One of my family’s weekend traditions is starting the day with the hearty goodness of IHOP’s Harvest Grain Pancakes.
We all love the nutty flavor and wholesome texture!
A key trick to achieving that signature fluffiness is to grind oats finely, almost like flour, before mixing them with your other ingredients.
These pancakes are even healthier without compromising on the delicious taste you crave.
How to Make IHOP Harvest Grain Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups Oats
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 3/4 cups Buttermilk
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your skillet or griddle to medium heat.
Lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
Grind the oats in a blender until they become a fine flour-like consistency.
This adds a nice texture to your pancakes.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, mix the ground oats, both types of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 4:
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs.
Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
Stir until just combined, then fold in the chopped walnuts.
Step 5:
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the second side.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Walnuts
Always use fresh walnuts for the best flavor, as older nuts can become bitter over time and affect your pancake taste.
Adjust Griddle Temperature
If your pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to get a fluffy interior and golden exterior.
Substitute Ingredients
Feel free to substitute buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice if buttermilk isn’t available to you.
Batter Consistency
Your batter should be thicker than typical pancake batter; this helps create a hearty texture these pancakes are known for.
Keep Pancakes Warm
To keep cooked pancakes warm while finishing the batch, place them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) until you’re ready to serve.
What to Serve with IHOP Harvest Grain Pancakes
If you’re looking to make your IHOP Harvest Grain Pancakes a complete breakfast experience, there are some delicious options to serve alongside them.
Fresh Fruit
A refreshing bowl of fresh fruit is always a fantastic choice.
Think sliced bananas, berries, or even juicy pear slices.
They add a vibrant burst of color and flavor while complementing the hearty pancakes.
Savory Eggs
A side of fluffy scrambled eggs or a sunny-side-up fried egg can balance the sweetness of the pancakes perfectly.
The savory taste adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your meal.
Whipped Yogurt
For something a little different, you can pair your pancakes with whipped Greek yogurt.
It provides a creamy texture and a nice tartness that goes well alongside the nutty sponge cakes.
Nut Butter Spread
I love to add a spread of almond or cashew butter on the side.
It adds a rich and nutty flavor that highlights the grains and nuts in the pancakes.
Herbal Tea
Sometimes, a warm cup of herbal tea is just the thing to sip on with your meal.
Try peppermint or chamomile for a soothing option that balances the meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Sometimes you’re in the mood to put a personal twist on your pancakes!
You can make some easy swaps to cater to your preferences or dietary needs.
Whether you’re out of a particular ingredient or just curious, there are plenty of options.
Flour Choices
If you prefer a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour.
For a different taste, you can also swap in spelt flour or almond flour.
Each flour will bring its own unique texture and flavor to your pancakes.
Sweeteners
Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a different taste profile.
Another option is to use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
These can change not only the sweetness but also the color and texture.
Nut Variations
You aren’t limited to just walnuts!
Consider adding pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to give your pancakes a distinct nutty flavor.
How to Store Leftover IHOP Harvest Grain Pancakes
Storing leftover pancakes properly is essential to maintain their freshness and taste!
To start, always allow the pancakes to cool completely before storing them.
For short-term storage, place the pancakes in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.
They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Freezing Leftover Pancakes
If you need to store them for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
First, lay the pancakes flat on a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
Freeze them for about an hour until they are solid.
Once frozen, you can stack them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Preventing Pancakes from Sticking
Separate each pancake with a layer of wax paper or parchment paper.
This keeps them from sticking together and makes it easier to remove just the amount you need.
When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Labeling and Portion Control
Always label your storage containers with the date.
This helps you keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Additionally, you can portion out the pancakes before freezing, especially if you know how many you want to eat at a time.
This way, you only defrost what you need!
Enjoy your IHOP-style pancakes anytime with these simple storage tips!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Oat Grinding
You might be tempted to skip grinding the oats, but don’t!
Blending them into a flour texture is crucial for a smooth batter consistency.
This detail makes a big difference in the final taste and texture of the pancakes.
Overmixing the Batter
Avoid overmixing your batter as this can lead to tough pancakes.
Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
A few lumps are perfectly okay and even desirable for fluffy results.
Not Preheating the Griddle
Make sure your griddle or pan is fully preheated before pouring the batter.
A hot surface ensures even cooking and golden-brown pancakes.
This step helps avoid pancakes sticking to the pan and ensures they cook quickly.

IHOP Harvest Grain Pancakes
- 1 3/4 cups Oats
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 3/4 cups Buttermilk
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts
- Preheat your skillet or griddle to medium heat.
- Lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Grind the oats in a blender until they become a fine flour-like consistency.
- This adds a nice texture to your pancakes.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground oats, both types of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Make sure there are no lumps.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Stir until just combined, then fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the second side.
- Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes Recipe - February 11, 2025
- Ina Garten Red Velvet Cake Recipe - February 10, 2025
- Ina Garten Asparagus Quiche Recipe - February 10, 2025