Banana Oat Pancakes with Walnuts

Warm, fluffy, and naturally sweet, these Banana Oat Pancakes with Walnuts are the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome. They’re packed with heart-healthy oats, sweet ripe bananas, and a touch of cinnamon, all brought together with the nutty crunch of chopped walnuts. Whether you’re making a cozy weekend breakfast or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a lazy Sunday morning, a couple of overripe bananas on the counter, and no flour in sight. What followed was one of the fluffiest, most satisfying pancake stacks I’ve ever made. The oats give them substance, the bananas bring natural sweetness, and the walnuts? That’s the crunch that keeps you coming back for another bite. Plus, they smell like heaven while cooking.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Banana pancakes have long been a breakfast staple across the world, but blending oats into the batter makes them extra nutritious and gluten-friendly. Oat pancakes trace their roots to Scottish cuisine, where oatcakes were traditionally cooked over an open fire. By combining the concept with bananas and maple syrup, we get a modern twist that’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for plant-forward eaters.

Why You’ll Love Banana Oat Pancakes with Walnuts

These pancakes are as good for your taste buds as they are for your body.

Versatile: Eat them plain, top with fruit, or smear with nut butter.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and ripe bananas.

Quick and Easy: Toss everything in a blender and cook — no mess.

Customizable: Swap milk, sweetener, or toppings to match your mood.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves pancakes, especially banana ones.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Store in the fridge or freezer for busy mornings.

Great for Leftovers: Toast or microwave and they’re good as new.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Make your pancakes fluffier, tastier, and more photogenic with these tips.

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful.
2. Blend Oats First: For a smoother texture, blend oats into flour before adding other ingredients.
3. Let Batter Rest: Just 5 minutes allows baking powder to activate and thicken the mix.
4. Low and Slow Cooking: Medium-low heat gives them time to cook through without burning.
5. Add Walnuts Last: Fold them in at the end for perfect distribution and crunch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You probably already have everything you need.

Blender or Food Processor: To turn oats into flour and blend the batter.
Mixing Bowl (optional): If you prefer folding in walnuts by hand.
Non-stick Skillet or Griddle: For evenly golden pancakes.
Spatula: To flip without breaking the stack.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision makes perfect.

Ingredients in Banana Oat Pancakes with Walnuts

Simple, nourishing, and flavorful — each ingredient matters.

1. Rolled Oats: 2 cups. Acts as the base flour, giving structure and fiber.
2. Egg: 1 large. Helps bind the pancakes and adds fluffiness.
3. Bananas: 2 ripe. Sweetens naturally and makes the batter moist.
4. Oat Milk: 1 cup. Keeps it dairy-free and creamy.
5. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds a warm, aromatic note.
6. Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon. Lightly sweetens with rich depth.
7. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons. Gives rise and keeps pancakes airy.
8. Salt: 1 pinch. Enhances all the other flavors.
9. Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds warmth and a cozy scent.
10. Chopped Walnuts (optional): 1/2 cup. Brings crunch and nutty goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to switch something out? No problem.

Rolled Oats: Use quick oats or oat flour if blending isn’t an option.
Egg: Replace with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for vegan version.
Oat Milk: Any non-dairy or regular milk works.
Maple Syrup: Swap with honey or agave.
Walnuts: Use pecans, almonds, or leave them out entirely.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bananas: These bring moisture, sweetness, and richness to the batter. The more overripe they are, the better — those brown speckles mean flavor.

Rolled Oats: Blended into flour, oats provide complex carbs and a fluffy texture. They’re naturally gluten-free (just make sure they’re certified if needed).

Instructions for Making Banana Oat Pancakes with Walnuts

Whip up your new favorite pancake stack in just a few easy steps.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease it.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a blender, add rolled oats, bananas, egg, oat milk, vanilla, maple syrup, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth and thick.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes while the pan heats. It will thicken slightly.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Fold in chopped walnuts by hand if using. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Finishing Touches:
Top with banana slices, extra walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with your favorite toppings like berries, yogurt, or nut butter.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These pancakes are soft and tender with a slight chew from the oats. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the walnuts give a buttery crunch in every bite. Cinnamon and vanilla round out the warm, cozy flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Simple tricks to level up your pancake game.

• Preheat the pan well: It ensures even browning.
• Keep them small: Easier to flip and cook through.
• Don’t over-blend: Just enough to make the batter smooth, not gummy.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common missteps for perfect pancakes every time.

• Using under-ripe bananas: Not sweet or soft enough.
• Overmixing batter: Can make the texture dense.
• High heat cooking: Leads to burnt outsides and raw centers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 310

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These pancakes keep beautifully. Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster, skillet, or microwave until warm and fluffy.

How to Serve Banana Oat Pancakes with Walnuts

Serve stacked high with maple syrup, fresh banana slices, and chopped nuts. They also pair perfectly with Greek yogurt, a fruit compote, or a dollop of almond butter.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers can turn into something new and delicious.

• Pancake Sandwiches: Spread with nut butter and fold in half.
• Pancake Parfait: Layer with yogurt and fruit in a jar.
• Quick Toasted Snack: Reheat in toaster and top with cinnamon sugar.

Additional Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized pancakes.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for deeper spice.
• For extra protein, stir in a scoop of protein powder.

Make It a Showstopper

Top your pancake stack with caramelized bananas or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve on a simple white plate with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for that picture-perfect brunch moment.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Pancakes: Add dark chocolate chips to the batter.
• Vegan Version: Use flax egg and plant-based milk.
• Blueberry Banana Pancakes: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries.
• Nut-Free: Skip walnuts and use sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Protein Boost: Blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A1: It’s best fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Stir before using.

Q2: Can I use steel-cut oats?
A2: No, they won’t blend smoothly enough for this recipe.

Q3: Are these gluten-free?
A3: Yes, as long as your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q4: How do I make them fluffier?
A4: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to activate baking powder.

Q5: Can I skip the egg?
A5: Yes, use a flax egg or egg replacer.

Q6: What’s the best pan to use?
A6: A non-stick skillet or flat griddle works best.

Q7: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a blender?
A7: A blender is preferred to break down oats properly, but you can use oat flour and mix by hand.

Q8: Do I have to use maple syrup?
A8: No, you can use honey or agave or skip it altogether for a sugar-free version.

Q9: Can I make these in a waffle iron?
A9: Yes, just be sure to grease well and cook until crisp.

Q10: How do I know when they’re ready to flip?
A10: Wait until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.

Conclusion

Banana Oat Pancakes with Walnuts are the kind of breakfast that checks all the boxes — warm, comforting, wholesome, and just indulgent enough. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these pancakes bring flavor and texture in every golden bite. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer.

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