Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes with Oatmeal

You can enjoy the indulgence of pancakes guilt-free with this healthy pumpkin pancakes with oatmeal recipe. Packed with the goodness of pumpkin puree, oatmeal, and a blend of wholesome ingredients, these pancakes are not only delicious but also nutritious. Let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delightful oatmeal pumpkin pancakes.

This is one of our favorite pumpkin recipes (other than our pumpkin bread)  because it is perfect for breakfast or a snack for baby-led weaning babies, toddlers and bigger kids. 

Why we love these pancakes 

• easy blender pancakes
• great for everyone in the family 
• no sugar, but you can add some honey if you want to 
• delicious pumpkin flavor with heartwarming pumpkin spice

Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree - made from cooked and mashed pumpkin, it adds a rich, earthy flavor to the pancakes while providing a boost of vitamins and fiber. Pumpkin puree also lends natural sweetness to the recipe, reducing the need for excessive sugar. Only buy pure canned pumpkin puree or make your own homemade pumpkin puree. 
• Eggs - eggs act as a binding agent, giving the pancakes structure and moisture. They are a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
• Rolled Oats - oats are a heart-healthy whole grain packed with fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins and minerals. They add a hearty texture to the pancakes and contribute to their nutritional value. Once the oats are blended they make oat flour. If you will be making this recipe gluten-free make sure to look for gluten-free oats. 
• All-Purpose Flour - all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure to the pancakes. While it's not part of the whole grains family, its moderate use in this recipe ensures a fluffy and tender texture. You can also opt for whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier alternative.
• Baking Powder - baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise, giving you fluffy pancakes. 
• Milk - milk adds creaminess to the batter and makes the pancakes tender. You can choose dairy or non-dairy options like unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, catering to various dietary preferences.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice - a delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, pumpkin spice enhances the pancakes' flavor profile, giving them that warm, aromatic essence reminiscent of the pumpkin season. It's the quintessential spice mix for any pumpkin-based recipe. If you don't have it you can make your own or just use cinnamon. 
• Honey (Optional) - for a touch of sweetness, you can add natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. These options add flavor without the processed sugars found in many commercial pancake syrups, ensuring a healthier breakfast choice.

How to make these healthy pumpkin oatmeal pancakes? 

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until you have a smooth pancake batter.
3. Heat a medium non-stick pan on high heat and add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Once heated, bring the heat down to medium heat, take a tablespoon of batter and portion out 4 pancakes across the skillet and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until bubbles start to form and the sides have firmed up.
4. Flip them (they should flip super easily) and cook for another 2 minutes
5. Enjoy your delicious pancakes.

I prefer to top my healthy pancakes with some almond butter, peanut butter or hazelnut butter. 

Tip: if you feel like your pancake batter is too watery add more oat flour, oats or all-purpose flour. This could be dependent on the pumpkin puree you are using. If you don't get fluffy pumpkins then this is the reason why.

Add-ins and Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch and added protein.
• Fruity Flavors: Toss in some diced apples or mashed bananas for natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle in some dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can elevate your pancake experience.
• Protein Powder: Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost of protein, making these pancakes an ideal post-workout meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy these pancakes.

Storage

• store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days
• to freeze, place a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month
• reheat in a toaster or microwave for a quick and convenient breakfast option.