Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe

If you love hearty, comforting breakfasts that feel like a warm hug, you’re going to flip for this Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe. I absolutely love how these pancakes come out soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with wholesome flavor. Plus, the buttermilk adds that perfect tang and fluffiness that makes them stand out from your average flapjack. Stick with me—I’ll share all my tips and tricks so you nail these pancakes every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Heartier Texture: The oats give these pancakes a satisfying bite that sets them apart from plain pancakes.
  • Tangy Buttermilk Flavor: The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that brightens up each bite and keeps the pancakes wonderfully fluffy.
  • Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pancakes are perfect for a weekend brunch or even a weekday treat.
  • Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too once you try them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right balance of ingredients is key here. The oats soften in buttermilk, which gives the batter an amazing texture without any extra fuss. Each item brings something special that makes these pancakes so comforting.

Flat lay of old fashioned oats spilling slightly beside a small white ceramic bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl containing melted golden butter, a small white bowl with translucent vanilla extract, a neat pile of all purpose flour, a small white bowl holding fine baking powder, a small pinch of salt on white ceramic spoon-shaped dish, and a small pat of solid butter for cooking arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk, healthy oatmeal pancakes, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, hearty breakfast ideas, homemade pancake recipes
  • Old fashioned oats: Use rolled oats for that chewy texture; quick oats won’t give the same mouthfeel.
  • Buttermilk: This is my secret weapon—it keeps the pancakes fluffy and adds tang. If you don’t have it, I’ll share a workaround below.
  • Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tang without overpowering.
  • Large egg: Helps bind everything and adds richness.
  • Unsalted butter (melted): Adds a lovely buttery flavor and moisture.
  • Vanilla extract: A touch elevates the flavor complexity.
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure, but don’t overdo it or your pancakes will turn dense.
  • Baking powder: Essential for that pancake lift.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
  • Butter for greasing: To get a golden, crisp exterior on your pancakes.
  • Maple syrup: The classic finishing touch that your family will love.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the pantry. Feel free to get creative—you might find a new family favorite version!

  • Add fresh fruit: Throw in blueberries, chopped apples, or mashed bananas right into the batter for extra natural sweetness and color. My kids adore blueberry oatmeal pancakes.
  • Swap flours: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, fiber-packed pancake—it’s heartier but still delicious.
  • Dairy-free option: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice; just remember to add a bit more flour if the batter feels too thin.
  • Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.

How to Make Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe

Step 1: Let the oats soak and soften

Start by combining your oats and buttermilk in a large bowl, then let the mixture sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This little wait time is what makes the oats soften just right, so when you bite into the pancakes, you get that chewy texture without anything feeling gritty. I found that rushing this step results in harder oats and a less pleasant texture.

Step 2: Mix in the wet ingredients

Once your oats have softened, whisk in the sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit lumpy—that’s normal with oats! Just make sure everything is combined nicely.

Step 3: Fold in dry ingredients carefully

Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the mixture. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix here! Overdoing it can make your pancakes tough instead of tender—a mistake I made several times before getting it right. Stop mixing once the flour disappears.

Step 4: Cook on a greased griddle over medium-low heat

Heat your nonstick griddle to medium-low (this is key so the pancakes cook through without burning). Generously butter the surface to prevent sticking. Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, drop the batter onto the griddle, spreading slightly if it seems thick. Cook until you see golden edges and bubbles forming—usually around 2-3 minutes—then flip and cook another 2 minutes until cooked through.

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Pro Tips for Making Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe

  • Patience with Soaking: Don’t skip the 15-minute soak for the oats—it makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
  • Temperature Control: Cooking over medium-low heat prevents burning while ensuring pancakes cook through perfectly.
  • Batter Thickness: If your batter spreads too thin, add 2-3 tablespoons more flour to get that perfect scoopable consistency.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep pancakes tender—over mixing will make them chewy and tough.

How to Serve Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe

Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping these pancakes with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup—classic, always satisfying. Sometimes I add fresh berries or sliced bananas for a pop of color and natural sweetness. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar also adds a nice touch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a bit of savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt also balances the meal with some brightness and creaminess. These sides are easy and elevate the breakfast experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special brunches, I’ve stacked these pancakes into towers layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries—my friends loved the festive look! You can also drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent twist. If you want to get playful, use fun cookie cutters to shape your pancakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before stacking them to avoid sogginess. When I want to pack them for a quick breakfast, this is a lifesaver.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze wonderfully! I lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a zip-top bag. This technique keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to pull out just what you need.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the toaster or a warm skillet to get the edges crisp again, but the microwave will also do in a pinch—just avoid overheating to keep the texture nice. If frozen, pop them straight from the freezer into the toaster or skillet.

FAQs

  1. Can I make oatmeal pancakes without buttermilk?

    Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This DIY buttermilk substitute works well, but your batter might be thinner, so consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of extra flour to maintain the right consistency.

  2. Why do we let the oats soak in buttermilk?

    Soaking softens the oats, making your pancakes tender instead of gritty or hard. It also allows the oats to absorb the tang and moisture from the buttermilk, enhancing both texture and flavor.

  3. How do I prevent my oatmeal pancakes from sticking?

    Make sure to generously grease your griddle or pan with butter before cooking. Also, keep the heat at medium-low to avoid burning the butter. Using a nonstick surface helps a lot, too.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well. The pancakes might be slightly more delicate but just as tasty.

  5. How long do these pancakes keep in the fridge?

    Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Beyond that, I recommend freezing leftovers for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to make something so comforting and a little different from the usual pancakes. They’re fantastic for a laid-back morning or when you want to impress guests with something wholesome yet indulgent. Give this recipe a try—I promise, once you get that perfect golden stack on your plate, topped with butter and maple syrup, you’ll be making these pancakes again and again. Happy cooking!

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Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe

Oatmeal Pancakes with Buttermilk Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Fluffy and hearty oatmeal pancakes made with old fashioned oats soaked in buttermilk, combined with a perfect blend of flour and leavening to create a wholesome breakfast treat. These pancakes are easy to prepare, require simple ingredients, and offer a slightly nutty flavor with a soft texture, perfect for serving with butter and maple syrup.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • ⅔ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For Cooking and Serving

  • Butter for greasing the griddle and serving
  • Maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Soak the Oats: In a large bowl, combine the old fashioned oats with the buttermilk. Allow this mixture to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to let the oats soften, which helps create a tender pancake texture.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract to the soaked oats. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt over the oat mixture. Gently fold these dry ingredients in using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
  4. Preheat and Grease Griddle: Place a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Generously grease it with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  5. Cook the Pancakes: Using a ⅓ cup measuring cup or an ice cream scoop, pour the batter onto the heated griddle, slightly spreading it as you pour. Cook until the edges turn golden brown and bubbles begin to form on top, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Serve: Serve the warm pancakes topped with butter and maple syrup for a delicious, comforting breakfast.

Notes

  • In a pinch, regular milk or a buttermilk substitute can be used instead of buttermilk, but you may need to add 2-3 tablespoons extra flour if the batter becomes too thin.
  • If the batter spreads too much on the griddle due to thinner liquid, stirring in extra flour helps achieve a thicker consistency for fluffier pancakes.
  • Be careful not to over mix the batter to avoid dense pancakes.
  • Use fresh buttermilk for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 2 pancakes)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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