Sure, 3-ingredient pancakes were super-easy to make, but how do they taste? Here's what I thought!
I was stuck in my apartment (thanks, blizzard!) and found myself with time to prepare a big breakfast. It was the perfect day for pancakes. The only problem: I didn’t have boxed mix. Not willing to let empty cupboards stand in the way, I rummaged the kitchen and came up with bananas, eggs, and oats—all the necessary items for 3-ingredient pancakes.
I was doubtful bananas and eggs could make a fluffy, indulgent breakfast. How was it possible to duplicate that classic texture and taste? I had to try it!
If you’re really pinched for ingredients, you can actually make these pancakes with only two things: eggs and bananas. However, I’d advise adding oats for significantly better taste.
Making the “batter”
Start by mashing one banana in a bowl. Ripe fruit is typically easier to break down, so this is a great way to use up old bananas before they go bad. Don’t worry if the mashed fruit contains some chunks—my batter was full of banana pieces, but I was pleased to find that I couldn’t even taste them in the finished product.
Emma B. Kumer for Taste of Home
Next, crack two eggs and mix everything together. Make sure the “batter” is well combined, since it will be harder to pour clumps into the pan. At this point, you can also add some oats. I added 2 tablespoons, but you can add up to 1/2 cup before the batter no longer sticks. I also put in a dash of cinnamon, for extra flavor and a health boost.
Cooking the pancakes
Emma B. Kumer for Taste of Home
Then, heat a nonstick pan on low heat. Spoon a small amount of batter onto the pan. It can be tricky to flip these pancakes without breaking them, since the only binding agent is the eggs. However, if you keep the size pretty small, you’ll have an easier time. This recipe makes about four pancakes, but I doubled it to make enough for my four roommates to taste-test, too.
The verdict
Emma B. Kumer for Taste of Home
Once I had a stack of pancakes fresh off the stove, it was time to give them a taste! I topped the finished cakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon, but if you’re following the paleo diet, you can top with raw honey. Making the first cut into the stack, I was surprised by how similar the texture seemed to normal pancakes. Then, it was time to taste.
Taking my first bite, I was shocked! I’d expected these to taste like a fruity egg scramble, but through some magic of cooking, they tasted like none of the ingredients and became an entirely new sensation. The egg gave the cakes a flavor similar to French toast, while the interior turned out a little fluffy.
I was awed by the fact that that you could make a pancake out of only eggs, bananas and oats. There’s something charming about taking three ingredients and creating something entirely different. I think I’ll make these pancakes again, especially if I need to use up some extra bananas. But they haven’t replaced the Test Kitchen-recommended boxed mix as my Sunday morning go-to.
More better-for-you breakfasts to start the day right
I tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
My Sicilian Aunt Paulina inspired this fluffy frittata. I remember visiting her garden, picking fresh veggies and watching her cook. Her wild asparagus frittata was my favorite. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Breakfast is our favorite meal, and we love a good variety of dishes. This hash brown recipe is full of flavor and possibilities. Top with some eggs or spinach for an extra twist! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Whether you snack on it by the handful or eat it with milk or yogurt, you’ll be happy that you found this granola recipe. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
I've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! The fresh basil gives this healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin.
My husband and I try to eat healthy, but finding new meals for breakfast is a challenge. By adding tomatoes, spinach and garlic to traditional eggs and egg whites, we can have a dish that is both light and satisfying.—Wendy G. Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
This buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety. The light and tender buckwheat pancakes offer a nutty flavor and hearty texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
When you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is "eggs-actly" what you need. There's a short ingredient list, and cooking is kept to a minimum. Plus, with green pepper and tomato, it's colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hash browns make a fabulous crust for these individual egg quiches. They look fancy yet they're easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.—Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee
Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food, quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland
Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Here's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Would you like breakfast ready for you when the sun comes up? If so, try my hot cereal. It's so simple—just place the ingredients in the slow cooker and turn it on before you go to bed. In the morning, enjoy a healthy, warm and satisfying dish. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
This dish makes for a dramatic presentation. I usually take it right from the oven to the table, fill it with peaches and sour cream and serve it with bacon or ham. Whenever I go home, my mom (the best cook I know) asks me to make this. —Nancy Wilkinson, Princeton, New Jersey
When we have brunch with relatives, I like to make this crustless quiche with hash browns and spinach. We think it's a great addition to our menu. —Deanna Phillips, Ferndale, Washington
Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
These delicious slow-cooker grains are perfect. I set my slow cooker to start automatically overnight and a hearty breakfast is ready in the morning, making this quick and healthy recipe a favorite in my home. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
We bake mini quiches for breakfast or brunch with ham and cheddar in muffin pans. Salad croutons replace the need for a crust. —Lois Enger, Colorado Springs, Colorado
There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
When we have houseguests, we make broccoli and cheese strata the night before so in the morning we can relax and visit while it bubbles in the oven. —Gale Lalmond, Deering, New Hampshire
This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
My daughter jokes that I am so predictable when it comes to dining out. I always order chicken souvlaki. So I thought, why not incorporate my favorite Greek dish into a breakfast wrap? It's healthy, tasty and easy to make.—Mary Jo Kempf, West Seneca, New York
My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
We lightened up biscuits and gravy to curb our guilt for eating them the day after having pancakes. Here’s a terrific homemade recipe for brunch guests. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
They may look like muffins, but these cuties pack my favorite breakfast all-stars like eggs, hash browns and bacon. Grab one and get munching. —Talon DiMare, Bullhead City, Arizona
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners' sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don't need syrup. — Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
I always thought eating healthy wouldn't be as enjoyable as eating whatever I wanted. This recipe proved me wrong; healthy ingredients taste wonderful and are just as mouthwatering without the extra calories. —Nicole Hackley, Culbertson, Montana
This warm breakfast cereal made in the slow cooker is a great way to get your veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Here’s my version of a deconstructed breakfast burrito that’s actually good for you. Go for hefty corn tortillas in this recipe. Flour ones can get lost in the scramble. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
These pancakes were inspired by the popular Morning Glory muffins. They are fluffy and delectable without all the oil, but they have the same carrot, fruit and nut flavors.— Kurt Wait, Redwood City, California
Adobo sauce adds so much extra flavor that you won't even miss the smaller amounts of butter and egg yolks in this smoky hash. Here's a tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the poaching water right before you drop in the eggs. It helps keep them from separating as they cook. —Brooke Keller, Lexington, Kentucky
Tropical and flavorful, this pizza puts a fun spin on breakfast for dinner. Kids love layering on the toppings, and it's a great way to use leftover ham. —Holly Ciani, Taberg, New York
Emma Kumer is a marathon-runner, magazine-writer, and graphic design addict. She was a digital editorial intern for Taste of Home Magazine for Summer 2017. She is also a junior in Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.