Delicious Banana Pancakes Recipe

Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of warm banana pancakes sizzling on the stove. They are soft, fluffy, and full of rich banana flavor—like a warm hug on a plate! Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a special weekend treat, or a fun way to use up ripe bananas, this recipe is perfect.

Banana pancakes are a fantastic way to start the day. They are naturally sweet, which means you don’t need a lot of extra sugar. Plus, they are packed with nutrients from bananas, making them a healthier alternative to regular pancakes.

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This recipe is also super easy to make! You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and a pan. So, if you’re craving something comforting yet simple, these banana pancakes will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick & Easy: These pancakes take less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Great for Using Ripe Bananas: If you have overripe bananas sitting on the counter, this is a perfect way to use them.
• Fluffy & Delicious: The mashed bananas make the pancakes soft and moist, while a little baking powder helps them stay light and fluffy.
• Naturally Sweet: Thanks to the bananas, you won’t need a lot of extra sugar.
• Perfect for Everyone: Whether you eat them plain, drizzle them with honey, or top them with fresh fruits, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy them.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
• ¾ cup (180ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil

For Cooking

• 1 teaspoon butter or oil (for greasing the pan)

Topping Ideas (Optional)

• Maple syrup or honey
• Fresh banana slices
• Chopped nuts
• Chocolate chips
• Whipped cream

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start, gather these simple kitchen tools to make the process smooth and fun:

• Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
• Whisk or fork – To mix the wet and dry ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Non-stick frying pan or griddle – To cook the pancakes evenly.
• Spatula – For flipping pancakes without breaking them.

That’s it! With just these few tools, you’ll be ready to make perfect banana pancakes.

Instructions

1. Mash the banana
   • In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Some small lumps are okay!
2. Mix the wet ingredients
   • Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the mashed banana. Whisk until well combined.
3. Combine the dry ingredients
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
4. Make the batter
   • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk or spoon. Be careful not to overmix! The batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Heat the pan
   • Place a non-stick pan or griddle on medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
6. Cook the pancakes
   • Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface. Then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve and enjoy
   • Stack your warm pancakes on a plate and add your favorite toppings like honey, fruit, or syrup. Dig in and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use very ripe bananas – The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be. Look for bananas with brown spots!
• Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
• Cook on medium heat – Too high heat will burn the pancakes before they cook inside, and too low heat will make them dry.
• Wait for the bubbles – Flip the pancakes only when you see bubbles on the surface; this ensures they’re cooked properly.
• Keep pancakes warm – If making a big batch, keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 90°C) until ready to serve.
• Experiment with flavors – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.

Now that you know all the secrets to making the best banana pancakes, it’s time to try them out. Happy cooking!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about banana pancakes is how flexible they are! If you don’t have certain ingredients or want to try something new, here are some easy swaps and fun variations:

Substitutions

• Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier version. You can also use oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Milk: Any type of milk works! Try almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Egg: If you’re out of eggs or want a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) or ¼ cup applesauce.
• Butter: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil, olive oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
• Sugar: If you prefer natural sweetness, leave out the sugar or use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead.

Fun Variations

• Chocolate Banana Pancakes: Add ¼ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Nutty Banana Pancakes: Mix in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Cinnamon Spice Pancakes: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Protein Pancakes: Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
• Blueberry Banana Pancakes: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions

Banana pancakes taste amazing on their own, but adding toppings can make them even better! Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Classic Style: Drizzle with maple syrup or honey.
• Fruity Delight: Top with fresh banana slices, strawberries, or blueberries.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top.
• Indulgent Treat: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with melted chocolate or spread some Nutella.
• Healthy Boost: Serve with Greek yogurt and a handful of granola.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover pancakes, don’t worry—they store really well!

• In the Refrigerator: Let pancakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pancakes

• Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds per pancake until warm.
• Oven: Place pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Toaster: For crispy edges, pop them in a toaster for 1-2 minutes.

Health Benefits of Banana Pancakes

• Good Source of Fiber: Bananas and whole wheat flour (if used) add fiber for better digestion.
• Natural Energy Boost: The natural sugars from bananas provide a quick energy boost.
• Protein & Healthy Fats: Eggs and milk contribute protein, while butter or oil adds healthy fats.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to cook the pancakes right after making the batter, but you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Just stir before using!

Q: Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
A: Overmixing the batter can make pancakes dense. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh!

Q: Can I make these pancakes without baking powder?
A: Yes, but they may not be as fluffy. You can use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

Q: How do I make these pancakes vegan?
A: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and swap the milk for a plant-based alternative. Use coconut oil instead of butter.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and cook in batches.

Now you have everything you need to make the perfect banana pancakes. Enjoy and happy cooking!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!