There’s something truly comforting about pancakes in the morning, and when you add sweet ripe bananas into the mix, breakfast becomes a little piece of heaven. If you’ve been searching for the best banana pancakes recipe, you’re in the right place. This guide will take you through everything you need to know—ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, tips, and FAQs—to make the fluffiest, most flavorful banana pancakes every single time.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a cozy morning stack, this banana pancakes recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Naturally Sweet – Ripe bananas add a natural sweetness, meaning you can use less sugar.
- Fluffy & Soft – The mashed bananas make the pancakes moist, light, and fluffy.
- Kid-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and picky eaters.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even blueberries for fun variations.
- Healthy Twist – With whole wheat flour or oat flour, you can turn them into a wholesome breakfast option.
Ingredients for Banana Pancakes Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect batch of banana pancakes (serves 3–4 people, about 8 pancakes):
- 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust depending on how sweet your bananas are)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
- Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mash them with a fork until smooth, with just a few small lumps for texture.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- To the mashed bananas, add the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
- Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your pancakes may turn tough. A few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges look set (about 2 minutes).
- Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Stack the pancakes high and serve warm with maple syrup, sliced bananas, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Variations of Banana Pancakes Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some tasty variations:
- Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Banana Nut Pancakes – Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Banana Oat Pancakes – Replace half the flour with oat flour for a wholesome version.
- Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes – Use gluten-free flour blends for a celiac-friendly option.
- Protein Banana Pancakes – Add 1 scoop of protein powder to make them extra filling.
- Blueberry Banana Pancakes – Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Pancakes
- Use Ripe Bananas – The darker the peel, the sweeter the banana.
- Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined; lumps are fine.
- Low & Slow – Cook pancakes on medium heat for even browning.
- Keep Warm – Store cooked pancakes in a 200°F (90°C) oven while finishing the batch.
- Freeze for Later – Make extra pancakes, freeze them, and reheat in the toaster for a quick breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Banana pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with these toppings:
- Classic maple syrup and butter
- Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
- Nut butter drizzle (peanut, almond, or cashew butter)
- Greek yogurt and honey
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a dessert-style treat
Banana Pancakes Recipe for Babies & Toddlers
If you want a healthier version for little ones:
- Skip the sugar entirely (bananas are naturally sweet).
- Use whole wheat flour or oat flour for more fiber.
- Cook small, palm-sized pancakes for easy handling.
- Avoid honey for children under 1 year old.
Storing & Reheating Banana Pancakes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Stack pancakes with parchment paper in between, store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Pop in the toaster, microwave, or oven until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make banana pancakes without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or just add an extra ½ banana.
2. Can I make banana pancakes without baking powder?
You can use self-rising flour instead, or add a little extra baking soda with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Are banana pancakes healthy?
Yes—especially if made with whole wheat flour and little added sugar. They’re packed with potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness.
4. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook pancakes immediately after mixing, but you can store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and cook in batches. Perfect for meal prep or family brunch.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true banana pancakes recipe, this one is simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up fluffy, golden pancakes that everyone will love. Whether you keep them classic with maple syrup or get creative with toppings, banana pancakes are the perfect way to start your day with comfort and flavor.
So grab those ripe bananas on your counter and get flipping—your breakfast table is about to be upgraded! 🍌🥞