Blend up a fruit or veggie with an egg for the fluffiest, easiest, healthy baby pancakes. These use just 2 ingredients, have four flavor options, and are a perfect texture for both babies and toddlers.
I love recipes for kids that use simple ingredients and are also SUPER quick and easy to make and this method for making 2-ingredient baby pancakes totally fits that bill. You just need to stir together the ingredients with a fork to make the simple pancake batter, then cook, and a few minutes later, voila, you have nutritious pancakes for kids.
The texture of these baby pancakes for kids is very moist, which makes them a perfect first food for babies—if using the baby-led weaning style of feeding. Or as an early baby finger food. Simply give them a pancake to gnaw and suck on—or cut up into small pieces for a baby who’s able to grasp finger foods.
They are also great as a 1-year-old recipe who may still be learning to chew more bread-like textures. (These sort of melt in the mouth, like custard! Plus, you can make them ahead and serve them as needed—which is great if you want fast meal options for at home or packing toddler lunches for daycare or preschool throughout the week.
The method for this baby pancake recipe starts with a base of banana and egg, then you have the option to try it with sweet potato, pumpkin, and spinach. Each flavor is easy and offers a range of nutrients for the kids.
(You may also like Baby-Led Weaning Breakfasts, easy baby meals, and Sweet Potato Baby Food.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
The ingredients you need for this baby pancake recipe are very simple. You need to have the following items on hand and ready go to.
- Egg: I use large eggs here, which help bind the batter together and add nutrients including protein and beneficial fats.
- Banana: The riper the banana, the better the flavor so make sure there is some brown spots on your fruit.
- Optional: You can add a little baking soda for a little extra fluff, and/or cinnamon and vanilla extract for more flavor if desired.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to try a different flavor of baby pancakes, you can use mashed roasted sweet potato baby food or pumpkin baby food as the base in place of banana.
You can also blend spinach into any base to add an iron-rich food for kids.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making the baby pancakes so you know what to expect. See the full information at the bottom of the post, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Mash the banana with a fork or a potato masher. (You can also use a blender.)
Step 2. Mix with the egg to make a uniform batter.
Step 3. Cook one small pancake at a time in a nonstick pan, similarly to how you’d cook any other pancake.
Step 4. Flip over each baby pancake carefully and cook through. Serve warm.
TIP: These baby pancakes are delicate and custard-like, so be gentle when flipping them over. It may take a pancake or two to get the hang of the process. See the recipe below for all of the flavor variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can serve these with yogurt or applesauce for dipping. We sometimes even do them with warmed frozen blueberries—the warm fruit will have a flavorful liquid that’s yummy for dipping. We usually like to have some fruit on the side.
Yes, babies can eat pancakes if they are moist enough. These baby pancakes are an easy option as a starter pancake for kids since they are incredibly moist and easy to chew.
Yes, you can serve one of these pancakes whole for them to take bites, or you can dice it up if baby is able to pick up small pieces of food.
You can offer baby one of these banana pancakes (or another flavor) as a baby-led weaning food of feeding. You’d give them a whole pancake and let them suck on and eat the pancake on their own.
These are a perfect pancake for babies since they are so soft and easy to chew, even if your baby doesn’t yet have any teeth.
How to Store
To store, let baby pancakes cool fully on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly to serve. Or, freeze them either in a single layer in a gallon-size storage bag or with parchment paper between each pancake in a stack in a storage bag.
Heat as many as needed on a plate very briefly, and serve.
Best Tips for Success
- It may take a pancake or two to get the hang of the process—these are delicate pancakes with a texture that’s sort of custardy like French toast, so be gentle when flipping them. I broke a few the first time I made them!
- Add ⅛ teaspoon baking soda for fluffier baby pancakes.
- Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or pure vanilla extract for additional flavor.
- Sweet Potato Baby Pancakes: Use mashed roasted sweet potato baby food instead of the banana and proceed with the recipe
- Spinach Banana Baby Pancakes: Place the banana (or sweet potato) and egg into a blender. Add a handful of lightly packed baby spinach. Blend well, then proceed with the recipe.
- Pumpkin Baby Pancakes: Use pumpkin baby food instead of the banana and proceed with the recipe. This baby pancake batter will be thinner than the banana or sweet potato flavors.
- Try with Baked Sliced Apples or Baked Pears.
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3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Please leave a comment to let me know what you think of the recipe if you try it. I love to hear what your kids think of my recipes!
Best 2-Ingredient Baby Pancakes
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mashed very ripe banana (about 1 small)
- 1 egg
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda (optional)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- Toppings including applesauce, yogurt, and/or diced fruit
Instructions
- Place a nonstick or cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. (I prefer nonstick.) Add a small slice of butter or oil.
- Mash the banana with a fork in a medium bowl. Crack the eggs into the same bowl and stir together. The batter will be very runny.
- Spread the butter or oil with a spatula to coat the bottom of the pan. Place 1 tablespoon batter into the pan to make small pancakes. Cook until the edges start to set and the bottoms are lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Flip carefully and cook for an additional minute. (These are delicate so try to get your spatula halfway under the pancake, then carefully turn over.)
- Remove from pan—the pancakes will be very soft and tender—and serve with any desired toppings.
Video
Notes
- To store, let pancakes cool fully on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly to serve. Or, freeze them either in a single layer in a gallon-size storage bag or with parchment paper between each pancake in a stack in a storage bag. Heat as many as needed on a plate and serve.
- This recipe makes one small batch of super baby pancakes. It usually makes 1-2 little-kid-size servings. To make more, simply double the recipe.
- Sweet Potato Pancakes: Use ¼ cup mashed roasted sweet potato instead of the banana and proceed with the recipe.
- Spinach Banana Pancakes: Place the banana (or sweet potato) and egg into a blender. Add a handful of lightly packed baby spinach. Blend well, then proceed with the recipe.
- Pumpkin Pancakes: Use ¼ cup pumpkin puree instead of the banana and proceed with the recipe. This batter will be thinner than the banana or sweet potato flavors.
- It may take a pancake or two to get the hang of the process—these are delicate pancakes with a texture that’s sort of custardy like French toast, so be gentle when flipping them. I broke a few the first time I made them!
- Add ⅛ teaspoon baking soda for fluffier pancakes.
- Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or pure vanilla extract for additional flavor.
Nutrition
This post was first published in May 2020.
Thank you! Would this work with butternut squash purée?
Sure!
How long can these stay in the freezer and remain good? Would they have the same shelf life as the banana spinach muffins, about 3 months?
3-6 months if they are either wrapped well or in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible before sealing.
Thsnk you Amy for sharing this recipe, easy and effective! It’s a win-win recipe as I didn’t struggle cooking it and My baby liked it 🙌🙌
We made the sweet potato version of these pancakes and they are very tasty! My baby approves!
I’m so glad!
I have a ton of frozen mashed bananas in about 2 tablesopoon size cubes. Do you think this would work if I thawed the bananas and then followed the recipe?
Yes, thaw and drain off any water that comes off, and then go ahead with the recipe. Enjoy!
Just made the banana version and my 11-month-old son and 2.5-year-old daughter both devoured them.
I used 1 medium banana, which was probably closer to 1/3 cup than a 1/4 cup, and 1 egg. It gave me 8 pancakes, and I had no trouble flipping them, as long as I was careful.
Thanks for a great easy breakfast idea to help give my son some extra protein. (I swear, the boy would live on green beans, corn, carrots, and peas if I would let him!)
Easy and simple recipe. Tips were super helpful 😊
Easy and tasty recipe. The tips were super helpful. Thank you 😊
Love your page and also your IG! Do you recommend a substitute for eggs? Baby with an egg allergy but really wanted to try this simple recipe.
Hi- the only option that would work for this would be a replacement like Just Eggs, which is liquid and the same texture as eggs. It’s sold in the refrigerated section near eggs. Some store brands have a similar product now too. Thanks!
Easy and tasty!
Used sweet potato and a little pumpkin pie spice
My 13 month old daughter absolutely loves these. Gobbles with both hands. I love them too, great flavor and texture. I had tried everything I could think of to get her to eat eggs, but she always turned up her nose before these. Also, they are so easy to make. Simple, healthy, delicious, that’s a winner. Looking forward to trying the variations. Thank you for this awesome recipe.
Hi! Can I use steamed or boiled sweet potato instead of roasted?
Sure thing
Is it Baking powder or baking soda? You mention both throughout the blog and recipe.
Baking soda
Why is the link titled, “mini carrot cake cupcakes?” Don’t get me wrong, the pancake recipe sounds great and I plan on trying that as well, but I was looking forward to the mini carrot cake cupcakes, recipe.
I’m sorry, that was a mistake! https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/mini-carrot-cake-cupcakes/
Love these
I came across the blog a few weeks ago. I am loving all the easy to read recipes! I can’t stop reading and looking up recipes. They are simply put & not overwhelming to follow & read. Thank you Amy! I tried these baby pancakes this morning. My 9 month old definitely enjoyed her mini pumpkin pancakes and truly were easy for her to self feed & dissolved easily. She ate comfortably for sure.
I will be leaving other helpful reviews for other recipes I’ve completed. I am glad I came across yummytoddlerfood.com It’s been a game changer for not only my baby foods but family dinners as well.
I’m so glad to hear that and thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
I’ve been making these pancakes (with pumpkin) for 2.5 years since my kiddo started eating solids at 6 months. I now make them in bulk in the oven. 1 can pumpkin purée, 8 eggs, a tablespoon or two of ground chia seeds (extra calories and helps absorb moisture from the pumpkin), cinnamon and vanilla, pour into cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375F for 20 minutes or so until the edges are browning and the centre is firm. I then let them cool on the pan, cut into squares and throw the whole sheet in the freezer. Once frozen pop into freezer bag. They take 30 seconds in the microwave and they are awesome for daycare lunches.
I’m so glad to hear that and so smart making them in bulk!
I really want to try to introduce a pancake texture to my baby, but she’s allergic to dairy and eggs. Is there something else I can use in this recipe?
This recipe really can’t be made without eggs since there are so few ingredients. You can try these recipes though with the modifications listed in the Notes section of each:
https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/carrot-cake-pancakes-with-yogurt/
https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/vegan-banana-pancakes/
Thank you!
Hi Amy,
I made these using leftover frozen spinach puree and they turned out great. My son loved them.
I made a blog post about it if you want to check it out. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
https://littlefoodie.food.blog/2021/03/24/jackson-eats-spinach-pancakes-roasted-pear-puree/
Is it advisable to introduce baking soda/powder for kids under one? As am concern if it will cause them any discomfort as a reaction?
I have never heard of it being a concern.
I’ve made the banana spinach pancakes a few times now and my 17 month old son loves them! I’ve also done half banana half pumpkin with spinach. He pretty much refuses all vegetables so this is a great way to get some veggies in his diet. I typically make quadruple the recipe since he eats 5-6 at a time.
Awesome!
These are so great! they are really quick and easy to make, which is so helpful when I’m trying quickly get something nutritious for dinner for my kid after work. My son is really picky about everything, and if there’s banana in it, it’s our only way to guarantee he will eat it. He LOVES these pancakes, and I love them because it gets him to eat spinach and egg with his banana in one shot! THANK YOU for sharing this recipe! It’s reduced the stress of getting him to eat something so many times.
I’m so glad to hear that!
Can you make these with a baby purée? Like a stage 2 consistency?
I haven’t tried it but I bet it would totally work!
Hi, just try it now, my 14 month old baby is a picky eater, she doesnt like to eat egg, but when i try it, wow! She finish it all without realizing theres an egg in there. So much thank you for this recipe. ?
Great!
I have loved making the Banana Pancakes! I tried to make the pumpkin pancake today, but it turned out so awful! What other than vanilla have you used to sweeten it? It just tasted like pumpkin puree!
You could try adding some cinnamon and topping with a little applesauce or apple butter!
Thank you for this recipe!! Is it advisable to keep the batter in the freezer for future use?
I haven’t frozen the batter but you could keep it in the fridge for a few days and/or make more pancakes and them refrigerate or freeze them and warm them to serve.
THANK YOU! My almost-one-year-old is in the “I won’t eat that today, try again tomorrow… maybe” phase and these were a hit – even though mine were hideous (even after a few destroyed practice ones LOL).
Mine seemed to fall flat – any idea why? I did use the baking soda in mine. I’m high altitude, but I’ve never actually known how exactly that factors in to baking…
I’m so glad! Honestly, these are pretty flat so it doesn’t really sound like anything went wrong.
What age do you recommend introducing these at?
They can work well for BLW babies starting after 6 months—simply give them a pancake to gnaw and suck on—or cut up into small pieces for a baby who’s able to grasp finger foods after about 9 months.
This recipe was so easy, made with sweet potato for my first batch and my 9 month old son loves it! I was going to try butternut squash next, do you think that would work?
Great! I think it would work as long as you drain off any excess water first. Let me know if you try it!
Hi do we need to steam the spinach prior to the preparation?
No, it can be raw
Made these in our mini waffle maker, turned out great!
Oh, that’s good to know that they work that way. Thanks for sharing!
Loved the banana egg pancakes. So easy to make and father son both loved it. Thank you so much! Your account is a wealth of information.
I’m so glad!
Have you tried using frozen spinach? I’m in need of all the iron riched food recipes.
I haven’t tried it but I bet it would work—thaw it and squeeze all of the moisture out and use maybe 1-2 tablespoons in a batch since it will be fairly concentrated. let me know how it goes!