How to Make Delicious Pancakes Without Flour (3 Easy Nigerian-Friendly Recipes)

 

Craving warm, fluffy pancakes but you're out of flour? Or maybe you're looking for a healthier breakfast that doesn't skip on flavour? You've come to the right place! It's surprisingly easy to make amazing pancakes using simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have at home, like bananas, oats, or even ripe plantains. In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-tested recipes that are perfect for any Nigerian kitchen. We'll cover everything from the super-simple 3-ingredient version to how to get them perfectly fluffy every time, so you can enjoy a tasty, satisfying meal.

Why Make Pancakes Without Flour? (It's More Than Just a Missing Ingredient)

Choosing to make flourless pancakes isn't always about a missing ingredient. There are several great reasons to give these recipes a try. For many, it's a health-conscious choice, offering a gluten-free, lower-carb, and higher-protein alternative to traditional pancakes. For others, it’s simply a matter of convenience—sometimes you just run out of flour! Most importantly, these pancakes offer a delicious, naturally sweet taste that makes for a truly enjoyable breakfast.

Recipe	Taste Profile	Texture	Best For...
Banana Pancakes	Naturally Sweet	Soft, Custard-like, Delicate	The quickest, healthiest option.
Oat Pancakes	Nutty, Hearty	Fluffy, more similar to regular pancakes	A filling breakfast that keeps you full.
Plantain Pancakes	Uniquely Sweet, Tangy	Denser, Moist	A delicious Nigerian-style treat.

The Star of the Show: The 3-Ingredient Banana Pancake Recipe

Yes, you can absolutely make pancakes with just eggs and a banana! This is the quickest, easiest method for whipping up a delicious flour-free breakfast in minutes. It's a go-to in my house for a fast and healthy treat, and my kids absolutely love it!

Ingredients for Banana Pancakes

• 1 very ripe banana
• 2 medium eggs
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional, for flavour)

Step-by-Step Instructions (Show Your Experience!)

1. Mash the Banana: Start by mashing a very ripe banana in a bowl until it's mostly smooth. Don't worry about getting it perfect—a few lumps are okay! The riper the banana, the sweeter your pancakes will be.
2. Add the Eggs: Crack in two eggs and whisk everything together vigorously until the batter is well combined and has a uniform consistency.
3. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a little butter or oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Pour small circles of batter into the hot pan. It's important to keep them small (about 2-3 inches wide) because they are more delicate than regular pancakes, and this makes them much easier to flip.
4. Flip and Finish: Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown. That's it!

Pro Tip: For extra fluffiness that rivals traditional pancakes, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder to the batter. It makes a huge difference!

Recipe 2: Fluffy & Filling Oat Pancakes (No Flour or Banana)

If you don't have ripe bananas on hand or simply prefer a different flavour, these oat pancakes are a fantastic option. They are hearty, filling, and have a wonderfully wholesome taste.

Ingredients for Oat Pancakes

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (any brand like Quaker Oats works perfectly)
• 1 medium egg
• 1/4 cup milk (or water, or tiger nut milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make Oat Flour: Pour the rolled oats into a blender (the dry mill attachment works great for this). Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds, or until the oats have turned into a fine, flour-like powder.
2. Mix the Batter: In a bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
3. Combine & Rest: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. This is important: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. You will notice it thicken up. This step is key to a fluffier, less runny pancake.
4. Cook: Heat your non-stick pan over medium heat with a little oil or butter. Pour the batter to form pancakes of your desired size. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Recipe 3: The Nigerian Twist - Ripe Plantain Pancakes

This is where we bring in a truly unique and beloved local flavour. If you have a very ripe, almost-black plantain, you can use it just like a banana to create pancakes with a distinctively sweet and delicious taste that is unmistakably Nigerian. The recipe is almost identical to the banana pancake one, proving how versatile our local ingredients are.

Ingredients for Plantain Pancakes

• 1 very ripe plantain (soft with black spots)
• 2 medium eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (recommended for fluffiness)
• A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mash the Plantain: In a bowl, mash the very ripe plantain until it forms a smooth, lump-free paste.
2. Create the Batter: Whisk in the eggs, baking powder, and optional spice. Keep mixing until you have a smooth, uniform batter.
3. Cook and Enjoy: Cook in small circles in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Enjoy the wonderful aroma as they cook!

How to Serve Your Pancakes: Nigerian-Style Suggestions

While maple syrup is nice, let's serve these pancakes with a Nigerian flair! Here are some fan-favourite toppings:

• A simple drizzle of honey. (A guaranteed hit with the kids!)
• A classic spread of Blue Band margarine that melts into the warm pancakes.
• A sprinkle of crunchy roasted groundnuts (peanuts).
• A side of fresh fruit like sliced mango, sweet pineapple, or pawpaw.
• A simple syrup made by dissolving sugar in hot water with a squeeze of lime juice.

FAQs

What can I use instead of flour for pancakes?

You have several great options! As we've covered, you can use mashed very ripe bananas or plantains, which create the batter's base when mixed with eggs. You can also use blended oats, which create a wonderful, wholesome flour substitute. For those who have them, other alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour also work well.

How do I make my flourless pancakes fluffy?

There are a few tricks to get that desirable fluffy texture. The easiest method is to add a pinch of baking powder (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) to your batter. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the baking powder. For an advanced technique, you can separate the egg whites from the yolks, beat the whites until they form stiff peaks, and then gently fold them into the rest of the batter.

Can I make these pancakes without baking powder?

Yes, you can! The 3-ingredient banana or plantain pancake doesn't strictly need it. Without baking powder, your pancakes will be a bit flatter and denser, more like a French crepe, but they will still be absolutely delicious.

How do I thicken the pancake mix without flour?

If your batter feels too thin, the best way to thicken it is to add a tablespoon of blended oats. Another easy trick is to add a little more mashed banana or plantain. After adding your thickener, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes; it will naturally thicken up on its own.

What kind of milk is best for flourless pancakes?

Any milk works wonderfully in the oat pancake recipe! You can use regular cow's milk, evaporated milk from brands like Peak or Three Crowns, or powdered milk mixed with water. For a delicious dairy-free option, homemade tiger nut milk (Kunun Aya) adds a fantastic, nutty flavour.

My batter is too runny?
This usually happens if you've used very large eggs or a particularly watery banana. The fix is simple: stir in a tablespoon of blended oats to help absorb the excess liquid. Alternatively, just let the batter rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes; it will thicken up.

My pancakes are falling apart when I flip them?
This is a common issue with delicate flourless pancakes! The main causes are the batter being too thin, the pancakes being too big, or the heat being incorrect. To fix this, always cook small, manageable pancakes (2-3 inches). Make sure your pan is at a steady medium heat—not scorching hot or too cool. And be patient: wait until the edges look dry and bubbles appear on the surface before you even think about flipping.

They are sticking to the pan?
First, a good non-stick pan is your best friend here. If they are still sticking, it's might be a heat issue. Make sure your pan is fully pre-heated before you add your butter or oil. A hot pan creates a barrier that prevents sticking. Don't be afraid to use a little more fat for the first pancake of the batch, as it helps season the pan.

Conclusion

As you can see, making delicious, healthy pancakes without flour is incredibly easy and perfect for a quick Nigerian breakfast or a light evening meal. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying treat in no time.

Which recipe will you try first? Let me know in the comments below!