These Healthy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes are soft, thick, naturally sweet, and made with simple ingredients.
They’re perfect for slow mornings or meal prep and come together in a blender—super easy. The oats give them a hearty texture, while the apples make them moist and flavorful.
They’re sweet enough on their own, but I still love adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt on top.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making these when I had half an apple and some rolled oats to use up before a grocery run. Threw everything in the blender on a whim, and these came out way better than I expected. Since then, they’ve been a staple.
- No refined flour—just oats
- Naturally sweetened with apple and a touch of maple
- You don’t need a mixing bowl—just a blender
- They freeze great for later
- Filling and cozy, but still light
Serves: 2 (makes about 6 small pancakes)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 medium apple, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for the pan
Pro Tips
- Grate the apple finely so it blends easily into the batter
- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes after blending to thicken
- If your blender isn’t strong, blend the oats first into flour before adding other ingredients
- Use a nonstick pan or griddle for easy flipping
- Make a double batch and freeze some for later
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Grater
- Measuring spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of dairy
- Swap maple syrup with honey or mashed banana
- Add a dash of vanilla or nutmeg for extra flavor
- Stir in some chopped walnuts or raisins after blending for texture
Make Ahead Tips
You can blend the batter and store it in the fridge overnight. Just stir it before using. Leftover pancakes freeze well—layer between parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag.
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Blender
Add 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 grated apple, 1/2 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt to a blender.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 30–60 seconds. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 2–3 tablespoons of batter per pancake into the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Stack pancakes on a plate and top with apple slices, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon if you like.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze in a single layer. Reheat in a toaster or skillet.
Macros Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The oats act like flour when blended, giving structure without needing wheat. The grated apple keeps the pancakes moist and adds natural sweetness. Baking powder gives a bit of lift, and letting the batter rest helps the oats absorb liquid and thicken up.
Common Mistakes
- Not letting the batter rest—can lead to thin pancakes
- Overheating the pan, which burns the outside before the inside is done
- Using too much oil or butter—just a little is enough
- Flipping too early—wait for bubbles and firm edges
What to Serve With
- Maple syrup or honey
- Sliced apples or bananas
- Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- Nut butter for extra protein
- A warm chai or coffee on the side
FAQ
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, they work fine since they blend up easily.
Can I skip the egg?
You can use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) as a substitute.
What kind of apple works best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great—sweet and not too watery.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just blend in batches if needed.
Is the batter supposed to be thick?
Yes, it should be thick but pourable. Letting it sit helps thicken it more.