Banana Spinach Pancakes

These Banana Spinach Pancakes are a great way for your kids to get some added nutrition at breakfast! They have more fiber and less sugar than a boxed pancake mix, while also helping your kids get comfortable with spinach and vegetables.

Plus, they’re naturally sweet from the banana, meaning no need for added sugar. The spinach blends in seamlessly, giving the pancakes a fun green color without an overpowering taste.

If you have a picky eater at home, this is a great recipe to introduce greens in a way that feels familiar and enjoyable. And if your little one already loves spinach, these pancakes are just another delicious way to serve it up. Either way, they’re quick to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings when you need a balanced breakfast fast. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pancake recipe check all the boxes for a nutritious, kid-friendly breakfast. They’re naturally sweet, easy to make, and packed with ingredients that support growing bodies. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch, freeze extras, and reheat for a nutritious breakfast on busy mornings. Perfect for meal prep!

Naturally sweet from bananas – No need for added sugar! The ripe banana provides just the right amount of sweetness while adding potassium and fiber.

Quick and easy to make – Just toss everything into a blender, pour, and cook. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps required!

Packed with nutrients – Spinach provides iron and vitamin C, eggs add high-quality protein, and oats offer fiber for sustained energy.

Great for picky eaters – The mild spinach flavor blends right in, making it a gentle way to introduce greens without overwhelming kids.

Is It Okay to ‘Sneak’ in Vegetables?

There’s always a debate about whether it’s okay to “hide” vegetables in kids’ meals. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—it really depends on your child’s age, personality, and relationship with food. Here are two approaches you can take:

1. Start by hiding it, then reveal it later – If your child is particularly wary of green foods, blending spinach into pancakes can be a great way to give them a positive experience first. They’ll enjoy the taste without any preconceived notions, and once they decide they like it, you can casually mention the “secret ingredient.” This method helps reduce food resistance while still exposing them to new flavors.
2. Be transparent and get them involved – Some kids do better when they feel in control. Letting them add the spinach to the blender or watch the pancakes turn green can make it exciting rather than intimidating. Talking about how different foods help their body grow stronger—without pressure—can also encourage a more open attitude toward vegetables.

Both strategies have their place, and you can adjust based on what works best for your child. The goal isn’t to “trick” kids but to create positive food experiences that help them build a healthy relationship with nutritious foods over time.

Nutrition Benefits

These Banana Spinach Pancakes offer a well-rounded mix of nutrients that support your child’s growth and energy needs. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:

Healthy Fats: Olive oil or vegetable oil provides healthy fats for extra satiety and nourishment

Steady Energy: The combination of oats and flour provides fiber, helping to support digestion and keep energy levels steady throughout the morning.

Natural Sweetness: The banana and maple syrup adds a natural source of sweetness, along with potassium to support muscle function and prebiotics for gut health.

Brain Power: Eggs deliver high-quality protein and choline, essential for brain development and memory.

Immune Support: Fresh spinach (and frozen!) boosts the pancakes with iron and vitamin C, both of which help support the immune system and overall energy.

Plus, this pancake recipe can easily be altered to become dairy free and gluten free! Simply swap the flour for gluten free flour and use oat or almond milk.

How to Make Banana Spinach Pancakes

Making these pancakes is simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure they turn out fluffy and delicious. Follow the directions below for the best results!

1. Blend the Base Ingredients

• Start by blending all ingredients (except flour) until smooth. You’ll want to make sure there are no chunky pieces of spinach, so the batter is nice and even.

2. Add the Flour

• Once everything is well blended, stir in the flour by hand. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter! Overmixing can make the pancakes dense, rather than fluffy.

3. Heat the Pan

• Place a skillet or nonstick pan on medium heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray. It’s important to cook the pancakes at a moderate heat to give them time to puff up without burning.

4. Cook the Pancakes

• Pour a small amount of pancake batter onto the warm pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping carefully when you see bubbles forming. The key here is to cook the pancakes low and slow. If the heat is too high, the pancakes may end up flat instead of fluffy.

5. Repeat and Serve

• Continue cooking the remaining batter, and be sure to spray the pan with cooking spray as needed. Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

How to Store & Reheat

These pancakes are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat them for busy mornings:

• In the fridge: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, pop the pancakes in a toaster for a crispy outside, microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or heat them up in a skillet on low heat to warm through.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if you deicide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. For more information, please read my Terms of Use and Service.