Vegan Apple Oat Pancakes

Nothing says “good morning” better than a warm and nourishing breakfast to kick-start the day. These vegan apple oat pancakes are like fluffy clouds infused with the aroma of cinnamon, and I like to serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, cooked apple bits and pecans. Once you try this homemade pancake recipe, I’m sure it will mark a point of no return for your breakfasts.

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Have a healthy breakfast is indubitably the key to boost the energy levels for the whole day. It provides essential nutrients and helps improve mood. Among the many healthy breakfast ideas, I want to share some tips for preparing delicious oat flour pancakes. These are packed with wholesome ingredients, like homemade applesauce, and I promise your kitchen will be filled with warm, spicy aromas.

Already in the time of the ancient Romans and Greeks, people prepared simple small cakes shaped like pancakes using flour, water and oil. These were called “tagitae” and were enjoyed with honey and cheese. Later, in Medieval Europe, the pancakes recipe became richer by including eggs and milk. Subsequently, the introduction of baking powder transformed the pancake mix recipe, making the pancakes fluffier. Pancakes became a popular breakfast recipe, particularly in the United States, where they are often served with maple syrup, butter and various toppings.

With their warm and lightly spiced flavor, these vegan apple oat pancakes are the perfect fall breakfast to pamper you. Their versatility makes them delicious both on their own or topped with spreads, such as peanut butter, and fruits. Personally, I suggest drizzling them with maple syrup and adding cooked apple chunks, set aside while preparing the applesauce, along with pecans. This way, these healthy pancakes with oats become a complete and nutritious breakfast that will keep you filling full for the rest of the morning.

Ingredients for oat pancakes

• Oat flour: compared to all-purpose flour, oat flour is richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great option for healthy pancakes. Additionally, oat pancakes are gluten-free, and the absence of gluten doesn’t affect their soft, dense texture. Finally, this flour has a nutty taste that complements the other ingredients, balancing the overall flavor.

• Apples: I use the Golden Delicious variety for my apple pancakes because of their sweetness and slightly honeyed flavor, which eliminates the need for extra sugar. They are juicy, and the riper they are, the softer their texture becomes. This makes them perfect for blending them into applesauce, the main source of sweetness for these vegan apple oat pancakes.

• Lemon juice: its citric acid helps prevent the apples from turning brown during the prepation of the applesauce, making it more visually appealing. Additionally, its acidity is useful for balancing the sweetness of the fruit, adding a refreshing touch.

• Cinnamon: ground cinnamon adds an aromatic and spicy note to the applesauce, providing a comforting and cozy fragrance. Moreover, cinnamon prevents the applesauce from becoming excessively sweet, helping to balance the overall flavor. Finally, this ingredient contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making the homemade applesauce healthier.

• Almond milk: this unsweetened vegetable-based beverage is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk, making apple oat pancakes suitable for a plant-based diet and for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Additionally, almond milk provides unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and cholesterol levels.

• Baking soda: this is a powerful leavening agent that helps the muffins rise. In addition, baking soda enhances the golden-brown color of the pastry creating a crispy and golden crust.

• Apple cider vinegar: when combined with baking soda, this ingredient creates a chemical reaction that produces bubbles, helping the pancakes rise and become fluffy. It’s acidity also makes the texture softer.

• Vanilla extract: this ingredient has a sweet, warm and floral flavor with notes of caramel and spice.

• Maple syrup: this natural sweetener has a caramel-like taste and is a perfect alternative to refined sugars. A drizzle of maple syrup on top of the vegan pancakes prevents them from feeling dry and adds a glossy touch, making them more appetizing.

• Pecans: when placed on top of vegan apple oat pancakes, pecans add a crunchy contrast to the soft and fluffy texture. Additionally, they enhance the overall flavor with their nutty notes. Finally, pecans are a good source of healthy fats and protein, boosting the nutritional profile of this vegan recipe.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare the vegan apple pancakes

Cut the apples into small cubes. Place the apples in a pot with lemon juice, water and cinnamon. Cook with the lid on for about 15-20 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Once the apples are soft, mash them with an immersion blender (or a potato masher) keeping some chunks aside to decorate the final pancakes.

In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, baking soda and salt.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond milk and apple cider vinegar . Let it sit for a few minutes then add the applesauce (1/2 cup) and vanilla extract.

Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Let the batter sit for about 10 minutes.

Heat a skillet with a bit of oil. When hot, pour a ladle of batter into the skillet. Cook for a few minutes on each side.

Serve the pancakes with maple syrup, pecans, and the reserved cooked apples.

My tips for fluffy pancakes

• You can substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice.

• You can substitute applesauce with mashed bananas.

• You can freeze the pancakes and reheat them in the microwave when needed.

• If the batter is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach the desired consistency.

• A good tip for knowing when to flip the pancakes is to watch for bubbles that appear on the surface.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!