Banana Pancakes

Introduction

Banana pancakes are the ultimate comfort food—fluffy, delicious, and filled with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy weekend treat, this easy-to-make recipe will have you flipping pancakes like a pro. Packed with nutrients and simple to prepare, these pancakes will become a family favorite in no time.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these banana pancakes are simple enough to make without feeling overwhelmed, but flavorful enough to impress any breakfast enthusiast. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness, fluffiness, and wholesome goodness.

This recipe is great for anyone who loves pancakes, but it’s especially a hit for those who want to enjoy a healthy twist on the traditional pancake. The addition of ripe bananas provides not only sweetness but also added moisture, which ensures a soft, fluffy texture. Plus, it’s an ideal way to use up overripe bananas that may be sitting on your countertop.

Recipe: Banana Pancakes

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (approximately 8 pancakes)

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp melted butter (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
• Butter or oil, for greasing the pan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Start by peeling the two ripe bananas and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth with a few small chunks. The more mashed the bananas are, the sweeter and softer the pancakes will turn out. If you prefer a bit more texture in your pancakes, feel free to leave some small banana pieces in the mix.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl with the mashed bananas, add two large eggs, 3/4 cup of milk, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. If you like your pancakes on the sweeter side, you can also add 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup. Whisk the wet ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the bananas are fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon if you’re using it. The cinnamon adds a nice warm flavor to the pancakes and complements the bananas perfectly. Once the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, gradually add them to the wet banana mixture.

Step 4: Stir the Batter

Stir the wet and dry ingredients together gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy, as overmixing can result in dense pancakes. The batter should be thick, but if it seems too thick, add a little extra milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Heat the Pan

Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil to prevent the pancakes from sticking. To check if the pan is hot enough, flick a few drops of water onto the surface. If they sizzle immediately, it’s time to cook the pancakes!

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook the pancake for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges begin to set. When the top of the pancake looks mostly dry and the edges start to lift from the pan, it’s time to flip it.

Flip the pancake carefully with a spatula and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once all your pancakes are cooked, stack them on a plate and serve hot. You can top these delicious banana pancakes with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit (e.g., banana slices, berries), a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For added protein, consider serving with a side of Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts.

Tips and Variations

1. Add-ins: Want to mix things up? You can add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or blueberries to the pancake batter before cooking. These mix-ins add texture and extra flavor to the pancakes.
2. Flour Alternatives: If you prefer gluten-free pancakes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour also works well for a low-carb version.
3. Dairy-Free Options: For a completely dairy-free version of these pancakes, simply swap the milk for a non-dairy option (like almond milk or oat milk) and use coconut oil or another dairy-free fat instead of butter.
4. Extra Protein: To make these pancakes even more nutritious, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients. This will give your pancakes a protein boost without compromising their taste or texture.
5. Serving Suggestions: Pair these pancakes with eggs, turkey bacon, or even a smoothie for a full breakfast that will keep you fueled throughout the morning.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Note: Nutritional values are based on using 2% milk and butter. Values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, such as non-dairy milk or different flours.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Pancakes

These banana pancakes are not only easy to make, but they also offer a healthier alternative to traditional pancakes. Bananas naturally sweeten the batter, so you can reduce or even eliminate added sugar. The bananas also contribute to a light and fluffy texture, without the need for any additional leavening agents.

The flavor of banana pancakes is simply irresistible, and they’re an excellent way to get more fruit into your breakfast. Plus, they can be made in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal option for busy mornings or a lazy weekend breakfast.

Final Thoughts

Banana pancakes are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Whether you’re making them for yourself or serving them to a group of friends or family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of ripe bananas, eggs, and milk creates a soft, pillowy texture that’s perfect for topping with your favorite fruits and syrups.

Don’t forget to customize your pancakes with toppings or mix-ins, and remember that you can make them ahead of time and freeze them for busy mornings. Simply reheat the pancakes in the toaster or microwave, and you’ll have a quick breakfast ready in no time!

So, the next time you have ripe bananas on your counter, you know exactly what to do: make banana pancakes that are both nutritious and irresistibly tasty!

Enjoy your banana pancakes, and let them bring a little extra joy to your day!