Delicious & Allergy-Friendly Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Embrace the cozy comforts of autumn with these incredibly moist and fragrant Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes. Bursting with the warming flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet applesauce, and a touch of maple syrup, these pancakes are crafted with ground oats to create a truly rustic and comforting dish. Not only will they fill your home with an aroma reminiscent of a delightful fall candle, but they taste even better! For an unforgettable culinary experience, consider topping them with luscious sautéed cinnamon apples. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or even a fun weeknight dinner, these pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, especially since they are thoughtfully prepared to be gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and entirely vegan.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Why These Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes are a Beloved Family Favorite

There’s a reason these spiced apple oatmeal pancakes disappear so quickly in our home; my family absolutely adores them! I’m talking about pancakes so enticing that my kids couldn’t wait for me to finish photographing them, eagerly devouring them as an after-school snack. Their enthusiasm speaks volumes about how truly special this recipe is.

What makes these pancakes so irresistible? Beyond their comforting aroma, they boast an exceptionally soft and tender texture, thanks in part to the generous amount of applesauce. Each bite is a delightful fusion of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which perfectly complement the natural sweetness of apple. The oatmeal base adds a unique, rustic depth of flavor that elevates them beyond ordinary pancakes. I particularly love that this recipe uses no refined sugar and incorporates actual applesauce, offering a healthier twist without compromising on taste. They fill the kitchen with an inviting fragrance that makes every morning feel a little more magical, and the taste is simply unparalleled.

Understanding the Unique Texture of These Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

Given that this recipe uses a substantial amount of applesauce to amplify the apple flavor and omits eggs (a common binder) due to my son’s allergies, these pancakes have a distinctively soft set. They are wonderfully moist and tender, but they won’t be as pliable or robust as traditional pancakes made with gluten and eggs. This means a little extra care and patience are needed during the cooking process to ensure perfect results.

The key to successfully flipping these delicate pancakes lies in timing and technique. You’ll want to wait until bubbles have consistently popped across the surface and the edges appear set and slightly dry before attempting to flip. This indicates that the bottom is sufficiently cooked and firm enough to handle. When flipping, aim for a single, swift, fluid motion to minimize breakage. Resist the urge to poke or repeatedly try to lift them. With a gentle hand and the right timing, you’ll master these beautifully soft and flavorful pancakes in no time.

Crafting Gluten-Free Apple Oatmeal Pancakes for Everyone

Achieving a delicious gluten-free pancake is effortless with this recipe, as it relies on certified gluten-free rolled oats as the primary “flour.” I typically use Bob’s Red Mill brand because it’s widely available both online and at my local Walmart, and we’ve consistently had excellent results without any issues. However, feel free to use any certified gluten-free rolled oats that you prefer or have on hand. Even old-fashioned rolled oats work beautifully, and I haven’t noticed any significant difference in the final product.

For individuals with Celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivities, it’s important to note that some people may still react to oats, even if they are certified gluten-free, due to cross-reactivity. If you fall into this category or prefer to avoid oats entirely, I offer a variety of other fantastic pancake recipes in my gluten-free breakfast index that are completely oat-free. For those who don’t have gluten sensitivities and can consume wheat, you can easily substitute regular rolled oats for the gluten-free variety without any other recipe adjustments.

Making These Apple Oatmeal Pancakes Dairy-Free and Delicious

Transforming these pancakes into a delightful dairy-free treat requires a few simple but crucial substitutions that don’t compromise on flavor or texture:

Dairy-Free Milk: For the pancake batter, opt for a dairy-free milk alternative. Our family’s top choice is rice milk because it offers a neutral flavor profile without any discernible aftertaste, allowing the apple and spice flavors to truly shine. However, many other dairy-free milks will work just as well, such as gluten-free oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Just be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to control the overall sweetness of the pancakes.
Vegan Butter for Toppings & Sautéing: If your plan includes topping your pancakes with a pat of “butter” or incorporating it into the accompanying sautéed apples, make sure to use a high-quality vegan butter. We consistently reach for Earth Balance, which offers a great buttery flavor and performs excellently in both cooking and baking. Remember to check for a soy-free option if you also need to avoid soy.
Scrutinize Your Syrup: While pure maple syrup is naturally dairy-free, some commercially prepared syrups or “pancake syrups” might contain butter or dairy-derived ingredients for flavor or texture. Always read the label carefully to ensure your chosen syrup is completely dairy-free, especially if serving to someone with severe allergies. Pure maple syrup is usually the safest and most delicious bet!

Ensuring Your Apple Oatmeal Pancakes are Egg-Free (and What if They’re Not?)

Creating these scrumptious apple pancakes without eggs was a key goal, primarily due to my son’s egg allergy. To compensate for the binding and moisture that eggs typically provide, I incorporated a generous 1/2 cup of applesauce into the batter. Applesauce is a fantastic and widely used egg replacer in vegan and allergy-friendly baking, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Plus, more apple flavor in an apple pancake is always a welcome bonus!

However, if you don’t require these pancakes to be egg-free—perhaps you’re not vegan or don’t have an egg allergy—I would highly recommend including eggs. Eggs significantly contribute to the sturdiness and pliability of pancakes, making them easier to flip and less prone to breaking. If you choose to add eggs, simply adjust the recipe by using 3/4 cup of applesauce and incorporating two large eggs instead of the full 1 1/4 cups of applesauce. This minor modification will yield a slightly different, yet equally delicious, texture that many people find more traditional.

Are These Applesauce Oatmeal Pancakes Vegan? Absolutely!

Yes, these applesauce oatmeal pancakes are indeed 100% vegan-friendly! The recipe is meticulously crafted to exclude all animal products, including dairy milk, eggs, and any other animal-derived ingredients. By utilizing plant-based alternatives like dairy-free milk and applesauce as an egg replacer, these pancakes are a perfect choice for vegans and anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal while adhering to a plant-based diet or avoiding animal products for health or ethical reasons.

Comprehensive Allergy-Friendly Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

These apple cinnamon pancakes are designed with comprehensive allergy-friendliness in mind. If you meticulously follow my recipe, they will be free from the top 8 major allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish). The only specific point to watch out for to maintain their top-8-free status is your choice of vegan butter. Ensure you select a brand and variety that explicitly states it is soy-free, such as the soy-free version of Earth Balance. Always double-check ingredient labels on all products to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs and allergy requirements, as formulations can change.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Applesauce Oatmeal Pancakes

While these applesauce oatmeal pancakes are undeniably satisfying on their own, pairing them with the right sides can transform your meal into an unforgettable feast. Here are some of our family’s favorite accompaniments, designed to fill hungry tummies and add variety to your plate:

Savory Protein Options: Call us delightfully unconventional, especially since these are vegan pancakes, but our primary allergy concerns are milk and eggs. Therefore, we often enjoy a side of crispy bacon for an extra protein boost. If you’re maintaining a strict vegan diet, fear not! There are many fantastic plant-based bacon alternatives available that would be equally delicious alongside these pancakes. Look for your preferred vegan bacon brand to keep the meal entirely plant-based.
Classic Breakfast Staples: Hash browns are another universal favorite that pairs wonderfully with pancakes. Their crispy texture and savory flavor provide a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet pancakes. You can easily find frozen hash browns or make your own from scratch.
Creamy Yogurt Alternatives: For a refreshing and creamy element, consider a safe dairy-free yogurt. Brands like So Delicious and Silk offer a wide array of delicious vegan yogurts made from coconut, almond, or soy milk that are perfect for those with dairy allergies or following a vegan lifestyle. Choose plain or a fruit-flavored variety that complements the apple and cinnamon profile of the pancakes.
Fresh Fruit: A simple bowl of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or sliced bananas can add a vibrant, juicy, and healthy counterpoint to the rich flavors of the pancakes.
Vegan Sausage: Much like vegan bacon, there are excellent plant-based sausage patties or links that can complete a hearty vegan breakfast spread.

Beyond Apple: More Gluten-Free & Vegan Pancake Delights

My passion for breakfast-for-dinner and brunch means I have a treasure trove of pancake recipes that cater to various dietary needs. Pancakes are such a versatile and joyful meal, and I believe everyone deserves to enjoy them, regardless of allergies or dietary preferences. If you’ve loved these spiced apple oatmeal pancakes, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fun and equally delicious gluten-free and vegan pancake recipes:

Gluten-Free Vegan Classic, Fluffy Pancakes: The ultimate go-to recipe for light, airy, and perfectly fluffy pancakes that are free from common allergens.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Pancakes: A delightful blend of sweet banana, rich chocolate chips, and hearty oats for a truly indulgent breakfast.
Gluten-Free Vegan Gingerbread Pancakes: Capture the festive spirit with these warmly spiced gingerbread pancakes, perfect for holidays or a cozy winter morning.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Pancakes: For the ultimate chocolate lover, these decadent pancakes are rich, dark, and utterly satisfying.
And if you’re looking for more baked goods, I also have a wide selection of gluten-free vegan muffin recipes that are perfect for any time of day!

Spiced Apple Oatmeal Pancakes (GF & Vegan Options)

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 the season called for! Full of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet applesauce, pure maple syrup, and wholesome ground oats, these will make your home smell like an inviting autumn candle, and taste even better. They’re designed to be gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and vegan, making them truly allergy-friendly.

Ingredients

PANCAKE INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups certified gluten-free quick cooking rolled oats (which will blend down to approximately 2 1/3 cups 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 (or other dairy-free milk of choice)
1 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoons canola oil (or any other neutral-flavored cooking oil)
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

SAUTEED CINNAMON APPLES INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup vegan butter (ensure it’s soy-free if avoiding soy)
3-4 apples of your choice (Gala or Honeycrisp work wonderfully for their balance of sweetness and tartness)*
1/2 cup cold water mixed with 2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

PANCAKE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare Oat Flour: In a high-quality blender, add the 2 1/2 cups of gluten-free rolled oats. Blend until the oats are transformed into a very fine, flour-like powder. This usually yields about 2 and 1/3 cups of oat flour, providing the perfect base for these tender pancakes.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all your dry ingredients: the freshly blended oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed, preventing any clumps and promoting consistent rising.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients & Form Batter: Next, pour all the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mixture. This includes the rice milk, unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, canola oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tougher pancakes. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

4. Rest the Batter: Once the batter is mixed, allow it to sit undisturbed for a full five minutes. This crucial resting period gives the ground oats ample time to absorb the liquid, thickening the batter and resulting in pancakes that are softer, more cohesive, and easier to handle on the griddle.

5. Heat Griddle & Pour Batter: While the batter rests, preheat your griddle or non-stick frying pan to a medium heat. Lightly grease the cooking surface with a small amount of oil or vegan butter. Using a 1/3 measuring cup, carefully pour equal portions of batter onto the heated griddle. This helps ensure your pancakes are consistently sized and cook evenly.

6. Cook & Flip Pancakes Carefully: These egg-free and gluten-free pancakes tend to be quite moist and delicate. They require a bit more cooking time on the first side than conventional pancakes. Wait patiently until you observe consistent bubbles popping on the surface and the edges appear noticeably set and slightly dry. When ready to flip, gently slide your spatula fully underneath the pancake and execute a swift, confident, single fluid motion to turn it. Minimizing handling will prevent them from breaking apart.

7. Adjust Heat & Continue Cooking: If you notice the pancakes are browning too quickly on the top and bottom before the center is cooked through, slightly reduce the griddle’s heat. This allows for more even cooking. Remember to lightly grease the griddle again between each batch of pancakes to ensure they don’t stick.

8. Keep Pancakes Warm: As each pancake cooks, transfer them to a tortilla warmer or simply stack them on a plate covered tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to keep them warm and moist until the entire batch is ready to be served.

9. Serve & Enjoy: Serve your warm, fluffy spiced apple oatmeal pancakes immediately. They are delicious with a pat of safe vegan butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or, for an extra special treat, topped with the delectable sautéed cinnamon apples (instructions below). Personally, I love the combination of both a little maple syrup and the sautéed apples—why choose when you can have both?

10. Storage Instructions: Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of their high moisture content, they are exceptionally soft. While I personally prefer to enjoy them fresh, as they can become even softer after refrigeration, my kids don’t mind reheating them slightly in the microwave for a quick and easy snack.

SAUTEED APPLE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare Apples: Begin by washing, coring, and chopping your chosen apples into bite-sized pieces. Gala or Honeycrisp are excellent choices for their firmness and flavor. We usually leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, but you can certainly peel them if that’s your preference.

2. Sauté Apples: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of vegan butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly shimmering, add your chopped apples, brown sugar, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon, and the cold water mixed with cornstarch or arrowroot powder (this will help thicken the sauce). Stir well to coat the apples evenly.

3. Simmer & Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for about one minute. You can simmer longer if you prefer softer, more tender apples; I typically aim for an al dente texture that still has a slight bite. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands and cools.

4. Serve Sautéed Apples & Store: Serve these warm, spiced sautéed apples generously over your freshly cooked pancakes. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently before serving again. *Depending on the size of your apples and your preferred ratio of apple to syrup, you may want to cut up 3 to 4 apples, adjusting until you achieve your desired balance.

Notes

Egg Substitution Considerations: One of the primary reasons these pancakes are so wonderfully soft and occasionally fragile is the absence of eggs, which typically act as a strong binder in pancake batters. If your dietary needs or preferences don’t require the pancakes to be egg-free (e.g., you’re not strictly vegan or don’t have an egg allergy), I highly recommend incorporating two large eggs into the recipe. To do this, simply reduce the applesauce amount to 3/4 cup and add two eggs to your wet ingredients. This adjustment will significantly improve the pancakes’ sturdiness and make them easier to flip, while still retaining their delicious flavor.

For More Allergy-Friendly Recipes: If you’re consistently looking for gluten and dairy-free dinner ideas and more, be sure to check out my cookbook: An Allergy Mom’s Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook, packed with convenient and safe meal solutions for the whole family.

Important Allergy Disclaimer: Our family’s allergies, while severe and regularly re-tested, allow us to rely strictly on ingredient labels. We do not routinely contact companies to inquire about ingredient derivations or potential cross-contact during manufacturing. If your specific allergies are more stringent and require such detailed investigation (e.g., concerns about shared lines, manufacturing processes, or hidden ingredients), please perform your own thorough research and due diligence for every product you use. I cannot personally assure the safety of any ingredient for your unique allergy profile; only you can make that determination based on your specific needs. I am simply sharing what has consistently worked safely and deliciously for my family.

Cross-Contamination Awareness: If you are preparing this recipe for someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have allergies, it is HIGHLY recommended that you have the individual with allergies (or their guardian) verify every single brand and ingredient you plan to use. This ensures they are comfortable with each component of the recipe. Furthermore, please discuss and implement proper measures to avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen. This includes using clean utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces that have not come into contact with allergens.

Recipe Adaptations: This pancake recipe was thoughtfully adapted from the talented One Lovely Life’s Blender Apple Oatmeal Pancakes, and the sautéed cinnamon apples recipe was slightly adapted from AllRecipes.com, both with modifications to make them comprehensively allergy-friendly and vegan.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT. BE SURE WHILE YOU’RE THERE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER DIETARY SPECIFIC PINTEREST BOARDS FOR MORE ALLERGY-FRIENDLY INSPIRATION!