Easy Healthy Green Pancakes For Kids (Hidden Veggie Recipe)
If you told me a few years ago that my kids would be asking for green pancakes for breakfast, I probably would have laughed. But here we are, and honestly, these healthy green pancakes for kids have become one of our favorite easy meals.
I love this recipe because it’s such an easy way to get extra leafy greens into my kids without any complaints. They think they’re getting fun, colorful pancakes… and I know they’re getting nutritious food that actually fuels their morning.
If you’re building a fun breakfast board, these pair so well with my Best Heart-Shaped Waffle With Chocolate Sauce Recipe.
And if you’re planning something festive (especially in March), you have to see my full list of 10 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Ideas For Kids.
Whether you call them spinach pancakes, spinach banana pancakes, or just a fun green pancake recipe, this is one breakfast that feels like a win all around.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use and love in my own kitchen.
Why We Love These Green Pancakes
Packed with fresh spinach
Naturally sweetened (no refined sugar needed)
Great for toddlers, kids, and even babies
Freezer-friendly for busy mornings
Works with different flours like oat flour or all-purpose flour
Perfect with toppings like peanut butter or maple syrup
If you love make-ahead, freezer-friendly meals like this, you’d also love my Best Chicken Taco Soup Recipe | Quick & Easy in Slow Cooker for busy weeknights:
It’s also one of those recipes where you can feel good knowing your kids are starting the day with healthy food instead of a breakfast that’s mostly carbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I typically use when making a batch:
1 cup fresh spinach
1 ripe banana
1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground flax + 2.5 tablespoons water (flax egg)
¾ cup milk of choice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (plus more for cooking)
Pinch of salt
You can always adjust depending on what you have; that’s the beauty of pancakes.
How To Make Green Pancake Batter
This comes together so quickly.
Step 1: Make the Flax Egg
Mix ground flax with water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 2: Blend the Greens
In a food processor, blend:
Fresh spinach
Banana
Milk
Vanilla
Coconut oil
Blend until completely smooth. This is what gives you that bright green color without chunks.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Slowly pour the spinach mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to form your pancake batter.
If you want a thicker batter, add 1–2 tablespoons more flour.
Cooking Instructions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat
Add a little coconut oil
Pour 2–3 tablespoons of batter per pancake
Cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles form
Flip and cook another 2 minutes
You’re looking for that perfect golden brown outside while staying soft inside.
If you want a fluffier pancake, let the batter rest 5 minutes before cooking.
Topping Ideas Kids Love
We rotate toppings depending on the day:
Maple syrup
Peanut butter drizzle
Yogurt + berries
Sliced bananas
Chocolate chips (for a treat)
Peanut butter + maple syrup is my kids’ favorite combo.
If you’re doing a full brunch spread, I always make a fun drink like my No-Fuss Cranberry Orange Cooler to go with it.
Or for holiday mornings, my Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini is perfect for the adults at the table.
Spinach Banana Pancakes Variation
If your kids prefer sweeter pancakes, the spinach banana pancakes version is perfect.
Just:
Add an extra half banana
Reduce milk slightly
It makes the pancakes naturally sweeter while still packing in greens.
If your kids love sweeter breakfasts, you should also try my Easy German Apple Streusel Cake, which doubles as breakfast or coffee cake.
Flour Options
You can easily adapt this recipe:
Oat flour → softer texture, more fiber
All-purpose flour → closest to regular pancakes
Whole wheat → heartier taste
I usually do half oat flour, half purpose flour for balance.
Freezer-Friendly (Mom Win!)
These make the best frozen pancake stash.
To freeze:
Let the pancakes cool completely
Lay flat on a baking sheet
Freeze for 1 hour
Transfer to a freezer bag
They reheat in:
Toaster
Microwave
Skillet
Perfect for busy school mornings. Just like my Quick Crockpot Chicken Tacos – Dump-and-Go Weeknight Favorite makes dinner easier.
Why Green Pancakes Are Great For Kids
If you have picky eaters, this recipe is gold.
It helps introduce:
Leafy greens
A wide variety of foods
Balanced breakfasts
And because they look fun, kids are more willing to try them.
It’s one of my favorite tricks for turning vegetables into easy meals my kids actually enjoy.
Easy Healthy Green Pancakes For Kids (Hidden Veggie Recipe)
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Large nonstick skillet
- Spatula
- Ladle or ¼ cup scoop
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tablespoons water (flax egg) (You can also use 1 regular egg if you prefer)
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil (plus more for cooking)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make flax egg: Mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
- Blend wet ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add fresh spinach, banana, milk, vanilla, and melted coconut oil. Blend until completely smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine batter: Pour the green mixture and flax egg into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined. (Add 1–2 tbsp flour if you want a thicker batter.)
- Heat skillet: Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil.
- Cook pancakes: Scoop batter onto the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form and edges look set. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup, fruit, or peanut butter.
Notes
- If your kids are unsure about green food, just call them “Hulk pancakes” or “monster pancakes.” It works every time in our house.
- Make sure you blend the spinach really well so there are no green chunks in the batter. A food processor works best for this.
- If the batter feels too thin, add a little more flour to thicken it up.
- These freeze so well. I always make a double batch for busy mornings.
- You can swap the flax egg for a regular egg if you prefer.
- Oat flour makes them softer, while purpose flour gives more of that classic pancake texture.
- They taste best warm with maple syrup or peanut butter on top.
Make It a Full Cozy Meal
If you’re serving these on a colder morning, pair them with something warm like my BEST Roasted Tomato Soup For Immune Health.
Or browse my full 55 Best Winter Soup Recipes roundup for cozy pairings.
For Parties, Playdates, or Potlucks
If you’re hosting brunch or a kids’ party, add a few savory bites like:
or a dip like my reader-favorite
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Both balance the sweetness of the pancakes perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not really. The banana naturally sweetens the pancakes, and once they’re cooked, you mostly taste a regular pancake flavor. My kids don’t notice the spinach at all.
Yes. Just thaw it first and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before blending so the batter doesn’t get too thin.
Absolutely. One regular egg works perfectly if you’re not making them vegan.
Purpose flour gives the fluffiest texture, but oat flour works great for a softer, more nutritious pancake.
Store pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes! Let them cool, freeze flat, then transfer to a freezer bag. They reheat great in the toaster or microwave.
Add an extra half banana or a few chocolate chips to the batter.
Let's Keep In Touch
If you loved this recipe, make sure to follow me on Pinterest, where I share tons of easy kid-friendly meals, fun breakfasts, and healthy recipes just like this one. I’m always pinning new ideas to make mom life a little easier 💚