Hey pancake lovers!

Do you ever wake up craving pancakes but want something a little healthier and less oily? That was me — always torn between indulgence and clean eating.

So after lots of little tweaks and experiments, I finally found a way to make soft, golden, oil-free pancakes that are still totally satisfying. Trust me, you won't miss the oil at all!

Why I Gave Up Oil (For Pancakes)

I used to coat my pan with oil or butter every time I made pancakes — but that meant extra calories, greasy clean-up, and sometimes even a weird aftertaste. So I started testing out ways to skip it without ending up with dry or rubbery pancakes. Turns out, the secret is in the pan and the batter. Once you get those right, the rest is easy.

What You'll Need

Here's my go-to oil-free pancake recipe — nothing fancy, just wholesome basics:

• 1 cup oat flour or all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 ripe banana (mashed) or 1 egg

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

• 3/4 cup plant-based milk or dairy milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Nonstick pan (super important!)

If you want them fluffier, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a tiny pinch of baking soda.

How to Cook Without Oil

1. Preheat the pan first. Use a nonstick skillet or griddle and heat it on medium-low. Give it a few minutes to warm up evenly.

2. Make the batter. Mix everything in a bowl until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk. If too runny, add a spoon of flour.

3. No oil needed. Once your pan is hot, pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Let it sit untouched until you see little bubbles on top and the edges look set — about 2–3 minutes.

4. Flip gently. Use a silicone spatula and turn it over. The second side cooks faster!

5. Done! Stack them up and top with fresh fruit, maple syrup, yogurt, or even peanut butter.

Pro Tips For Success

• A good pan is everything. If your pan sticks, even a little, it's game over. I use ceramic or titanium nonstick — totally worth it.

• The batter needs to be slightly thick — like a smoothie bowl, not runny like milk.

• Don't rush the flip! If it doesn't lift easily, wait a bit longer.

Time to Flip!

These no-oil pancakes have become my weekend habit. I love how I can eat a full plate without feeling heavy or greasy. Plus, less cleanup = more chill time.

Have you tried pancakes without oil before? Would you give this recipe a go? Let me know if you try it.