Blue Spirulina Pancakes with Oat Flour are my answer to those mornings when I want something fun, filling, and still pretty wholesome. I first made them on a day I was tired of the same old oatmeal, but I still wanted that cozy breakfast vibe. The bright blue color feels a little magical, like weekend brunch even if it is a random Tuesday. And if you are someone who likes quick breakfast ideas for busy days, I also keep a short list of sip and go options like these tasty travel friendly smoothie options for the mornings when the skillet just is not happening. Today I am walking you through my favorite version, plus little tips I wish I knew the first time. 
What is blue spirulina?
Blue spirulina is basically the bright blue part extracted from spirulina. Regular spirulina is that deep green algae powder you might have seen in smoothies. Blue spirulina is different because it is usually just the blue pigment, called phycocyanin, without the strong seaweed vibe that turns some people off.
I buy it as a powder, and a little goes a long way. You do not need a full scoop like protein powder. For pancakes, I usually use about half to one teaspoon depending on how bold I want the color to be.
Quick note on shopping and storage
Look for blue spirulina from a brand that lists it clearly as blue spirulina or phycocyanin, and check that it is meant for food use. I keep mine in a cool, dark spot with the lid on tight because light and heat can dull the color over time.
Now, the base of this recipe is oat flour, which is super easy and forgiving. If you do not have oat flour, you can blend rolled oats into flour in a regular blender. If your blender is a bit basic, this post on blending without a high speed blender has the same kind of practical tips that help with oats too, like working in small batches and using short pulses.
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Blue spirulina health benefits
I am not here to promise miracle food magic, but I do like knowing why an ingredient is popular. Blue spirulina is mostly known for its antioxidant content, especially that phycocyanin pigment. People use it because it can be a nice add on to a balanced diet, especially if you already enjoy smoothies, bowls, and colorful foods.
Here are a few realistic, easy to understand reasons people love it:
- Antioxidant support: Phycocyanin is the big one people talk about.
- Fun food motivation: Honestly, bright blue pancakes make you want to eat breakfast. That counts for something.
- Easy add in: A tiny spoonful can upgrade the vibe of simple recipes without changing your whole routine.
I also like it because it pairs well with other simple, nourishing habits. If you are already doing smoothies for breakfast sometimes, my blueberry spinach smoothie recipe is another easy way to get that bright, fresh feeling without much effort.
“I made these for my kids and they actually asked for seconds. The color sold them, and the oat flour kept them full until lunch.”
What does blue spirulina taste like?
This is the question everyone asks, and I get it. Bright blue powder sounds like it should taste weird. In my experience, good quality blue spirulina tastes very mild. Like, almost nothing. Maybe a tiny earthy note if you really focus, but once it is in pancakes with vanilla and a little sweetness, it basically disappears.
The bigger flavor players here are the oat flour and whatever you add on top. If you are nervous, go with:
vanilla, cinnamon, or a little banana in the batter. Those cover everything and make the pancakes smell amazing while they cook.
Tips for success
I have made these enough times to mess them up in a few different ways, so here is what actually helps.
My no stress pancake method
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. Oat flour thickens as it sits, which helps the pancakes hold together.
- Keep the heat medium to medium low. Too hot and the outside browns before the inside sets.
- Do not flatten them. Let them puff a bit naturally.
- Flip when you see bubbles and the edges look set. If you flip too early, they can tear.
Also, blue spirulina can fade if you cook it too aggressively. The pancakes will still taste good, but if you are chasing that bright ocean blue, lower heat is your friend.
Here is my actual go to recipe that I make at home. This is for about 2 servings, depending on how hungry everyone is.
Delicious Blue Spirulina Pancakes with Oat Flour Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons blue spirulina powder (start with 1 for a softer blue)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened plant milk)
- 1 egg (or a flax egg if you prefer)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter for extra tenderness
Directions
- In a bowl, mix oat flour, baking powder, salt, and blue spirulina powder until the color looks even.
- In a second bowl, whisk milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add melted oil or butter if using.
- Pour wet into dry and stir until just combined. Let it rest 5 minutes so the batter thickens.
- Heat a nonstick skillet on medium to medium low and lightly grease it.
- Scoop batter onto the pan. Cook until bubbles appear and the edges look set, then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Serve warm with toppings you love.
Topping ideas: Greek yogurt and blueberries, banana slices with peanut butter, or a quick berry mash. If you are a peanut butter person, you might also like the flavors in this creamy peanut butter banana oatmeal smoothie, because it has that same cozy, filling energy.
And one more thing. If your batter gets too thick after resting, just splash in a tablespoon or two of milk. Oat flour is thirsty like that.
Recipe variations
Once you make Blue Spirulina Pancakes with Oat Flour a couple times, you will probably start tweaking them based on your mood. Here are a few variations that actually work without making the pancakes fall apart.
1) Banana blue pancakes
Mash half a banana into the wet ingredients. This makes them naturally sweeter and a little more cake like. You may need a tiny splash more milk if the batter gets thick.
2) Lemon coconut vibe
Add a little lemon zest and sprinkle shredded coconut on top right after pouring the batter into the pan. It tastes like vacation breakfast, even if you are eating it over the sink because you are late.
3) Extra protein
Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, or add a small scoop of plain protein powder. If you do protein powder, watch the thickness and add more milk as needed.
4) Chocolate chip for picky eaters
Mini chocolate chips fix everything. Sprinkle them on the pancakes after you pour the batter so they stay evenly spread.
If you want a super easy breakfast pairing, I love doing pancakes plus a small smoothie on the side. Sometimes I make them smaller, like silver dollar pancakes, and sip something simple like an oat based blend. This creamy oatmeal breakfast smoothie is a great match when you want breakfast to actually keep you full.
Common Questions
Can I make Blue Spirulina Pancakes with Oat Flour ahead of time?
Yes. Cook them, cool them on a plate, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet for the best texture.
Do these freeze well?
They do. Freeze flat first, then store in a bag with parchment between them. Reheat straight from frozen in the toaster.
Why are my pancakes not bright blue?
Usually it is heat. Cook on medium low and avoid overcooking. Also, some brands are less vivid, so you may need a little more powder.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax plus 3 tablespoons water, rest 5 minutes). The pancakes will be a bit softer but still good.
Is oat flour the same as ground oats?
Pretty much. Oat flour is just oats blended finely. If yours is a little gritty, blend longer and sift if you want a smoother batter.
Ready to make breakfast way more fun?
Blue Spirulina Pancakes with Oat Flour are bright, cozy, and way easier than they look, which is basically my favorite kind of recipe. Keep the heat gentle, let the batter rest, and do not overthink the toppings. If you want another version to compare or just enjoy reading other takes, check out Blue Spirulina Pancakes with Oat Flour – The Hint of Rosemary and see how they do it. And on the mornings you are not cooking, go back to those tasty travel friendly smoothie options so you still get a solid breakfast without stress. Let me know if you try these, because I swear the first time you flip a blue pancake successfully, it feels oddly satisfying. 
Blue Spirulina Pancakes with Oat Flour
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and cozy Blue Spirulina Pancakes made with oat flour, perfect for a fun breakfast that feels special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons blue spirulina powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 egg (or a flax egg)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix oat flour, baking powder, salt, and blue spirulina powder until evenly combined.
- In a second bowl, whisk milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add melted oil or butter if using.
- Pour wet into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet on medium to medium-low and lightly grease it.
- Scoop batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear and edges look set, then flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For added flavor, consider toppings such as Greek yogurt, bananas with peanut butter, or a berry mash.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg