These Apple Oatmeal Pancakes are fluffy, hearty, and loaded with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and apples in every bite. They make for a nourishing breakfast you’ll actually look forward to—think classic pancakes but with a healthy, fruity twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweet apples and a hint of maple syrup offer wholesome, unrefined sweetness—no refined sugar needed!
- Hearty & Satisfying: The oats keep these pancakes fluffy, filling, and loaded with fiber so breakfast stays satisfying for hours.
- Simple, Nutritious Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand, and each ingredient brings flavor, texture, and color to every bite.
- Deliciously Customizable: From vegan swaps to nutty toppings, you can easily tailor these pancakes for any diet or craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Oatmeal Pancakes is in their simple ingredient list—each item playing a special role in flavor or texture. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch you’ll crave again and again.
- Sweet apple: Brings juicy little bursts of sweetness and moisture; choose your favorite variety for even more flavor.
- Rolled or quick oats: The heart of these pancakes—oats create a truly satisfying, tender crumb and a lovely nuttiness.
- Oat milk: Keeps the pancake batter dairy-free and super creamy, although feel free to switch it up according to your preference.
- Medium egg: Adds structure and helps the pancakes puff up nicely. Vegans can use a flax or chia egg, no problem!
- Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness to tie everything together—pick your favorite, or experiment with date syrup for depth.
- Ceylon cinnamon: The essential cozy spice! Ceylon gives a gentle, sweet warmth that’s made for apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a classic, aromatic note. It’s optional but so lovely if you like an extra hint of spice.
- Salt: A tiny pinch brings all the flavors into focus and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Baking powder: For that coveted fluffy pancake rise—don’t skip it!
- Hemp seeds: Stirred in for subtle crunch, protein, and nourishing healthy fats.
- Coconut oil (for greasing): Gives the pancakes a golden edge—avocado oil also works great.
- Dried fruits & chopped nuts (toppings): For delightful pops of chewy and crunchy. Cranberries and walnuts are classic, but any combination is delicious.
Variations
Apple Oatmeal Pancakes are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to mix things up! Whether you’re craving an allergy-friendly swap or just want to add your own twist, there’s plenty of room to make these pancakes yours.
- Vegan-Friendly: Simply replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, and use a plant milk of your choice to make these dairy- and egg-free.
- Gluten-Free: Grab certified gluten-free oats and you’ve got pancakes everyone can enjoy—easy, wholesome, and safe for sensitive tummies.
- Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes: Swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for a pumpkin pie spice blend for warm, autumnal vibes.
- Different Sweeteners: Try date syrup or molasses in place of maple syrup or honey—they add richness and turn the pancakes a cozy golden brown.
- Extra Add-ins: Gently fold in blueberries, grated carrot, or chocolate chips for extra flavor pops.
How to Make Apple Oatmeal Pancakes
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by washing and dicing your sweet apple into small, even chunks. This way, you’ll get juicy bites of apple in every pancake. Set the apples aside while you prep your pancake batter—resist the urge to eat them all before they make it to the pan!
Step 2: Blend the Batter
In your blender, add all the ingredients except the diced apple and hemp seeds. For the smoothest batter (and less sticking), pour in the wet ingredients first, followed by oats, spices, and baking powder. Blend everything on high for a minute or two, until the mixture is mostly smooth and creamy—tiny oat flecks are perfectly fine!
Step 3: Add the Hemp Seeds and Rest
Use a spatula to gently fold in the hemp seeds. Letting your batter rest for a minute or two allows the oats to fully hydrate and puff up, guaranteeing fluffier pancakes (it’s worth it, I promise!).
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick pancake pan over medium heat, then brush or spray with coconut oil so nothing sticks. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake, then scatter a handful of diced apples over each. Gently press the apples into the batter so they become part of the pancake, not just toppings!
Step 5: Flip and Finish
Let the pancakes cook for 2-3 minutes, until you see little bubbles and the edges look set. Carefully flip with a flexible spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Each side should be beautifully golden and apples just tender. Repeat with the rest of the batter, greasing the pan between each batch.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Serve your Apple Oatmeal Pancakes immediately while they’re warm and irresistibly fluffy. Pile them high, then shower with extra diced apples and a generous sprinkle of dried fruit and chopped walnuts or your choice of toppings. Enjoy every bite of rustic, homey deliciousness.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Oatmeal Pancakes
- Oat Texture Matters: For extra-fluffy pancakes, use rolled oats; for a smoother bite, quick oats are wonderful.
- Apple Placement: Tucking apple pieces gently into the batter (rather than just sprinkling on top) ensures fruit in every mouthful and prevents burning.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: A quick rest after blending isn’t just a formality—the oats absorb liquid, helping the batter set up and creating a superior, pillowy texture.
- Right Pan Temperature: Medium heat is your best friend—a too-hot pan will scorch the outside before the inside cooks through.
How to Serve Apple Oatmeal Pancakes
Garnishes
Nothing screams “special breakfast” like a pretty stack of pancakes loaded up with all the fixings! I love to scatter extra diced apples, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, or a dusting of cinnamon on top. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of creamy yogurt takes them over the top.
Side Dishes
A side of Greek yogurt, vanilla skyr, or a handful of fresh berries makes a lovely, refreshing pairing with your Apple Oatmeal Pancakes. If you want something warm and cozy, try serving alongside scrambled eggs or a steaming mug of chai tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch centerpiece, arrange pancakes in an overlapping spiral on a platter, alternating layers with apples and nuts. Or, turn them into adorable pancake “sliders” by sandwiching layers of yogurt and fruit between mini pancakes. Kids and adults both love a pancake board loaded with toppings for everyone to build their own masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, fluffy, and ready to grab for up to four days—perfect for busy mornings or snack time!
Freezing
For longer storage, individually wrap each pancake (or separate with wax paper) before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. To serve, just let them thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge—so easy for make-ahead breakfasts!
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm pancakes in the microwave in short bursts (don’t overdo it or they’ll dry out), or pop them in a toaster oven until heated through. This brings back the softness, making them taste freshly cooked!
FAQs
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Can I make Apple Oatmeal Pancakes vegan?
Yes! Just swap the egg for a flax or chia egg and use a non-dairy milk—your pancakes will turn out fluffy and just as deliciously golden.
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Which apple variety is best for this recipe?
Sweeter varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are fantastic, but feel free to use any apple you love—tart apples like Granny Smith will add a tangy twist.
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Can I use steel-cut oats?
For best texture, stick with rolled oats or quick oats. Steel-cut oats don’t soften enough during blending, so the pancakes won’t have the same tender bite.
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How can I prevent my pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Always brush or spray your pan well with coconut or avocado oil between batches, and make sure your pan is preheated to medium (not high) heat for the perfect golden-brown flip!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Apple Oatmeal Pancakes a try for your next breakfast or brunch—they’re simple, wholesome, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too. Don’t forget to add your own twist and share them with family and friends. Happy flipping!
PrintApple Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Oatmeal Pancakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, filled with fresh apples and warm spices. They make for a perfect healthy and filling breakfast option.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 sweet apple, diced
- 1 medium egg
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats or quick oats
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons Ceylon cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup mix of dried fruits and chopped nuts (e.g., cranberries and walnuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a blender, combine all ingredients except the diced apple and hemp seeds. Blend until smooth.
- Add Hemp Seeds: Mix in the hemp seeds using a spatula. Let the batter rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a pancake pan over medium heat, coat with cooking spray, and pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Top with diced apple chunks and cook until browned on both sides.
- Serve: Top the pancakes with more diced apples, dried fruits, and nuts. Enjoy!
Notes
- Makes 6 pancakes serving 3 people.
- Various ingredient substitutions and tips for storage provided in the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: Approx. 150 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 8g
- Sodium: Approx. 100mg
- Fat: Approx. 5g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 20g
- Fiber: Approx. 3g
- Protein: Approx. 5g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 20mg