Mini Banana Oat Pancakes
By the GreenSpoon Kids kitchen
Soft, fluffy mini pancakes made with banana and oats. Perfect for little hands to pick up and self-feed, encouraging independence at mealtimes.
These little pancakes are a baby-led-weaning breakfast favorite for good reason: just banana, egg, and oats, with no flour and no added sugar. They cook up soft and fluffy, hold together well for little hands, and are sized for a 10 to 12 month old who is busy practicing self-feeding. You can have a batch ready in about 20 minutes, and the recipe doubles easily for a weekend stash.
Ingredients(6)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (blended to a flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions(11 steps)
- 1
Blend or process the rolled oats into a fine flour using a blender.
- 2
In a bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- 3
Crack the egg into the bowl and whisk together with the banana.
- 4
Add the oat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined.
- 5
Let the batter rest for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- 6
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter.
- 7
Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of batter onto the pan (make them small for little hands).
- 8
Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on top and edges look set.
- 9
Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden.
- 10
Repeat with remaining batter, adding more butter as needed.
- 11
Cool completely before serving - test temperature carefully as they retain heat.
Nutritional Highlights
- -Banana provides natural sweetness and potassium
- -Egg offers protein and choline for brain development
- -Oats provide slow-release energy and fiber
- -No added sugar - naturally sweetened by banana
Age Appropriateness
Ideal for 10-12 month olds practicing their pincer grasp. Cut into strips or small pieces if baby is still developing finger food skills.
Introduction Tip
These are soft enough to gum without teeth. Cut into strips for babies just starting finger foods, or serve whole for more experienced self-feeders.
Why this works
At this age babies are working on their pincer grasp and growing confident picking up small pieces, and a soft, grippable pancake is the perfect practice food. Mashed banana and egg bind everything without flour, so each pancake is tender enough to gum without teeth. The natural sweetness comes only from ripe banana, which keeps it a gentle, everyday breakfast rather than a sugary one. Letting your baby feed themselves these, mess and all, builds the independence and chewing skills that early finger foods are all about.
Variations and swaps
- Make them dairy-free by cooking in a little oil instead of butter.
- Stir in a few small soft blueberries or a spoon of mashed berry before cooking.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
- For a baby just starting finger foods, cook the batter into longer strips that are easy to grab.
- Swap the oats for a baby-friendly oat flour you already have on hand.
Make ahead and storage
These keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze really well, which is what makes them a great make-ahead. Freeze them in a single layer first, then bag them so they do not stick, for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a pan, toaster, or microwave until warmed through, then let them cool and always test the temperature, since they hold heat in the center. A splash of nothing needed, they reheat soft.
What to serve with it
Serve a few at a time on the highchair tray with some soft fruit alongside, such as banana coins or a little plain yogurt to dip. Offer them plain rather than with syrup. The first time, sit with your baby and keep the meal calm and unhurried so they can explore at their own pace.
Common questions
Are these safe for a baby still gumming food without teeth?
Yes. They are soft enough to mash with gums, which is exactly what they are designed for. Cut them into strips or small pieces for a baby just starting finger foods, serve them sitting upright, and stay within arm's reach during the meal.
Is there really no sugar?
Correct. The only sweetness is from the ripe banana, with nothing added. Using a very ripe banana gives the best natural sweetness and helps the pancakes hold together.
My baby has not had egg yet. Can I still make these?
Egg is one of the common allergens, and current guidance is to introduce it early rather than wait. Offer egg on its own first, watch for any reaction, and once it is established these pancakes are a great way to serve it. If your family has an allergy history, check with your pediatrician.
Can I make a big batch ahead?
Absolutely. They freeze beautifully, so make a double batch, freeze in a single layer, and reheat a few each morning for a fast breakfast.
