Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup

Name: Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes with Blueberry Maple Syrup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 18 pancakes (2 cups syrup).
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 large eggs; 2 cups 2% milk; 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2/3 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium); 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, divided; 1 cup maple syrup; Sliced ripe banana, optional

Breakfast is generally the only meal I'm able to share with my boyfriend, so I like to make a delicious healthy morning meal for us to enjoy. He's a pancake fanatic, so these banana pancakes make a regular appearance at the table.—Jennifer Walker, Denver, Colorado

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, divided
1 cup maple syrup
Sliced ripe banana, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk oats, flours, baking powder, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. In a another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, applesauce and vanilla until blended. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in bananas. Let stand 5 minutes.
Lightly grease a griddle; heat over medium heat. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto griddle. Cook until bubbles on top begin to pop and bottoms are golden brown. Turn; cook until second side is golden brown.
In a small saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups blueberries and syrup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until berries are softened. Mash blueberries. Press through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl; discard pulp. Stir in remaining blueberries. Serve pancakes with syrup and banana slices if desired.