There’s something magical about waking up to the warm, comforting scent of banana pancakes sizzling on the stove. Fluffy, golden, and filled with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these pancakes are perfect for weekend brunches or leisurely mornings. With their delicate texture and rich flavor, they offer an easy way to start the day on a delicious note. Whether you enjoy them as a family breakfast or a treat for yourself, these banana pancakes are sure to satisfy any morning craving.

Remember it later

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Ingredients and Preparation

For these pancakes, you’ll need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, with ripe bananas taking center stage. Their natural sweetness adds a special touch, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Start by gathering your ingredients—egg, milk, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Bananas that are soft, with brown spots, work best here, as they mash easily and blend into the batter seamlessly.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Begin by preparing the ingredients in advance. Mash the bananas until smooth, breaking them down with a fork for the best texture. Measure out the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt—so you have everything ready to go. This ensures a smooth, uninterrupted process when mixing the batter, which is key to achieving light, fluffy pancakes.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients. For an extra tender pancake, sift the flour before mixing it with the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting the flour aerates it, which can result in lighter pancakes. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout.

Whisking the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the mashed banana and egg together until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to incorporate it evenly into the banana mixture. The wet ingredients should blend smoothly, forming the foundation of your pancake batter. Using a whisk or fork works best here to break up any remaining banana lumps.

Combining the Mixture

Once the wet ingredients are fully combined, it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients. Be sure to do this gently to avoid over-mixing, which can make the pancakes tough. You want a slightly lumpy batter—this texture will lead to fluffier pancakes. Mix just until the flour disappears into the wet ingredients, and no more.

Heating the Skillet

Before you start cooking, preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. The key to evenly cooked pancakes lies in a well-heated pan. Lightly coat the surface with nonstick spray, ensuring the batter won’t stick and the pancakes will brown evenly.

Pouring and Flipping

Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, scoop the batter into the skillet, forming 3 to 4 pancakes at a time. Let them cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, and the edges turn golden brown. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip them carefully and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, until both sides are beautifully browned and the pancakes are cooked through.

Final Touches

To keep the first batch of pancakes warm while you finish cooking the rest, place them on a plate in a low oven set at around 200°F. This will maintain their fluffiness without drying them out. Once all the pancakes are cooked, top them with banana slices and drizzle generously with maple syrup for an irresistible finishing touch.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose the Best Bananas:
Use bananas that are overripe, with plenty of brown spots. These provide the sweetest flavor and blend seamlessly into the batter.

Getting the Right Consistency:
If your batter seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour to adjust the texture.

Making Them Extra Fluffy:
For lighter pancakes, be careful not to over-mix the batter. A few lumps are your friends—they help the pancakes puff up beautifully.

Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, and it will be ready to go.

Can I Freeze Leftover Pancakes?
Absolutely! Place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet, freeze them in a single layer, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat them in a toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast during the week.

How Do I Know When the Pancakes Are Done?
The pancakes are ready to flip when bubbles form on the surface, and the edges begin to set. Once flipped, cook them until both sides are golden brown and firm to the touch.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Banana pancakes pair beautifully with classic breakfast sides, making them a versatile dish for any morning spread.

Classic Pairings
For a traditional breakfast, serve your pancakes with a generous pour of maple syrup, a dollop of softened butter, and a few extra banana slices. This simple combination allows the banana flavor to shine.

Creative Toppings
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try topping your pancakes with whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a handful of chocolate chips. You could even add a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a tangy-sweet twist.

Side Dish Suggestions
Complete your breakfast with crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, or a light fruit salad. These sides offer a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes, balancing out the meal.

Recipe Variations
Banana pancakes are a blank canvas for all sorts of variations. Here are a few ideas to add a personal touch to your batch.

Add a Twist
For extra flavor, fold in blueberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips into the batter. These simple additions can elevate your pancakes from good to great.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for almond or oat flour. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or any other plant-based milk of your choice. Both swaps will still give you fluffy, delicious pancakes.

Storing and Reheating
If you’ve made too many pancakes or want to save some for later, here’s how to store and reheat them for another delicious meal.

How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, staying fresh and soft.

Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat the pancakes in a microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop them in a toaster for a few minutes to restore their crisp edges.

These banana pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a fluffy, comforting texture. Easy to make and perfect for any morning, they offer a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own creative toppings, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try them out, and feel free to experiment with different flavors and variations!

Ingredients

1 large egg
¾ cup milk
¾ cup ripe mashed banana (about 1 ½ large)
1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Banana slices, for topping
Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate large bowl, mash the banana and whisk it together with the egg until smooth. Gradually stir in the milk until fully incorporated. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined, leaving some lumps in the batter.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. Pour the batter into the pan using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, forming 3 to 4 pancakes at a time. Allow them to cook until the tops begin to puff and the edges turn golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the pancakes are cooked through and fluffy.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh banana slices and drizzled with maple syrup. This recipe yields 8 pancakes. Enjoy!