Best Michigan Pancake Recipe

At the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association, we love to talk about food and how talented our innkeepers are in the kitchen. This year we decided to have a recipe contest each month asking our innkeepers to share pictures and recipes of their breakfast favorites. For March’s contest, we asked for their favorite pancake recipes, and we received many entries- from delicious old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes to DutchBay Recipes (that one was a close second) to blueberry pancake recipes. They all sounded delicious, but we landed on this unique recipe from the Leonard at Logan Bed and Breakfast in Grand Rapids that is hearty, delicious, and gluten and dairy-free. We asked innkeeper, Ruth how she landed on this recipe, and she said she was googling for a gluten-free pancake recipe for guests staying with them, and she landed on a version of our winner highlighted below. She tweaked it until it was perfect and now when they have a gluten-free guest staying with them they know they can serve this recipe for everyone since the flavors are so moist and delicious that not a morsel is left on their plates.

Celebrating Michigan’s Finest Pancakes: The Oatmeal Date Delight! 

At the Leonard at Logan Bed and Breakfast, nestled in the heart of Michigan in the Art Center of Grand Rapids, culinary magic unfolds. Our latest recipe contest crowned a champion—the Oatmeal Date Pancake. Not only is it a symphony of flavors, but it’s also a gluten-free and dairy-free delight that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

The Winning Recipe: Oatmeal Date Pancakes

Pancake Recipe:

1 1/2 cups oat flour

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 1/2 cups almond or oat milk

1 egg

2 Tbsp coconut oil

1 Tbsp vanilla

1 Tbsp brown sugar

Dash of orange extract

Grated orange peel

8 oz. of chopped dates

Whisk all dry ingredients together. Combine all wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix them all together and add the dates. Let sit to absorb for about 30 minutes.

The batter will be very thick. Add a little more almond or oat milk to loosen. Scoop out by 1/4 cup onto a hot griddle. Spread slightly. When tops are bubbly, flip and finish!

Serve with orange sauce, maple syrup, or apple pecan butter. Enjoy!

Orange Sauce Recipe

In a small saucepan: 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, grated orange peel.

Heat on low just to combine. Serve warm. (Makes 12-14 small pancakes)

Why We Love It:

• Nourishing Comfort: The oats provide a hearty base, while the dates add natural sweetness.
• Gluten & Dairy Freedom: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Warm Hugs in Every Bite: These pancakes feel like a cozy morning hug.

Visit Leonard at Logan Bed and Breakfast

If you’re ever in Michigan, make a beeline for the Heritage Hill neighborhood of Grand Rapids and experience the Leonard at Logan B&B. Imagine waking up to a sun-kissed morning and indulging in these pancakes in their formal dining room or alfresco dining on the patio. It’s a slice of heaven, one pancake at a time.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and let the Oatmeal Date Pancakes whisk you away to breakfast bliss.

For more delightful recipes and cozy stays, explore our Michigan Bed and Breakfast community!  ️

Our monthly articles are, like this one, packed with interesting travel ideas and news of outstanding Michigan bed and breakfasts. To make sure you don’t miss one, subscribe now. Our quick-read newsletter will come to your inbox. No spam. No sharing your email address with anyone else. Good stuff.