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
- â…” 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.Â
- 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.Â
kassidy says
Can I use a large white egg? I only see large/extra large at the store in cartons.
Thanks!
Min says
I haven't tried so can't say for certain but think they will turn out ok!
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!!!