1-Step 1: Prepare the Banana Base Start by selecting a ripe banana the more brown spots, the better! A ripe banana will mash easily and provide the most natural sweetness. Place your banana in a medium-sized bowl and use a fork to mash it thoroughly until it becomes smooth with only small lumps remaining. The consistency of your mashed banana matters. You want it fairly smooth so it incorporates well with the other ingredients, but don’t stress about making it perfectly uniform. Those tiny banana pieces actually add nice texture to the finished pancakes.

2-Step 2: Add Eggs and Mix Crack two eggs directly into your bowl with the mashed banana. Using the same fork, whisk everything together until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy. This whisking step helps add air to the batter, which contributes to fluffier pancakes. Don’t rush this step! Take about 30 seconds to really blend everything well. The mixture should look pale yellow and uniform when you’re done.

3-Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Add your 1/4 cup of oats, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of cinnamon to the banana-egg mixture. Stir everything together until the oats are evenly distributed throughout the batter. At this point, you can also add any optional ingredients. A spoonful of peanut butter swirled into the batter creates delicious pockets of nutty flavor. If you’re adding vanilla extract, about 1/2 teaspoon will do the trick.

4-Step 4: Let the Batter Rest Allow your batter to sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period gives the oats time to soften and absorb some of the liquid from the eggs and banana. The result? A thicker, more cohesive batter that cooks up beautifully. While the batter rests, this is the perfect time to preheat your skillet. Consistent heat is key to evenly cooked pancakes!

5-Step 5: Heat Your Cooking Surface Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add about a tablespoon of coconut oil or butter. Let it melt and coat the pan evenly. The temperature is crucial here medium-low heat prevents burning while giving the pancakes enough time to cook through completely. How do you know when the pan is ready? Flick a few drops of water onto the surface. If they sizzle gently and evaporate, you’re good to go. If they pop and splatter violently, your pan is too hot.

6-Step 6: Cook the Pancakes Pour small amounts of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) onto your heated skillet. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread them into circles if needed. Keep them small about 3-4 inches across because these banana oat pancakes are more delicate than traditional ones. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side. Watch for the edges to start setting and the surface to look slightly dry with small bubbles forming. If you’re adding chocolate chips, sprinkle them on now while the pancakes are still wet on top.

7-Step 7: Flip Carefully Use a thin spatula to gently flip each pancake. Because these pancakes don’t contain flour, they’re softer and more fragile than conventional pancakes. Slide the spatula fully underneath before flipping, and use a quick, confident motion. Cook the second side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fully set. The pancakes should be golden brown on both sides and feel firm (not wet) when you press gently on top.

8-Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Transfer your cooked pancakes to a plate and serve immediately while warm. These banana oatmeal pancakes are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with toppings!