These spinach pancakes are super easy to make with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. These dye free green pancakes are the perfect finger food for babies and toddlers, especially!
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Spinach Pancakes
Spinach can be a hard sell to kids, but throw it into their favorite foods like muffins and smoothies, and you just might be surprised at how quickly your child gobbles it up.
And I've learned that calling green food "hulk? has magical powers. You should try it!
My kids favorite spinach recipes are this green pasta sauce, banana spinanch muffins, and these fun green pancakes!
And you're going to love the simplicity of this recipe. Just add all the ingredients into your blender and cook!
I want to tell you upfront that these are not your typical fluffy, thick pancakes. Developed with babies in mind, they are moist and not sweet, making them perfect vehicles for both savory and sweet toppings.
Looking for more baby friendly pancake? Check out these butternut squash and banana pancakes!
Related: Ultimate guide to spinach for babies
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Baby Spinach - I do recommend purchasing organic, if able, as it contains high amounts of pesticides. Use fresh spinach for best results.
- Greek yogurt - Remember to always get whole fat for babies. If you desire a milder, less tangier flavor, use plain yogurt.
- Rolled oats - You can also use quick cooking. Oat flour will work too, but I recommend making it at home. It's SUPER easy to do and less expensive.
- Applesauce - use unsweetened store-bought or homemade applesauce. It's added to provide moisture and just a hint of sweetness. Overall, these pancakes are NOT sweet.
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add oil/butter to a griddle or large non-stick pan and place over medium heat. If you have an electric griddle, warm to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Drop about 1-2 tablespoons of the pancake batter into the pan.
- Cook until bubbles start to form and edges begin to appear solid. Flip and cook.
Equipment
I didn't think I needed an electric griddle until the husband gifted me one for Christmas. And I am in love!! It has cut down the time I spend making pancakes by half, if not more!
It holds a consistent temperature (so less chance of burning the pancakes) and is super easy to clean.
I've also been using it to make eggs, quesadillas, grilled cheese, tofu...I mean, why did I wait so long to get one?!
And if you've seen some of my recipes, you have met my number one kitchen workhorse - this high-powered blender. I've hard it for 7+ years and it's still going strong.
I use it to make all my blender muffins, dips/sauces, smoothies, veggie nuggets, soups, cookies and so much more.
Tips for Success
- After blending, let the batter sit for 5 minutes or so. This will make it easier to scoop/pour into pan.
- If the bottoms start to brown too much before they are set, lower the heat.
- Allow to cool COMPLETELY. These green spinach pancakes will firm up beautifully as it cools. I've also noticed that the yogurt flavor becomes more mellow as it sits.
- If you desire sweet spinach pancakes, do NOT add more applesauce. What I learned is that the unsweetened applesauce + Greek yogurt make the pancakes quite tart. Instead, add ½ medium banana, mashed. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or date syrup (a great no added sugar option!)
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned, these baby pancakes are not sweet. Since babies are born with innate preferences for sweets, I wanted the flavors of spinach and yogurt to shine through to help babies learn to appreciate them.
You can serve as is or make every bite count by spreading on top:
- Peanut butter, nut butter, or seed butter (be sure to thin it out)
- Yogurt
- Dips - like beetroot dip
- Sugar free strawberry jam
- Mashed avocado
- Mashed beans
- Canned sardine or salmon, mashed
- Mashed fruit
You can also turn these pancakes into sandwiches! Simply spread any of the above topping suggestions onto one pancake and then press another one on top!
Be sure to pair with a vitamin C rich food to enhance iron absorption!
By the way, this baby plate is AMAZING! It’s so spacious, allowing plenty of room for small hands to explore, and the suction is so powerful! My baby has not once been able to remove from the table.
You may be interested in: Lunch ideas for toddlers
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Warm slightly before serving (no more than 15 seconds in the microwave).
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Here's how to freeze pancakes as well as reheat them so they taste just as good as the day you made them.
More Healthy Pancakes
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!
Spinach Pancakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120g) whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- ⅔ cup (65g) rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to food processor or blender in the order listed (minus walnuts) and blend until smooth. Stir in walnuts, if using. Let batter sit for 5-8 minutes.
- Heat a pan or griddle over medium to medium-low heat. Coat pan with butter or oil. Drop 1-2 tablespoons of batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles start to form and the edges of the pancake begin to appear solid(about 3 minutes). Carefully flip. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve as is or with topping of choice (refer to serving suggestions above)
Notes
- If the bottoms start to brown too much before they are set, lower the heat.
- Allow to cool COMPLETELY. The pancakes will firm up beautifully as it cools. I've also noticed that the yogurt flavor becomes more mellow as it sits.
- If you desire a sweeter pancake, do NOT add more applesauce. What I learned is that the unsweetened applesauce + Greek yogurt make the pancakes quite tart. Instead, add ½ medium banana, mashed. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of honey (not for under 1), maple syrup, or date syrup.
- Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Warm slightly before serving (no more than 15 seconds in the microwave). Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Kat says
These were great but I'll leave the cinnamon out next time, it was a bit strong, and a bit strange with spinach
Krista says
This is my 2 yo's favorite meal! We always make it for him on his birthday and have been making it every Sunday for him before church. He has started getting pickier recently and this breakfast always makes me feel better about him consuming enough vegetables. LOVE all your recipes btw!! They are so healthy and yummy!!!
Min says
Aww I love hearing this! Thank you so much for taking the time to share and for being here!
Tess says
This is the second time I’ve made these pancakes, and they are so easy and delicious! My daughter is now almost 2 and she and I enjoyed them for breakfast today with Greek yogurt and some almond butter on the side (though honestly, they didn’t need anything. Were perfect eaten as is!)
Only thing I changed was to have some vanilla extract instead of the cinnamon recommended (substitution I made bc I didn’t have the other on hand. Whatever the case, it worked great!)
Min says
Oh this makes me so happy! Thank you for taking the time to share!!
Mary says
I’m super excited to try this recipe, but is there a substitution for the yogurt? My LO is possibly allergic to it? Thanks!
Min says
You can use any non-dairy yogurt
Brittany Morgan says
Super excited to try another pancake recipe! Have you tried baking instead of pan/griddle? Wondering if I can save some time while prepping
Min says
I haven't so can't say for certain...
Lauren says
My baby SMASHED these!!!
Min says
Wohoo!!
Devon says
My favorite pancakes right now!! Baby devoured them too!!
Min says
LOVE LOVE hearing this! Thanks for sharing and enjoy! I'm about to work on another pancake recipe today wish me luck :).
Christina says
My LO loves these pancakes !!! So glad I found this recipe and have zero guilt about feeding him this.
Min says
Yay!!!
Erin H says
Hi! I’m so excited to make these for my 7 month old who’s been a rockstar at BLW! I just wanted to ask if I could replace the banana with strawberries or raspberries? He’s not the biggest banana fan. Thank you!!
Min says
Hi! so awesome that your baby is doing so well with self-feeding! There's on banana in this recipe so I'm wondering if you're asking about another recipe?
Meghan says
Can I just tell you that my baby is OBSESSED with these pancakes?! When she sees the green pancakes come out, she starts squealing in excitement. I cook and freeze them for easy meals, and we almost always have them on hand. Thank you so much for the great recipe.
Min says
Ah!! I'm squealing in excitement reading this comment :). Thank you for sharing!
Ashley says
Yum! Love that they don’t have banana in them. I had made these on the stovetop in my frying pan before, but now that baby is a little older I made them in my mini pancake maker (the size of a mini waffle maker). Two heaping tablespoons made beautiful pancakes! We love a little smear of nut butter on top. Thanks for the recipe! 🙂
Min says
Love it!! Thanks for sharing!
mellie says
I Just want to comment in case it helps someone:
My 7 month old is starting to refuse purées and being spoon fed in preference for self feeding (sucking a pouch) and handling food with his hands except he can’t seem to manage food to mouth well (but practicing)! Anyway, he’s our first and I am at my wits end with BLW and finding appropriate finger food for him to handle then top up with purée so he gets a “meal”. We have spent weeks stressed (me) and (baby) crying at every meal time.
I made these pancakes just now and my taste test is WOW! I love them and I do not like pancakes.
What I like is that it is flour free, nutrient dense and such a flexible recipe where you can substitute with what you have on hand. I replaced:
-Spinach with approx 4oz pea purée I had on hand.
-Greek Yoghurt with Sour Cream
Next time I would increase the amount of apple sauce slightly or perhaps add a tiny bit of maple syrup but geeze, this recipe is a winner. I’m also try making it more savoury too, like add a meat purée.
mellie says
I just read the note about not adding more apple sauce to sweeten. Thanks!
Min says
This totally made my day! Thank you for sharing your suggestions so that others can try as well!
Sherouk Sabry says
My LO loved it❤️❤️ Thnq so much
Min says
So happy to hear! Thanks for sharing!
Ann says
I just made these for my twin one year old grandchildren and they absolutely loved them! I didn't have any walnuts so I had to.omit those, but added 1/2 a ripe banana. Will definitely add this to the make again list!
Min says
Yay!!! So happy to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share 😉
Jenny says
Hello!
These pancakes look so good. My baby has an egg allergy. Is there something else I can replace it with or maybe leave out the egg?
Thanks in advance!
Jenny
Min says
Hi Jenny! You can use flax egg!
BT says
Hi, wondering if I can thaw these in the refrigerator the night before and send them cold for a school lunch cold the next day?
Min says
Hi! Yes! I do this all the time!
Carolina says
Make these for your kids, trust me! I was scared the green color would scare my babes off, but my son is currently obsessed with The Hulk, so I dove right in. People—he ate 4 of them!!! I slathered some plain green yogurt on top with a “jam” (blended berries) and made pancake sandwiches. These are such a great recipe! Make sure you use baking POWDER, not SODA. 🙂
Min says
Aww SOO happy to hear that these were a hit! Thank you for sharing, mama!
Heidi says
My baby loved these and I did too! I appreciate how nutritious they are and will definitely make these regularly. They’re perfect for packing for a plane or train ride when I’d like to avoid a big mess in a public space.
Min says
So glad to hear! And yes these are def one of my go-tos for traveling or dining out!
Patty says
Can I use frozen spinach?
Gaya says
I made this for my 10 mo then realized it has baking powder which is not recommended for babies under 1yo. She loved it, hope she takes it well.
Min says
Hi Mama! Baking powder is fine for babies. The concern is the sodium but remember it's for the whole recipe and your baby is eating a small portion at a time. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, increasing the volume and lightening the texture. You can also read more about sodium for babies here - turns out you don't have to worry TOO Much - https://www.mjandhungryman.com/salt-sodium-for-babies-and-toddlers/
Alison says
My 12 month old LOVES these. I make a big batch and fridge/freeze them for easy breakfasts. Thank you for this recipe!
Min says
SO happy to hear! Thank you for sharing!
Marilyn says
Hi will I be able to use Chinese spinach instead of baby spinach? Will it affect the taste?
Min says
HI I don't recommend it
Rachel says
Could I use pumpkin purée instead of apple?
Min says
haven't tried but believe it will work
Katelyn says
So good! I didn’t have applesauce so I substituted a banana instead. The recipe made enough for my little guy to have four mini pancakes, and for my breakfast as well! They were very soft and easy for him to eat. Definitely will be keeping this recipe in my back pocket 🙂
Min says
I'm so glad!! Thank you for sharing!
YJ says
Hi Min, would like to check if the spinach needs to be cooked before blending? I have tried blending raw spinach and it does not give a homogenous mixture. Thanks for the advice!
Min says
No need to blend! It def helps to have a high-powered blender. If not, try to get it as smooth as you can but the recipe will still work with small chunks of spinach
Sally says
I made them once was a fail with frozen spinach but hey baby didn't complain and we don't waste food. Making them again now fresh spinach, added a bit of banana and then I'm wondering was I meant to add it to the blender or is it for serving too late now but just curious 🙂 thank you
Min says
Yes add banana to the blender with the rest of the ingredients 😉
Martha Homenuke says
I made these for my baby for breakfast on his first birthday 🙂
Min says
Happy birthday!!
Dora Bozga says
SO GOOD! Thank you so much!
Yunyoung says
Another spinach recipe I love to make for my little. So easy to make and delicious!
Slgi says
So good!!! My picky baby would eat this one!!
Lately, My baby is having a hard time chewing and swallowing, but this pancake is so soft, he could chew and swallow everything!!
I highly recommend this recipe for babies who doesn’t like purees and likes finger foods but still not able to take on hard textures. Or babies who are transitioning from purees to finger foods.
I love that it is packed with nutrients! My baby somehow likes the taste of walnuts. So I put plenty of them.
Min says
Yay!!! Thanks mama
Emily says
These are delicious! My daughter loves them and my husband and I do as well! They're super nutrient dense and easy to make! I froze some and they heated up perfectly. Great to send with my daughter's lunch as well
Min says
Yes! I've been packing them for my son's lunchbox and his teacher told me how much he enjoys them!
Mariam Aziz says
So easy to make, delicious and nutritious! Have been making these and freezing as it’s such a quick and easy meal for little one
Min says
Yay!
Emma says
I make this without the walnuts and it’s one of my baby’s favorite foods! He likes it with an added banana and also without.
Tonette says
Hi! Can I use buttermilk instead of greek yogurt?
Min says
I haven't tried so I can't tell you for certain
Lily says
Can the Greek yoghurt be substituted by ricotta cheese?
Min says
I haven't tried by believe it will work!
Kailey says
I think I failed because I used a cup of frozen spinach, not fresh spinach. also I fried them too much so they all turned out brown, not green. I love the idea so I’ll try again later! Thank you for the recipe!!
Gk says
Do you know if I can make this without the egg? Dealing with baby with egg allergy.
Min says
I haven't tried myself but many moms have told me that these turned out well with flax eggs!
PJ says
Firstly, this is an awesome fuss free recipe and my baby love the pancakes so a big thank you! Can I ask how do I reheat up the leftovers after putting them in the fridge if I don't have a microwave?
Min says
You're welcome! You can simply take out of the fridge and allow to come to room temperature or use the toaster oven if you have one!
Celine says
Can I use coconut yogurt to make I dairy free?
Min says
you bet!
Shell says
Might be a silly question, but could this be cooked in a waffle maker? 😆
Min says
I haven't tried but I don't think it will work as the batter isn't thick enough..But maybe? I don't have much experience making waffles so not sure!
Annie says
Thanks for the great recipe! Would I be able to make the batter the night before? I have to get ready for work in the morning so any pre-prep is always helpful!
Min says
Yes!