Delicious Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes: The Ultimate Gluten-Free & Vegan Fall Breakfast

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples, filling your home with the cozy scent of autumn. These Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes are exactly that – a dream come true for fall mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a comforting dinner. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, and made hearty with ground oats, these pancakes are a delightful treat. They don’t just smell like a candle; they taste even better! For an extra touch of indulgence that will earn you rave reviews, consider topping them with a generous serving of sautéed cinnamon apples. What makes these pancakes truly special is their incredible inclusivity: they are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and completely vegan, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious meal without worry.

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Why These Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

It’s an understatement to say my family loves these spiced apple oatmeal pancakes; they absolutely adore them. I’m talking about kids who couldn’t wait for me to finish photographing them, eagerly devouring them as an after-school snack. There’s a certain magic in a recipe that brings that much joy, and these pancakes truly deliver. They combine wholesome ingredients with an explosion of comforting flavors, making them a staple in our home, especially during the cooler months, evoking the essence of fall in every bite.

These are incredibly soft pancakes, boasting a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite is infused with a harmonious blend of warm spices, primarily cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting experience reminiscent of apple pie or a freshly baked apple crisp. The rustic base of ground oats not only adds a delightful, satisfying texture but also contributes a wholesome depth of flavor that elevates these pancakes beyond the ordinary. You’ll appreciate that this recipe contains no refined sugar, relying instead on the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce and pure maple syrup for a healthier option. The inclusion of real applesauce directly in the batter further enhances the authentic apple flavor, making these pancakes irresistibly delicious and moist. Beyond their incredible taste, the captivating aroma they release as they cook is an added bonus, making your kitchen smell inviting and homey, much like a fragrant autumn candle.

Essential Tips for Making Perfect Allergy-Friendly Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

Due to the unique, allergy-friendly ingredient profile, particularly the absence of eggs and the generous use of applesauce, these pancakes have a wonderfully soft consistency that requires a little extra care during cooking. We use a substantial amount of applesauce to amplify that authentic apple flavor, and since they’re egg-free (essential for managing my son’s egg allergy), they lack the traditional binding agent that eggs typically provide. This results in a batter that’s quite wet and pancakes that are delicately soft-set. They won’t be as firm or pliable as conventional pancakes, so mastering the flip is a key technique to ensure they hold together beautifully.

Patience is a Virtue: Resist the urge to flip too early. This is perhaps the most critical tip. Wait until you observe plenty of bubbles appearing and popping on the surface, and crucially, pay close attention to the edges of the pancake. They should start to look set, slightly dry, and firm enough to hold their shape. This visual cue indicates the pancake is sufficiently cooked on the bottom to retain its structure during the flip.
The Single, Swift Flip: Once you’ve determined the pancake is ready, commit to flipping it in one fluid motion. Use a wide, thin spatula, sliding it entirely underneath the pancake quickly and confidently. Hesitant or multiple attempts at flipping can cause these delicate pancakes to break apart. Practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll be a flipping pro!
Maintain Medium Heat: If you notice the pancakes browning too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked or raw in the middle, it’s a clear sign that your griddle or pan temperature is too high. Reduce the heat slightly to a consistent medium-low setting. This allows the pancakes to cook evenly through without burning the exterior, ensuring a perfectly cooked center.
Grease Between Batches: To prevent sticking and ensure consistent golden-brown results, remember to lightly grease your griddle or pan surface between each batch of pancakes. A thin layer of cooking oil or vegan butter applied with a paper towel works wonderfully.
Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Give your pancakes space to breathe. Cooking too many at once can lower the griddle temperature and make flipping more challenging. Cook in smaller batches if necessary.

With these essential tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to create beautifully cooked, deliciously soft, and perfectly shaped apple oatmeal pancakes every time, despite their delicate nature.

Crafting Gluten-Free Apple Oatmeal Pancakes: A Wholesome Approach

Achieving a truly gluten-free pancake often involves specialized flour blends, but for this recipe, we embrace a wonderfully wholesome and rustic approach: harnessing the power of certified gluten-free rolled oats. By simply blending these oats into a fine flour, we create a nutritious, naturally gluten-free base that not only binds beautifully but also provides a fantastic, hearty texture and earthy flavor to the pancakes. My personal preference for this recipe is Bob’s Red Mill certified gluten-free rolled oats, which I’ve found to be consistently reliable for quality and widely available both online and in many major grocery stores, including my local Walmart. However, please feel free to use any brand of certified gluten-free rolled oats that you trust and have easy access to. The key is the “certified” part to ensure no cross-contamination.

It’s important to note that while oats are inherently gluten-free, they can be subject to cross-contamination with wheat, barley, or rye during farming, harvesting, and processing if not specifically handled and certified to be gluten-free. For individuals with Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, opting for “certified gluten-free” oats is not just a preference, but a crucial step to ensure the safety and integrity of their diet. If, despite this certification, you or a family member remain uncomfortable with oats, or if you have a specific oat allergy, don’t despair! My comprehensive gluten-free breakfast index offers a variety of other delicious pancake recipes that are entirely oat-free, providing safe and tasty alternatives for every dietary need and preference. From buckwheat to rice flour bases, there are plenty of options to explore.

For those who do not need to avoid gluten for health reasons, or if you simply prefer, you can certainly substitute regular rolled oats for the certified gluten-free variety. The recipe will still work beautifully, offering a wholesome and delicious pancake experience, though it would no longer be suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.

Making These Apple Oatmeal Pancakes Delightfully Dairy-Free

Transforming these delicious apple oatmeal pancakes into a dairy-free delight is wonderfully straightforward, requiring just a few simple substitutions that ensure they are safe, enjoyable, and incredibly flavorful for everyone with dairy sensitivities, allergies, or those following a vegan diet. Here’s how we achieve that creamy texture and rich taste without any dairy:

Choose Your Plant-Based Milk Wisely: The foundation of our dairy-free batter is a plant-based milk. We personally favor unsweetened rice milk because of its incredibly neutral flavor profile, which ensures it doesn’t impart any unwanted aftertaste or compete with the apple and spice flavors in the pancakes. However, the beauty of plant-based milks is their versatility! Feel free to experiment with your preferred milk substitute, whether that’s unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to give you full control over the overall sweetness of the recipe.
Opt for Quality Vegan Butter: If you plan to serve your pancakes with a luscious pat of butter melting on top, or if you’re making our highly suggested sautéed apples topping which calls for butter, it’s absolutely essential to use a high-quality vegan butter substitute. Our top recommendation is Earth Balance vegan butter, particularly their soy-free variety for those who also need to avoid soy. It performs remarkably like traditional butter – melting, browning, and delivering that rich, buttery flavor without any dairy components.
Verify Your Syrup: While pure maple syrup is naturally dairy-free and our preferred choice, it’s always a good practice to quickly check the ingredient list of any pancake syrup you plan to use, especially if it’s not 100% pure maple syrup. Some flavored syrups, particularly those labeled “butter-flavored” or with artificial ingredients, may contain dairy ingredients or hidden additives. Sticking to pure, unadulterated maple syrup is the safest and most delicious dairy-free option.

By thoughtfully following these guidelines, you can confidently prepare a towering stack of dairy-free apple oatmeal pancakes that are every bit as rich, satisfying, and delicious as their traditional counterparts, making them a welcome treat for all.

Achieving Egg-Free Perfection in Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

Making these apple pancakes completely egg-free was a key priority for us due to a family egg allergy, and the genius solution lies in a fantastic, natural egg replacer: applesauce. I’ve strategically incorporated a generous 1 1/4 cups of unsweetened applesauce directly into the batter. This not only effectively replaces the eggs as a binder and moisture provider but also significantly boosts the natural, wholesome apple flavor profile of the pancakes, making them even more delicious and fruity. Applesauce acts as an excellent emulsifier and humectant, contributing to the wonderfully soft and tender texture that defines these delicious pancakes.

While applesauce performs admirably as an egg substitute, it’s worth noting that traditional eggs typically provide a stronger binding structure and a slightly more pliable, resilient texture in conventional pancakes. If you are not avoiding eggs – perhaps you’re not following a vegan diet or don’t have an egg allergy – and prefer a sturdier pancake that’s even easier to handle and flip, you absolutely have the option to include them. In that scenario, I would recommend adjusting the recipe by reducing the total applesauce amount to 3/4 cup and then incorporating two large eggs into the wet ingredients along with the reduced applesauce. This modification will yield a pancake that is less fragile and arguably easier to manage on the griddle, while still retaining all the wonderful spiced apple flavors and moisture. It offers a great alternative for those who can enjoy eggs.

However, for a truly egg-free experience that remains incredibly delicious, moist, and satisfying, our applesauce-only version is an absolute winner, proving that you don’t need eggs to enjoy a fantastic stack of light and fluffy pancakes!

Are These Applesauce Oatmeal Pancakes Vegan? Absolutely Yes!

Yes, indeed! These applesauce oatmeal pancakes are 100% vegan-friendly, making them a perfect choice for anyone adhering to a plant-based diet or seeking to reduce their consumption of animal products. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to exclude all animal-derived ingredients. This means no dairy milk, no eggs, no animal fats, and no other animal products are used in the batter or the recommended toppings. The rich, creamy texture and delicious flavor are achieved entirely through wholesome, plant-based components such as unsweetened rice milk, natural applesauce, pure maple syrup, hearty oats, and aromatic spices. So, whether you’re a long-time vegan, exploring plant-based eating, or simply looking for an inclusive and ethical breakfast option, you can enjoy these pancakes with complete confidence and peace of mind, knowing they align with your values.

Allergy-Friendly Assurance: Top-8-Free Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

One of the most rewarding aspects of this thoughtfully developed recipe is its profound allergy-friendliness. When prepared exactly as outlined, these spiced apple oatmeal pancakes are meticulously designed to be entirely free from the top 8 major food allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat (due to certified gluten-free oats), fish, and shellfish. This makes them a fantastic and truly inclusive option for families navigating multiple and often complex food allergies, offering a safe, delicious, and worry-free breakfast or snack for a wide range of dietary needs.

For those aiming for strict top-8-free adherence, there is one critical detail to remember, particularly concerning the vegan butter. While many excellent vegan butter brands are available on the market, some may contain soy as an ingredient. To ensure your pancakes remain completely top-8-free, it is absolutely essential to select a soy-free Earth Balance butter option or another certified soy-free vegan butter that you trust. Always double-check ingredient labels for *all* components used in the recipe, from your plant-based milk to your baking powder, to ensure they meet your specific allergy requirements and contain no hidden allergens. Our ultimate goal is to provide a worry-free and wonderfully delicious culinary experience for everyone at the table, irrespective of their dietary restrictions.

Delightful Sides and Toppings for Your Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

While these applesauce oatmeal pancakes are incredibly satisfying and flavorful on their own, pairing them with the right sides and toppings can truly elevate your meal into a memorable and comprehensive feast. These accompaniments are perfect for filling hungry tummies, adding extra layers of flavor, and ensuring a well-rounded breakfast or brunch experience. Here are some of our family’s favorite additions:

Irresistible Topping Ideas:

Sautéed Cinnamon Apples (Our Top Recommendation!): This is truly the star topping that perfectly complements the spiced pancakes. Following the recipe provided below for our warm, tender, and beautifully spiced sautéed apples creates a luscious, syrupy topping that adds an extra dimension of apple flavor and a delightful texture. The soft, sweet apples infused with cinnamon are simply divine and take these pancakes over the top.
Pure Maple Syrup: A timeless classic for a reason! Drizzle generously with high-quality, pure maple syrup for traditional sweetness and a touch of golden elegance. Be sure it’s 100% pure to maintain the vegan and dairy-free status.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) adds a delicate, subtle sweetness and a beautiful, snowy presentation to your stack of pancakes.
Vegan Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of coconut-based or oat-based whipped cream provides a luxurious, creamy contrast to the warm pancakes and apples. It’s a fantastic treat!
Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate lovers, stir some dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter just before cooking, or sprinkle them liberally on top of the cooked pancakes while they’re still warm to allow them to melt slightly.
Nut-Free Butter or Seed Butter: Spread a thin layer of sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) or another safe nut-free butter alternative for added protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying richness. This is a great way to make the meal even more substantial.
Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries adds a burst of freshness, natural sweetness, and vibrant color.

Hearty & Complementary Side Dishes:

Crispy Hash Browns: A timeless breakfast pairing, golden-brown and perfectly crispy hash browns offer a satisfying savory contrast to the sweet pancakes, creating a balanced and filling meal.
Vegan Bacon or Sausage: For those who enjoy a savory protein alongside their sweet breakfast, there are many excellent vegan bacon and sausage alternatives available on the market. While we personally include traditional bacon (as our family’s allergies specifically exclude only milk and eggs, not meat), you can easily find delicious plant-based versions to keep your entire meal completely vegan and allergy-friendly.
Safe Yogurt Parfait: Layer a safe, dairy-free yogurt (brands like So Delicious and Silk offer great options in various flavors) with gluten-free granola and a medley of fresh berries for a refreshing, probiotic-rich, and protein-packed side dish.
Fresh Fruit Medley: A simple yet elegant bowl of seasonal fresh fruit like sliced bananas, melon, grapes, or a mix of berries adds lightness, natural vitamins, and a refreshing element to your pancake plate.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match your favorite toppings and sides! As I often say, life is too short to choose, so I personally enjoy a little pure maple syrup AND the delightful sautéed apples on my pancakes. Experiment to find your perfect combination!

Explore More Delicious Gluten-Free & Vegan Pancake Recipes

Whether it’s breakfast for dinner, a festive brunch with friends, or simply a special weekend treat, pancakes are always a welcome and beloved addition to any meal. If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed these spiced apple oatmeal pancakes, you’ll be delighted to discover a whole world of other allergy-friendly pancake possibilities waiting for you on my site. I’m incredibly passionate about creating delicious, inclusive recipes that cater to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor, and pancakes are definitely a vital player in that lineup. Expand your breakfast repertoire and satisfy every craving with these other fun, safe, and utterly delicious pancake recipes:

Classic Fluffy Gluten-Free Vegan Pancakes: The quintessential pancake experience, perfectly light, airy, and entirely allergy-friendly – a must-have basic recipe for every kitchen.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Pancakes: A delightful fusion of rich chocolate, sweet ripe banana, and hearty oats, offering a truly indulgent and satisfying breakfast.
Festive Gluten-Free Vegan Gingerbread Pancakes: Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave that warm, aromatic gingerbread spice, bringing a festive cheer to your mornings.
Rich Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Pancakes: A decadent option for all chocolate lovers, offering a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor while remaining free from common allergens, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
And for even more delightful breakfast and snack ideas, don’t forget to browse my extensive collection of gluten-free vegan muffin recipes too! From fruity to savory, there’s a muffin for every taste.

Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Yield:
14

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Homey and fragrant these spiced apple oatmeal pancakes are just what fall called for! Full of cinnamon, nutmeg, applesauce, maple syrup and ground oats these will make your home smell like a candle, and taste even better. They are wonderfully gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and vegan!

Ingredients

PANCAKE INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups certified gluten-free quick cooking rolled oats (blended to about 2 and 1/3 cup oat flour)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup unsweetened rice milk
1 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoons canola oil (or other neutral cooking oil like grapeseed)
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. vanilla extract

SAUTEED CINNAMON APPLES INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup vegan butter (ensure soy-free if needed)
3-4 medium-sized apples of choice (Gala or Honeycrisp are excellent)*
1/2 cup cold water mixed with 2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

PANCAKE INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare Oat Flour: In a high-quality blender or food processor, place the certified gluten-free rolled oats and blend until they form a fine, flour-like powder. This usually results in approximately 2 and 1/3 cups of oat flour.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all of your dry ingredients: the freshly blended oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well integrated and no lumps remain.
Mix Wet Ingredients: To the bowl containing your dry ingredients, add all of your wet ingredients: the unsweetened rice milk, unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, canola oil (or your chosen neutral cooking oil), apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tougher pancakes.
Rest the Batter: Let the pancake batter sit undisturbed for five minutes. This critical step allows the ground oats to fully absorb the liquids, which results in a slightly thicker, more cohesive batter and ultimately contributes to more tender and moist pancakes.
Prepare Griddle: While the batter rests, heat your griddle or a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a small amount of oil or vegan butter to prevent the pancakes from sticking.
Cook Pancakes: Using a 1/3 measuring cup for consistent portioning, pour the batter onto the hot griddle. These allergy-friendly pancakes are quite fragile and may take a little longer to be ready to flip than traditional ones. Wait to flip them until you observe numerous bubbles appearing and popping on the surface, and the edges begin to look set and slightly dry. With a wide, thin spatula, scoop entirely under the pancake and flip it once with a single, fluid motion to prevent any tearing. If you notice the pancakes browning too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked in the middle, reduce the heat slightly.
Keep Warm: As each pancake cooks to golden perfection, transfer the finished ones to a tortilla warmer with the lid securely on, or place them on a plate and cover tightly with aluminum foil. This method helps to keep them warm and moist while you finish cooking the entire batch. Remember to lightly grease the griddle again between each round of pancakes to ensure optimal results.
Serve: Serve your warm, aromatic spiced apple oatmeal pancakes immediately. They are delightful simply adorned with a pat of safe vegan butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. However, for an unparalleled experience, I highly recommend topping them with the homemade sautéed cinnamon apples (recipe detailed below). As I always say, life is too short to choose – I personally enjoy both a little maple syrup and the sautéed apples!
Store Leftovers: Any leftover cooked pancakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to their wonderfully moist nature, I find they are best enjoyed fresh. They can become very soft after refrigeration, but my kids typically don’t mind reheating them gently in the microwave for a quick snack or breakfast later on.
SAUTEED CINNAMON APPLES INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare Apples: Wash, core, and chop 3-4 apples of your choice (Gala or Honeycrisp are fantastic for this recipe) into bite-sized pieces. We prefer to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, but you can certainly peel them if that’s your preference. The exact quantity of apples can be adjusted based on your desired apple-to-syrup ratio and how much topping you’d like.
Cook Apples: In a medium saucepan, add 1/4 cup vegan butter and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and the mixture of 1/2 cup cold water with 2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Stir everything together gently to ensure the apples are well coated.
Thicken Sauce: Bring the apple mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about one minute, or longer if you prefer your apples softer (I personally enjoy them al dente for a slight bite). The sauce will naturally thicken further as it stands and cools slightly.
Serve Sautéed Apples: Remove the saucepan from the heat and serve the warm, luscious sautéed cinnamon apples generously over your freshly made pancakes. Any leftover sautéed apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.

Notes

One of the reasons these pancakes possess such a delightfully soft and delicate texture is the absence of eggs, which typically act as a strong binder. If your dietary needs do not require an egg-free recipe (i.e., you’re not vegan or managing an egg allergy), I highly recommend incorporating two large eggs into the batter. To do this, reduce the unsweetened applesauce amount to 3/4 cup and add two eggs along with the other wet ingredients. This adjustment will result in sturdier, more pliable pancakes that are easier to handle.

For more delicious gluten-free and dairy-free dinner ideas, be sure to check out my cookbook: An Allergy Mom’s Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook.

*Important Allergy Disclaimer: Our family’s allergies are severe and re-tested yearly. We rely strictly on what is stated on ingredient labels. I do not contact companies to inquire about ingredient derivations or potential cross-contact issues during manufacturing. If your specific allergies necessitate this level of diligence, please conduct your own thorough research. I cannot guarantee the safety of any ingredient for your unique allergy profile; only you can determine that. I simply share what works safely for our family.

**Guidance for Non-Allergic Cooks: If you are preparing this recipe for someone with food allergies and you yourself do not have allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them meticulously check every single brand and ingredient you plan to use. This ensures that each component is safe and acceptable for their specific dietary needs. Furthermore, it’s crucial to discuss and implement strategies to avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen to guarantee their safety and peace of mind.

The original pancake recipe was thoughtfully adapted from the talented One Lovely Life’s Blender Apple Oatmeal Pancakes. The sautéed cinnamon apples recipe was slightly adapted from AllRecipes.com.

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