There’s something so comforting about a stack of fluffy, homemade banana pancakes fresh off the griddle. This recipe is one we love to make as a family. It’s quick, easy, and comes together in just 20 minutes. The pancakes are perfectly soft, with just the right amount of sweetness from ripe bananas.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. At our house, we whip up a mix of regular-sized pancakes and adorable tablespoon-sized ones for the kids. They love those bite-sized pancakes. It’s a fun way to make breakfast extra special!
Not only are these pancakes a hit at the breakfast table, but they’re also perfect for meal prep. You can store leftover pancakes in the refrigerator or freeze them for busy mornings.
You can make the batter ahead of time to save even more time.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delicious aroma of bananas and pancakes. Use simple ingredients for a new family favorite.
Homemade Banana Pancakes Topping Ideas for Every Occasion
One of the best things about banana pancakes is how versatile they are when it comes to toppings. Whether you’re keeping it simple or dressing them up for a special occasion, here are some ideas to inspire you:
Weekend Brunch. Serve your pancakes with caramelized bananas, whipped cream, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Add a side of berry compote for a splash of color and flavor. Perfect for impressing your guests.
Kids’ Breakfast. Make it fun and kid-friendly by adding a dollop of Nutella, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. Pair with a glass of milk for a breakfast treat they’ll adore.
Nutritious Start. For a lighter option, top your pancakes with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey. Sprinkle some granola on top for an added crunch and a burst of energy to start the day.
Holiday Morning. Celebrate festive mornings with indulgent toppings like caramel sauce, chopped pecans, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra magic to your holiday breakfast table.
Romantic Breakfast in Bed or Mother’s Day. Keep it simple yet elegant with fresh strawberries, dark chocolate shavings, and a light drizzle of honey. Pair with a latte or mimosa for a touch of romance.
No matter the occasion, banana pancakes are the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings. Try these ideas or mix and match to create your own signature combinations.
Fluffy and Delicious Homemade Banana Pancakes in 20 Minutes
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
- ¾ Cup Ripe Banana about 2 small bananas mashed
- 2 Tablespoons Butter Melted
- 1 Large Egg
- ¾ Cup Buttermilk
- ¼ Cup Brown Sugar Packed
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined. Set it aside.1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour, 2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.¾ Cup Ripe Banana
- To the mashed banana mixture, add the melted butter, egg, buttermilk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until fully incorporated.2 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Large Egg, ¾ Cup Buttermilk, ¼ Cup Brown Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the pancakes dense.
- Preheat a non-stick pan such as a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a small amount of butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pancakes. Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, scoop the batter onto the skillet to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the pancakes half way through and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Warm. Transfer the pancakes to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
- Enjoy these fluffy, banana-infused fluffy pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
How many pancakes do you think this will make?
This recipe should yield about 10–12 pancakes, depending on the size of the pancakes. If you’re using a ¼-cup scoop for the batter, you’ll likely get closer to 12 pancakes. Adjust the size of the scoop for smaller or larger pancakes, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Homemade Banana Pancakes
Use Overripe Bananas. The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and easier to mash, adding natural sweetness and flavor to your pancakes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.
Cook on Medium Heat. Too high a heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium heat ensures evenly golden pancakes.
Grease the Pan Lightly. Use a small amount of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and to give the pancakes a nice, golden finish.
Use an Ice Cream Scoop. For consistent pancake sizes, an ice cream scoop works wonders. Use a tablespoon for kid-friendly mini pancakes.
Delicious Variations to Try
Add Chocolate Chips. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent treat. Kids especially love this!
Banana Nut Pancakes. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
Blueberry-Banana Pancakes. Mix fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of fruity goodness.
Spiced Banana Pancakes. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the banana flavor with a warm, spiced twist.
Protein-Packed Pancakes. Swap ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a more filling breakfast.
Dairy-Free Option. Substitute almond milk or oat milk for the buttermilk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Tropical Pancakes. Mix in shredded coconut and top with pineapple chunks for a tropical breakfast vibe.
Vegan Banana Pancakes. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and oil.
Creative Serving Ideas
Pancake Tacos. Fold mini pancakes and fill them with yogurt and fruit for a fun breakfast or snack.
Banana Pancake Skewers. Alternate pancakes, banana slices, and strawberries on skewers for an adorable, portable breakfast.
Breakfast Sundae. Stack pancakes, top with a scoop of Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with granola.
Topping Ideas for Banana Pancakes
Here are some delicious topping ideas to pair with your fluffy banana pancakes.
Sweet and Fruity
Maple Syrup. A simple drizzle of maple syrup is a classic choice that complements the banana flavor.
Fresh Fruit. Fresh banana slices, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing touch.
Caramelized Bananas. Cook banana slices in a little bit of butter and a little cinnamon and brown sugar for a decadent topping.
Whipped Cream. Light and fluffy for extra indulgence.
Berry Compote. Warm, slightly sweetened berries for a gourmet twist.
Nutty and Crunchy
Chopped Nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a satisfying crunch.
Granola. Sprinkle for extra texture and flavor.
Peanut Butter or Nutella. A rich, creamy spread for nut lovers.
Indulgent
Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Sauce. Perfect for a dessert-style pancake.
Caramel Sauce. Sweet and buttery for a luxurious treat.
Nutritious Options
Greek Yogurt. Creamy and slightly tangy for a balanced topping.
Honey or Agave Syrup. A lighter alternative to maple syrup.
Coconut Flakes. Unsweetened or toasted for a tropical vibe.
Fun and Festive
Powdered Sugar. A simple dusting for a pretty finish.
Sprinkles. For a fun, kid-friendly breakfast.
Storing Banana Pancakes
If you have leftover banana pancakes, don’t worry—they store beautifully! Follow these tips to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow the pancakes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. - Reheating
To reheat, warm the pancakes in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or heat them on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side. This will help retain their fluffy texture.
Freezing Banana Pancakes
Banana pancakes freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to freeze them.
Let the pancakes cool to room temperature to avoid freezer burn. Place parchment or wax paper between each pancake to prevent them from sticking together. Then, stack them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat frozen pancakes in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or pop them in a toaster for a quick breakfast. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can the Pancake Batter Be Made Ahead of Time?
While freshly mixed batter makes the fluffiest pancakes, you can prepare it ahead in a pinch:
Refrigerating the Pancake Batter
Mix the batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before using, as it may thicken slightly in the fridge.
Tips for Best Results
To maintain fluffiness, consider adding the baking powder just before cooking if you plan to store the batter overnight. Baking powder can lose some of its leavening power if it sits too long in the wet mixture.
How can you tell when it’s time to flip pancakes?
You can tell it’s time to flip pancakes when you notice these key signs:
1. Bubbles Form and Pop
- Look for bubbles forming on the surface of the pancakes. When these bubbles start to pop and leave small holes that remain open, it’s a good indicator the pancake is ready to flip.
2. Edges Look Set
- The edges of the pancake will start to look dry and slightly set, rather than wet and shiny. This is a sign the batter on the bottom is cooked enough to hold its shape during flipping.
3. The Bottom is Golden-Brown
- You can gently lift the edge of the pancake with a spatula to check if the underside has turned a golden-brown color.
4. Timing
- On medium heat, the first side usually takes about 2-3 minutes to cook, depending on the size of the pancake.
5. Easy Lift
- The pancake will easily lift from the pan without sticking when it’s ready to flip. If it feels stuck, give it a few more seconds.
Flip the pancake gently and cook the second side for about 1-2 minutes until golden-brown. Avoid flipping multiple times, as this can make pancakes tough.
The next time you have overripe bananas, we hope you turn to this banana pancake recipe.
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