pancakes are the kind of recipe you’ll want on repeat! Wholesome enough for babies, fun for toddlers, and simple enough for busy mornings. Just toss 3 ingredients in the blender and breakfast is done.
Why this Recipe Works
As a pediatric dietitian (and mom of two opinionated eaters!), I’ve spent years testing and perfecting baby-friendly pancake recipes. Bananas and eggs are such a versatile pair. You can turn them into these delicious baby cookies or the simple 2-ingredient pancakes, made with 2 eggs and 1 banana.
However, my kids have always preferred these these banana oat pancakes. They are fluffy on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and naturally sweet without any added sugar. The addition of oats give them a satisfying texture and I like to mix in ricotta and hemp seeds for a boost of protein and healthy fats that keep little tummies full longer!
Here’s what others are saying:
“My picky toddler who has never liked pancakes went gaga over this! Made my mama heart so happy! Excited to try the spinach version. Thanks so much for sharing it.”
“This is my daughter’s favorite pancake recipe! We serve these every week and have them handy in the freezer for a quick yummy breakfast”
Now for families navigating egg allergies, I’ve got you covered. These eggless pancakes are light, fluffy, and versatile. Another delicious option? Soft, protein-packed cottage cheese pancakes, which are also a gentle way to introduce dairy to your baby.
Want even more ideas? Check out this full collection of pancakes for babies and toddlers.
And because I know mornings can be a lot, I’ve rounded up my favorite breakfast ideas for babies all in one place.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Overripe Bananas – adds the perfect amount of sweetness. If you don’t like bananas, do try with pumpkin puree, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes!
- Eggs – I highly recommend using room temperature eggs as you’ll end up with fluffier pancakes. Eggs are also recommended as one of the best first foods for babies according to the USDA dietary guidelines. Here are all the different ways to serve eggs to babies.
- Oats – Rolled oats will work best, but you can also use quick oats. Steel cut oats will NOT work.
Variations
You can keep the recipe to just 3 ingredients or add any of these options for added nutrition, variety, and fun!
- Ricotta – It adds richness and creaminess and helps make these pancakes fluffy. It’s also one of the best cheeses for babies. You can also use Greek yogurt.
- Cottage cheese – another easy and delicious way to boost protein. Here are some more easy cottage cheese breakfast recipes.
- Cinnamon – Don’t be afraid to add herbs and spices to your baby’s food!
- Seeds – hemp seeds, ground flaxseeds, or chia seeds
- Grated carrots – a delicious way to get extra veggies in. You should totally try these carrot pancakes too!
- Grated apples
- Finely chopped fruits – like strawberries
- Chocolate chips – for older kids
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add all the ingredients (minus hemp seeds if using) into a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth. Stir in hemp seeds. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes in the blender while you heat your pan.
- Add oil or unsalted butter to a pancake griddle or large non-stick pan and place over medium heat. If you have an electric griddle, warm to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Drop about 1 tablespoon of the pancake batter (or more for larger pancakes) into the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges look set. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Expert Tips
- Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes after blending. This helps it firm up and drop into the pan easily.
- Keep pancakes small (1–2 tablespoons of batter each) so they cook quickly and flip easily.
- Larger pancakes work too, just cook them a bit longer. But don’t raise the heat or they’ll burn outside and stay raw inside.
- Wipe the pan between batches for best results.
Serving Suggestions
These banana oat pancakes are the perfect size for small hands. While delicious on their own, these banana oat pancakes are the perfect vehicle for all kinds of toppings:
- A drizzle of creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or any nut or seed butter of choice
- Greek yogurt
- Healthy cream cheese frosting
- Honey (NOT for babies under one year of age) or a drizzle of maple syrup – recommend waiting until 2 years of age to introduce added sugars.
- Date syrup if looking for a no added sugar alternative to maple syrup
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Fresh fruit
Easy Breakfast Ideas for babies
Storage suggestions
Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave (30 seconds at a time) or in the skillet until warmed through.
And here’s how to freeze pancakes as well as reheat them so they taste just as good as the day you made them.
More Pancake Recipes to Try
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
3 Ingredient Banana Oat Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 medium bananas (240g peeled or 1 cup mashed)
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
Optional (can choose 1 or all 3)
- 1/2 cup (120g) whole fat ricotta, cottage cheese, or yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients (minus hemp seeds if using) into the food processor or blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth. Stir in your optional protein add-ins. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes in the blender while you heat your pan.
- Add oil/butter to a griddle or large nonstick pan and place over medium heat. Drop 1-2 spoonfuls of pancake batter into the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and tiny bubbles appear around the edges. You can gently lift a corner and peek. Using a thin spatula flip and cook 1-2 minutes more (see note).
Notes
- I’ve included my favorite add-ins (I like to add all 3) but feel free to add other options, like grated carrots and finely chopped fruits.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Made these yesterday and after eating leftovers this morning my daughter asked for more. I ended up making another batch because I had everything on hand. I added a half a cup of cottage cheese as well. This will definitely be a go to protein packed breakfast!
Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!
We love these pancakes! Do you think these will work with cottage cheese as an addition?
I imagine it would work! Let me know if you try!
I tried them with cottage cheese and they were so good!!! I wanted to hide them from my kids lol
Haha I give you full permission :).
Made these for breakfast on the weekend for me and my 16 month old. I included hemp hearts and the cinnamon, and also mixed in some sliced up blueberries. Wonderful! Felt very nutritious too. Loved the sweet little bursts of fruit. If my husband was joining us I’d make a double batch to ensure there were plenty to go around. I served them with a side of plain greek yogurt with a bit of cinnamon. Thanks Min!
Love the addition of blueberries! You’re welcome :).
Can I skip the hemp hearts? Or can I add something else
Instead?
You can! or add chia or flax seeds for a boost of nutrition
Massive hit with my oats-non-lover baby!
So easy and delishhh!
I’m so glad! Thanks for sharing mama
Hi, would I be able to use regular yogurt instead of ricotta cheese?
I used greek yoghurt and it turn out perfectly and delicious.
Yes! We use yogurt often too!
So good!a hit with adults and baby, and I love the added protein in them. Any suggestions on if I wanted to use a sheet pan and bake in the oven?
So glad to hear! I don’t think these pancakes will work in a sheet pan BUT you just gave me a wonderful future recipe idea! 😉
I tried baking them in the oven and they came out really well! Cooked them at 170-180 degrees Celsius for about 12-14 minutes.
Thanks for sharing that!!
Both of my kids loved it. Thank you.
Oh I’m so glad!!
Tried these with the little one this morning and he LOVED them!!! I couldn’t get get him seconds fast enough! Lol. I tried them for mommy approval and boy are they delicious, wholesome and filling. I love that they are protein packed and nutritious. I, myself, didn’t need any syrup they are just perfect, and I can make the little one pancakes knowing I’m feeding him good ingredients. Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe!!! 🙂
Yay!! This makes my heart sing ;). Thank you for taking the time to share!!
Hi Min! Can I use thawed bananas for this recipe? I’ve made it many times and the whole family loves it, but haven’t tried with frozen fruit….. ty