Oat pancake with fruit salad

Oat pancake with fruit salad

45 min
Revamp your morning routine with our oat pancake recipe, a delightful twist on a traditional breakfast. These pancakes blend the chewiness of oats with the bright zest of lemon. Fluffy and satisfying, they include crème fraiche for a hint of luxury. Ideal for a relaxed weekend brunch or an easy start to your weekday, these oat pancakes are both easy to make and indulgent. Enjoy them with a colourful fruit salad and a dollop of chilled crème fraiche for a truly splendid meal.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/oat-pancake-with-fruit-salad/

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk in the milk, then add crème fraiche, lemon zest, and eggs, mixing until the batter is smooth.
  • Melt the butter and gently fold it into the batter.
  • Heat some of the extra butter in a pan (about 17 cm in diameter) over medium-high heat. Pour approximately 50 ml of batter into the hot pan.
  • Cook each pancake for about 1½ minutes per side over steady heat until golden. Repeat until you have 18 pancakes in total.
  • Place the lemon juice in a bowl and toss the banana and pear pieces in it to prevent browning.
  • Sprinkle sugar over the blackberries, gently mixing to coat, and add them to the fruit salad just before serving.
  • Serve the warm pancakes with the fresh fruit salad and a dollop of crème fraiche.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Enjoy!
Adjust the batter consistency for perfect oat pancakes

Start by mixing the ingredients together and then assessing the thickness of the batter. Oat-based batters tend to thicken as they sit, so if the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it slightly. It should be pourable but not runny. Aim for a consistency that holds its shape when ladled into the pan, as this will help the pancakes cook evenly and give you a fluffy yet satisfying result.

Allow the batter to rest for enhanced texture

Letting the batter rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking allows the oats to absorb more liquid, creating a smoother and more cohesive batter. This resting period helps the oats soften and the flavours meld together. It also makes the batter slightly thicker, giving the pancakes a lovely, hearty texture that cooks through easily. Taking these few extra minutes will make a noticeable difference, resulting in oat pancakes that are tender on the inside with a lightly crisped outside.

Monitor the temperature for consistent results

Cooking oat pancakes over the right heat ensures an even, golden finish. Preheat the pan on medium-low heat before adding any batter; too hot, and the pancakes may brown on the outside while remaining raw in the middle. If the batter spreads too thin or cooks too quickly, adjust the heat slightly lower. Monitoring the temperature as you go along also allows each batch to cook consistently, giving you pancakes with a light, fluffy centre and a beautifully golden surface every time.

FAQ: Questions about this oat pancake recipe

Preparing a batch of oat pancakes is a delightful way to start your day. Here, you'll find answers to common questions about making these delicious treats, from choosing the right type of oats to creative topping ideas and storage tips. This section helps you perfect your pancake preparation and enjoy every bite!

Can I use different types of oats for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of oats for these pancakes, but the texture will vary slightly. Our recipe recommends finely rolled oats as they blend easily and create a smooth batter. Quick oats also work well, producing a slightly finer texture. If you’d like a more rustic consistency, try using whole or steel-cut oats, but be sure to let them soak a bit longer in the batter before cooking. These options each bring a unique texture and taste, allowing you to adjust the recipe to suit your preference.
Can I make these oat pancakes without banana?
If you don’t have bananas on hand or prefer not to use them, you can leave them out of the fruit salad. Sliced peach, kiwi, or mango can be great alternatives, adding a similar sweetness and texture. Alternatively, add extra berries like strawberries or blueberries for a colourful, vibrant mix. These swaps will keep the fruit salad fresh and balanced, perfect for complementing the oat pancakes.
What can I use instead of crème fraiche?
If you’re looking for a lighter, tangy option, skyr makes an excellent substitute. This Icelandic dairy product has a thick, creamy consistency that adds body to the pancake batter, creating a smooth consistency that results in fluffy, tender pancakes. Its mild tanginess also pairs perfectly with the fruit salad, enhancing the flavours without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the fruit. Simply use it in the same amount as crème fraiche, and you’ll enjoy deliciously fluffy pancakes and a creamy topping that brings out the best of this recipe.

Ingredients

Finely rolled oats
80 g
Plain flour
100 g
Sugar (approx.)
1 tbsp
Coarse salt (approx.)
½ tsp
Milk
250 ml
Creme fraiche
250 ml
Lemon zest, finely grated
1 tbsp
Eggs
4
Butter
25 g
Butter (for frying)
Fruit salad
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tbsp
Banana, sliced
1
Pear, in small cubes
1
Fresh blackberries
100 g
Sugar
2 tsp
Creme fraiche
150 ml

The right time to flip your pancakes

Timing the flip just right is crucial for a perfectly cooked pancake. When small bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, it’s time to flip. Use a thin spatula to gently slide under the pancake, lifting it carefully to avoid breaking. The second side usually takes less time to cook – about a minute or so – just until it’s golden brown. This technique ensures each pancake is cooked through, with a light, fluffy interior and beautifully golden surface.

Ingredient quality and selection

Choosing high-quality ingredients brings out the best flavours in this recipe. Start with oats that smell slightly nutty, without any musty or stale odour, indicating they are fresh. For the fruit salad, pick ripe, unblemished fruits that are vibrant in colour and slightly fragrant. If using berries, make sure they’re firm and free from mould. Lastly, choose skyr or crème fraiche with a smooth texture and mild aroma – if it smells overly sour, it may be past its prime.

Optimal mixing techniques

Using the right mixing technique can help create a light, even batter. Start by blending the wet ingredients thoroughly, then add the dry ingredients gradually to avoid lumps. Mix just until combined to keep the batter from becoming dense. Overmixing can activate the gluten in flour, which may toughen the pancakes, so a light touch is key. For best results, let the batter sit for a few minutes to settle before cooking, giving the oats a chance to fully absorb the liquid.

Experimenting with more indulgent toppings

For an extra-special treat, consider experimenting with indulgent toppings to accompany these oat pancakes. A drizzle of caramel sauce or dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of richness. For a warm flavour, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a dollop of whipped cream for a classic touch.

Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, bring a satisfying crunch, while a few curls of dark chocolate create a delightful finish. These indulgent options turn this oat pancake recipe into a more luxurious treat.

Seasonal fruit salad variants

Pairing oat pancakes with a fruit salad brings freshness and colour to the plate. Try a mix of berries, peaches, and nectarines for a bright, juicy contrast. A combination of apples, pears, and figs pair beautifully with a sprinkle of cinnamon, while a citrus-inspired fruit salad – like blood oranges, clementines, and a few pomegranate seeds – will add a bright and refreshing touch. Each combination offers unique flavours and textures, making it easy to create a beautiful topping that complements the oat pancakes perfectly.

For more fruit-inspired pancake recipes, why not try our showstopping Dutch pancakes with fresh berries or this pancake breakfast with crunchy apples?