Healthy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes

Section: Rise and Shine with Delicious Breakfast Recipes

Fluffy and wholesome, these oatmeal apple pancakes offer a naturally sweet, fiber-rich start to your day. Grated apple adds moisture and gentle sweetness, while oats bring texture and sustained energy. Greek yogurt lends creaminess and protein, making these ideal for busy mornings or slow weekend brunches. Easy to prepare, kid-approved, and customizable for dietary needs, this breakfast dish combines comfort with nutrition in every bite. From quick meal prep to a relaxing family breakfast, it's a flavorful, nourishing choice.

A woman in a pink apron is smiling.
Published By Dina
Updated on Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:08:34 GMT
A stack of pancakes on a plate. Bookmark
A stack of pancakes on a plate. | ioanacooks.com

Healthy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes are my answer to mornings when I want something warm and hearty without sacrificing nutrition. These are made with whole oats and fresh apple, making them both wholesome and incredibly flavorful. I reach for this recipe when I want to feel full and energized without any sugar crash later on.

I first made these for my son’s back-to-school breakfast and now they’ve become our Saturday staple.

Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: provide fiber and help keep you full
  • Grated apple: adds moisture and natural sweetness
  • Eggs: bind everything and add protein
  • Greek yogurt: makes the batter creamy and fluffy
  • Cinnamon: gives a cozy flavor
  • Baking powder and baking soda: create rise and softness
  • Vanilla extract: adds warm aroma
  • A pinch of salt: enhances all the flavors
  • Oil or butter: is used for cooking and helps crisp the outside
A stack of pancakes with syrup on top. Bookmark
A stack of pancakes with syrup on top. | ioanacooks.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make Oat Flour:
Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor and pulse until they resemble flour. This forms the wholesome base of the pancakes.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour baking powder baking soda cinnamon and salt to evenly distribute everything.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl whisk together eggs Greek yogurt and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
Add Apple:
Stir the grated apple into the wet mixture making sure it is evenly distributed. This adds both flavor and moisture.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined. Let the batter sit for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Cook the Pancakes:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter. Scoop about one quarter cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
Flip and Finish:
Cook the pancakes for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
Serve Warm:
Serve with toppings like maple syrup sautéed apples or yogurt and berries for a balanced breakfast.

You Must Know

I love how the Greek yogurt adds a light tang and makes them super fluffy. My daughter calls these the apple pie pancakes and asks for them by name.

Storage Tips

Store cooked pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a toaster or oven for the best texture. Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based butter for a lactose-free version. Swap apple with mashed banana grated zucchini or pear depending on the season. You can also stir in nut butter or a scoop of protein powder to increase the protein content.

Serving Suggestions

Top with sautéed cinnamon apples and a dollop of yogurt. Drizzle almond butter or sunflower butter for richness. Sprinkle granola or chopped nuts for texture and crunch.

A stack of pancakes with syrup on top. Bookmark
A stack of pancakes with syrup on top. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural or Historical Context

Pancakes have long been a comfort food in many cultures. This recipe transforms the traditional version into a health-forward option using whole ingredients. The use of oats and apples echoes rural European breakfasts where grains and orchard fruit were pantry staples.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.

→ What type of apple works best?

Firm, slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold up well and add great flavor and moisture.

→ Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes, you can mix the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Stir well before cooking.

→ How do I store leftover pancakes?

Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can substitute with dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based varieties for a similar texture and flavor.

→ Are these pancakes suitable for kids?

Yes, the gentle sweetness and soft texture make them kid-friendly, plus they're packed with nourishing ingredients.

Healthy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes

Hearty oat-based pancakes with apple and cinnamon. A warm, satisfying breakfast with simple ingredients.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Published By: Dina

Category of Recipe: Breakfast

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (8 pancakes)

Dietary Preferences: Made for Vegetarians

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 cup rolled oats
Ingredient 02 1 apple, grated
Ingredient 03 2 large eggs
Ingredient 04 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Ingredient 05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient 06 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Ingredient 07 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Ingredient 08 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient 09 1 pinch salt
Ingredient 10 Oil or butter for cooking

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor and blend until a fine, flour-like texture is achieved.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Fold the grated apple into the wet mixture and stir to combine evenly.

Step 05

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to thicken.

Step 06

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 07

Serve the pancakes warm with optional toppings such as maple syrup, apple slices, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Extra Tips

  1. Allowing the batter to rest enhances texture by letting the oats hydrate and thicken the mixture naturally.
  2. Grated apple adds natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for added sugar or oil.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender or food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 230
  • Total Fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 28 grams
  • Protein Amount: 10 grams