There’s something wonderfully comforting about a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes first thing in the morning. This Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe brings that cozy feeling to your kitchen without the gluten, using wholesome oat flour for a tender crumb and gentle sweetness that’ll brighten up your breakfast routine.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I’ve tried a bunch of gluten-free pancake recipes, and this one really stands out. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with flavor—all without any weird ingredients or complicated steps. Every time I make it, even my most skeptical friends ask for the recipe!
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of specialty flours—just gluten-free oat flour and some kitchen staples.
- Fluffy Texture: The yogurt and eggs work together to give these pancakes a tender, airy lift you’ll appreciate.
- Customizable Mix-ins: Whether you like blueberries, nuts, or chocolate chips, you can add up to a cup of your favorites with no fuss.
- Great for Meal Prep: These pancakes reheat beautifully, making busy mornings easier and tastier.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe lies in its balance: protein-rich yogurt adds moisture and tang, while the oat flour creates a tender crumb with subtle nuttiness. Here’s a quick look at why each ingredient makes the final pancakes so good.

- Plain yogurt: Provides moisture and a slight tang that brightens the batter; I often use whole-milk Greek yogurt for richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a gentle buttery flavor while keeping the texture soft.
- Maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetness that complements the oats without overwhelming.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together and contribute to the fluffy texture.
- Certified gluten-free oat flour: The star here—keeps the recipe gluten-free while offering a mild, hearty taste; I grind my own at times for freshness.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the yogurt to make these light and airy by creating tiny bubbles.
- Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, cozy spice that’s perfect in fall or anytime you want a little extra flavor kick.
- Mix-ins (optional): Think fresh blueberries, toasted nuts, or chocolate chips—they elevate the pancakes without complicating the batter.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: For greasing the pan, helping to achieve that golden crust without sticking.
- Milk of choice (optional): I sometimes add a splash if the batter feels too thick; keeps pancakes from turning dense.
Make It Your Way
One reason I keep coming back to this Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. You can swap mix-ins, adjust sweetness, or play with spices to match whatever mood you’re in or what’s in your pantry.
- Berry Boost: Adding fresh or frozen blueberries is my go-to for a naturally sweet punch that turns pancakes into a fruity treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the batter add texture and a delicious depth—I always toast them lightly to bring out the oils.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: For weekend indulgence, a handful of dairy-free or dark chocolate chips always hits the spot, melting just enough on the griddle.
- Dairy-Free Swap: If you avoid dairy, coconut or almond yogurt work well here, plus a splash of your favorite plant milk to keep the batter just right.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Love
Start by stirring the plain yogurt, melted butter, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Crack in the eggs and whisk until everything feels smooth and well combined. I find whisking gently keeps the batter light, so the pancakes stay fluffy. This part smells so good—the butter and maple dancing together is pure kitchen happiness.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredents
In a medium bowl, mix the oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. I like using a large spoon here to ensure even distribution without packing the flour down. Getting these even helps the pancakes rise consistently with every batch.
Step 3: Gently Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir JUST until combined. This is key—you want to keep those precious air bubbles. If you overmix, the pancakes turn gummy or dense, which is a sad breakfast moment I’ve lived through more than once. Fold in any mix-ins now with a light touch.
Step 4: Let the Batter Rest and Preheat Your Pan
Let your batter sit for 10 minutes—this rest time thickens it and improves the texture. Meanwhile, heat your skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water dances and sizzles on the surface. I always lightly oil or butter the pan, then wipe off excess with a paper towel to avoid sticking and burning.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto your hot pan. Don’t worry if your batter feels thick; a splash of milk can help thin it so it spreads evenly without fuss. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges look matte and the bottom is golden brown. Flip gently and cook the other side for about 90 seconds. When you notice the pancakes browning too fast, lower the heat to keep them tender inside.
Step 6: Serve or Keep Warm
Plate them up right away, or tuck them in a 200°F oven to stay warm while you finish making the batch. These pancakes also hold up beautifully in the fridge or freezer if you want to plan ahead.
Top Tip
I’ve learned a few tricks through trial and error with this Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe that make all the difference between okay and amazing.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients come together to keep your pancakes airy and soft.
- Let the Batter Rest: The 10-minute wait lets oats soak up moisture, helping your pancakes hold shape and texture better.
- Use Medium-Low Heat: Cooking slower at a lower temperature prevents burning and helps the centers cook through evenly.
- Oil Lightly, Wipe Excess: A quick greasing of the pan with wiped-off excess oil keeps your pancakes from sticking without greasy drips.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping these pancakes with a pat of butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Fresh berries or sliced bananas never fail to add a burst of color and freshness. On chilly mornings, a dusting of cinnamon sugar feels like a little extra cozy hug.
Side Dishes
Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon or turkey sausage if you want a savory balance. For a lighter pairing, a side of scrambled eggs or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like stacking pancakes into mini towers layered with yogurt and fresh fruit between each layer. Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for crunch, and suddenly you’ve got a fancy brunch centerpiece that’s naturally gluten-free and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to five days—perfect for quick breakfasts during the week. Just layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
Freezing
I freeze extras individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. This way, you can pull out as many as you need without thawing a whole batch. They freeze beautifully for up to six months.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop frozen pancakes straight into a toaster or warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter. This method keeps the outsides crisp and the insides soft, just like fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you’re sensitive to gluten, it’s important to use certified gluten-free oat flour to avoid cross-contamination. Regular oat flour might contain traces of gluten depending on processing. If gluten isn’t a concern, regular oat flour works just fine for this recipe.
Absolutely! Swapping plain yogurt for a dairy-free variety like coconut or almond yogurt works well. Use a plant-based milk if you need to thin the batter. Just keep an eye on consistency, as dairy-free yogurts can be thinner or tangier.
I love adding fresh blueberries, toasted chopped nuts, or dark chocolate chips. You can also mix in mashed bananas or shredded coconut for different flavor profiles. Just be careful not to overload the batter to keep the pancakes light.
Lightly grease your pan or griddle with avocado oil or unsalted butter, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Also, cook over medium-low heat—in too-hot a pan, pancakes will stick or burn before cooking through. Patience with heat control is key!
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe is one of those go-to breakfasts that feels both soothing and special. I love how easy it is to make, the way the pancakes turn out tender and fluffy every time, and how flexible it is with mix-ins and tweaks. Give it a try—I’m confident it’ll find a happy home in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!
Print
Gluten-Free Oat Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and fluffy gluten-free pancakes made with certified gluten-free oat flour and yogurt for a tender texture. These pancakes are easy to prepare, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and great for a wholesome breakfast. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins like berries or nuts.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ⅔ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- Optional: up to ¼ cup milk of choice, for thinning the mixture
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup certified gluten-free oat flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Additional
- Optional: up to 1 cup mix-ins (toasted chopped nuts, fresh blueberries, or chocolate chips)
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the yogurt, melted butter, and maple syrup. Crack the eggs into the bowl and whisk until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon using a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter fluffy. Fold in any optional mix-ins carefully now.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to thicken, allowing the ingredients to combine fully and develop a better texture.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a large stainless steel or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat or preheat an electric griddle to 325 degrees Fahrenheit in the last couple of minutes before cooking.
- Prepare Pan and Cook Pancakes: Lightly oil or butter the heated skillet, wiping away excess oil. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the edges look matte and the bottom is golden brown. Thin the batter with up to ¼ cup milk if it is too thick to spread.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 90 seconds until golden brown on the other side. Adjust heat down if necessary to prevent burning. Repeat with remaining batter, oiling the pan as needed.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pancakes immediately or keep warm in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Pancakes and Caramelized Peach and Oat Pancakes.
- Yogurt options include plain, low-fat yogurt or whole-milk Greek yogurt for varied richness.
- For homemade oat flour, process one cup of certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats in a food processor until finely ground.
- Add up to 1 cup of mix-ins like nuts, fresh blueberries, or chocolate chips to customize flavor and texture.
- Use avocado oil or unsalted butter for greasing the pan to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg






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