Deliciously light and protein-packed, these bite-sized pancakes are made with cottage cheese, oats, and bananas for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack. Naturally sweet and fluffy, they’re perfect for both kids and adults, offering a nutritious start to your day without refined flour or added sugars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein – Cottage cheese and eggs provide a protein boost to keep you full longer.
- Naturally Sweetened – Bananas add natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Quick & Easy – Blend, cook, and enjoy in under 30 minutes.
- Bite-Sized & Fun – Perfect for little hands or grab-and-go snacks.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to change up the flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
Blend the Batter
- In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Preheat the Pan
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Pancakes
- Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of batter onto the skillet to create bite-sized pancakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Optional Add-Ins
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts onto the batter before flipping if desired.
Repeat
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.
Serve
- Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Servings: ~24 bite-sized pancakes
- Calories: 40 kcal per bite
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option – Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free Option – Substitute the cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt or blended silken tofu.
- Nutty Boost – Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almond butter to the batter.
- Berry Bliss – Mix in fresh blueberries or diced strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Flavor – Enhance the taste with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast in a skillet for a crispier texture.
FAQs
Can I make these pancakes without a blender?
Yes! You can mash the bananas well and mix everything in a bowl, but the texture may be slightly chunkier.
Are these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in the fridge or freezer and reheat quickly.
How do I make them crispier?
Cook them a little longer on a medium-low heat setting for a slightly crispier exterior.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats provide more structure.
Can I replace bananas with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use applesauce or a bit of honey/maple syrup instead.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt or blended silken tofu can work as a substitute.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Spoon small dollops onto parchment paper and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Are these pancakes toddler-friendly?
Absolutely! They’re soft, naturally sweetened, and great for little hands.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes! Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein content.
Conclusion
Bite-Sized Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Pancakes are a wholesome, protein-rich breakfast that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Whether enjoyed fresh, stored for meal prep, or packed as a snack, these mini pancakes are a delicious way to start your day. Try different toppings and variations to make them your own!
Print
Bite-Sized Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Pancakes
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Yield: ~24 bite-sized pancakes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These protein-packed mini pancakes are made with cottage cheese, oats, and bananas for a naturally sweet and nutritious breakfast or snack. Fluffy, bite-sized, and easy to make, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Blend the Batter:
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese, rolled oats, mashed bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
Preheat the Pan:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Pancakes:
- Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of batter onto the skillet to create bite-sized pancakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts onto the batter before flipping if desired.
Repeat & Serve:
- Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cottage cheese for dairy-free yogurt or blended silken tofu.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast in a skillet for a crispier texture.
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