Just because your infant or toddler has moved on from purees and weaning foods doesn’t mean he/she can’t still have banana pancakes — but they, too, do need to evolve. This version does just that, using rolled oats for heft and yogurt or cream cheese for a creamy hit of protein. The result tastes just like warm banana bread, just in handy breakfast/pancake form, the better for little ones to grip, rip, and dip. You can introduce these by 11-12 months; expect them to stick around as a breakfast favorite for many more months thereafter.
Ingredients Overview
These banana pancakes uses a simple, toddler-friendly ingredient list that delivers fiber from old-fashioned oats, creaminess and protein from Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese), and natural sweetness from banana — plus a touch of baking powder and mild flavoring from vanilla and cinnamon. The whole batter blends to a smooth, scoopable texture that cooks into soft, easy-to-grip mini pancakes ideal for early childhood breakfast or snacks.
Steps Summary
- Blend: Combine the oats, yogurt/cottage cheese, banana, baking powder, vanilla, and cinnamon in a blender and process until smooth.
- Cook: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a light swirl of butter. Scoop small dollops of batter into the pan and cook 2–2.5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve & Cut: Serve the mini pancakes plain or with fruit; cut into strips or bite-sized pieces depending on your child’s age and chewing ability.
FAQ
Can I make these banana pancakes ahead of time?
Yes — you can make a larger batch and refrigerate cooked pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or warm skillet before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Flash-freeze cooked pancakes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or skillet; no need to thaw first.
Can I use dairy-free yogurt?
Yes — swap in your preferred dairy-free yogurt (e.g., coconut or almond) if dairy is an issue. Texture may vary slightly, so you might need to add a splash of milk to thin the batter.
What age are these suitable for?
These are great for toddlers who are confidently eating finger foods — as early as about 11–12 months with appropriate cutting and supervision.
Recipe Links
What to Serve With Toddler Banana Pancakes
- Kids Green Smoothie: A creamy, fruit-and-veggie packed drink that pairs perfectly with pancakes for a balanced breakfast — great for sneaking in greens.
- Healthy Banana Pudding for Toddlers: A smooth, soft pudding that doubles as a light, sweet side — perfect if you want a fruit-forward breakfast spread.
More Toddler-Friendly Recipes Like This
And check out all of our great toddler breakfast recipes!