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Healthy Pancakes for Kids: Oatmeal Apple Pancakes - A Simple, Wholesome Breakfast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned; quick oats work in a pinch)
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
  • 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes)
  • 1 medium apple, grated (peeled if you prefer; any sweet variety)
  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp oil or melted butter (plus more for the pan)

Method
 

  1. Soften the oats. Add rolled oats and milk to a bowl. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to soften. This helps the pancakes turn out tender instead of chewy.
  2. Grate the apple. While the oats soak, grate the apple on the large holes of a box grater. Lightly squeeze out excess juice if the apple is very juicy. You want moist, not watery.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients. To the soaked oats, add egg, vanilla, oil or melted butter, and maple syrup or honey if using. Whisk until combined.
  4. Add the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until there are no visible dry pockets.
  5. Fold in the apple. Stir in the grated apple just until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick. If it seems too thick to scoop, add a splash of milk.
  6. Preheat and grease the pan. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Aim for a steady, even heat to prevent burning.
  7. Cook the pancakes. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Spread gently with the back of a spoon to about 3–4 inches wide. Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges look set, 2–3 minutes.
  8. Flip and finish. Turn carefully and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid scorching.
  9. Serve warm. Top with a small pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, a spoonful of yogurt, or extra apple slices. For little kids, keep toppings simple and easy to handle.