Apple Oatmeal Pancakes – No Refined Sugar, Gluten-Free

These Apple Oatmeal Pancakes are soft, tender, and filled with grated apples and warm cinnamon flavor. They’re made with oat flour, buttermilk, eggs, and a little honey, with no regular flour or refined sugar. The grated apples add natural sweetness and keep the pancakes moist without making them heavy.

I love how easy these are to make. You simply blend the oats into flour, mix the batter, fold in the grated apples, and cook the pancakes in a skillet until golden. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast and taste especially good served warm with Greek yogurt, a dust of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

• Lots of apple flavor – grated apples are mixed right into the batter, so you get apple in every bite.
• Easy to make – the oats are quickly blended into flour and the batter comes together in one bowl.
• Soft and tender – buttermilk and apples keep the pancakes moist without making them too heavy.
• Naturally sweetened – a little honey complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Made with oats – a simple way to add whole-grain oats to your breakfast.
• Perfect for fall – cinnamon and apples make these especially cozy on a cool morning.

Ingredients

Oats – Use rolled oats and blend them into a fine flour. You can also use ready-made oat flour.

Apples – Choose sweet or naturally sweet-tart apples that hold their texture well when grated. Peel and core them before grating.

Eggs – Help bind the ingredients and give the pancakes structure.

Buttermilk – Adds moisture and gives the pancakes a soft, tender texture. Its acidity also works with the baking soda to help the pancakes rise.

Honey – Adds a little sweetness. You can also use maple syrup.

Melted butter – Adds flavor and keeps the pancakes tender.

Cinnamon and vanilla – Bring out the flavor of the apples.

Baking powder and baking soda – Help the pancakes become light and fluffy.

Salt – A small amount balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

1. Make the oat flour

Add the rolled oats to a blender and blend until finely ground and flour-like.

2. Prepare the apples

Peel and core the apples, then grate them using the large holes of a box grater. If your apples are particularly juicy, gently squeeze out some of the excess liquid.

3. Make the batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, honey, melted butter, and buttermilk.

Add the oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until combined.

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. The oat flour will absorb some of the liquid and the batter will thicken slightly.

4. Add the apples

Fold the grated apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

5. Cook the pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter.

Add about ¼ to ⅓ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the edges are set and bubbles begin to appear on the surface.

Carefully flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Serve warm with Greek yogurt, fresh apple slices, toasted walnuts, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Recipe Tips

Don’t skip the resting time. Oat flour needs a few minutes to absorb the liquid. After 5 minutes, the batter will be thicker and easier to cook.

Cook over medium-low heat. Oatmeal pancakes can brown quickly, especially because they contain apples and honey. A lower temperature gives them enough time to cook through before the outside gets too dark.

Adjust the batter if needed. Apples vary in size and moisture. If the batter seems too thick after resting, stir in a tablespoon or two of buttermilk.

Make them smaller rather than larger. Smaller pancakes are easier to flip and cook more evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ready-made oat flour?

Yes. Use the same amount, instead of blending rolled oats.

What kind of apples are best?

You can use almost any apple you enjoy eating. Sweet apples will make the pancakes naturally sweeter, while a slightly tart variety will give them a more pronounced apple flavor.

Can I make these pancakes without buttermilk?

Yes. You can substitute regular milk, although buttermilk gives the pancakes a softer texture and works with the baking soda to help them rise.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the pancakes soon after making the batter. The oat flour will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, making the batter progressively thicker.

How do I store leftover pancakes?

Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet, toaster, or microwave.

Can I freeze oatmeal apple pancakes?

Yes. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster, skillet, or microwave.

More Apple Recipes

If you love baking with apples, here are a few more recipes to try next:

Greek Yogurt Apple Buns – These soft, tender no-yeast buns are filled with juicy cinnamon apples. The dough comes together quickly with Greek yogurt and baking powder, making them a great choice when you want something warm and homemade without waiting for yeast to rise.

Apple Crumble – A classic combination of tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a crisp, buttery oat topping. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert or with honey yogurt for a cozy breakfast.

Apple Crumble Muffins – These soft muffins are packed with juicy apple pieces and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an easy fall bake.

Easy Apple Oatmeal Cookies – These soft oatmeal cookies are packed with fresh apple pieces and applesauce, with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg adding plenty of warm fall flavor. They’re naturally sweetened with honey and make an easy snack or simple treat with a cup of coffee.

Apple Oatmeal Cups – These soft baked oatmeal cups are made with oats, applesauce, Greek yogurt, and fresh apple pieces. They’re lightly sweetened with honey and make an easy breakfast or snack that you can prepare ahead and keep in the fridge or freezer.

Apple Oatmeal Bread – A moist, tender apple bread made with oat flour, buttermilk, honey, and plenty of diced apples. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm flavor, while chopped walnuts on top give each slice a little crunch. It’s especially good for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

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