Banana Pancakes Recipe | Easy, Fluffy, and Naturally Sweet Breakfast

Mornings can feel a little softer when the kitchen smells like warm bananas and vanilla. Banana pancakes are one of those timeless breakfast choices that combine comfort with nutrition. Whether you’re looking to use up overripe bananas or simply craving something naturally sweet and filling, this recipe fits perfectly. Unlike store-bought mixes or overly processed options, homemade banana pancakes offer a hearty bite and an authentic flavor that’s hard to beat.

These pancakes come together with simple ingredients but deliver big on taste. The subtle sweetness of mashed bananas blends beautifully with the fluffiness of pancake batter. The result is a stack that feels indulgent without being unhealthy. Plus, they’re easy enough for weekday mornings and special enough for weekend brunches.

From toddlers to adults, everyone seems to enjoy them. The soft texture is great for kids, while the natural sugars and fiber from the bananas appeal to health-conscious eaters. You can also tweak the base recipe to match dietary needs or taste preferences. Add a few toppings, drizzle with syrup, or keep them plain—the possibilities are endless.

Let’s get into everything you need to know to make the best banana pancakes at home.

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Ingredients Needed

Below is a table with the ingredients and their approximate calorie count per serving (based on a batch that makes six pancakes):

Ingredient	Amount	Calories (approx.)
Ripe Bananas	2 medium	210
All-Purpose Flour	1 cup	455
Baking Powder	2 teaspoons	10
Milk (dairy or plant-based)	¾ cup	75–110
Egg	1 large	70
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon	12
Salt	A pinch	0
Butter or Oil (for cooking)	1 tablespoon	100

Total (per serving of 2 pancakes): Around 320–350 calories

Keep in mind that the exact calorie count can vary depending on the type of milk and oil or butter used.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making banana pancakes is surprisingly simple, even for beginners. Just follow these steps for a golden, fluffy result every time.

Step 1: Mash the bananas
Start with two ripe bananas. They should have brown spots and feel soft to the touch. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.

Step 2: Add wet ingredients
Crack in the egg and pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is combined.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent so your pancakes rise evenly.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Avoid overmixing. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and actually help prevent dense pancakes.

Step 5: Heat the pan
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to coat the surface.You’ll also want to try Blueberry Pancake_ for another tasty option.

Step 6: Cook the pancakes
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.

Step 7: Serve warm
Stack them on a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Banana pancakes are incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients or add-ins based on what you love or what you have on hand.

Make it gluten-free
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Oat flour or almond flour also works, though you may need to adjust the milk slightly.

Dairy-free option
Swap regular milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. Make sure the plant-based milk is unsweetened to keep the sugar content under control.

Boost the protein
Add a scoop of protein powder or replace regular flour with a high-protein flour alternative like chickpea or quinoa flour.

Add-ins
For extra texture or flavor, stir in a handful of blueberries, chopped walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut.

Spices
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas and give the pancakes a cozy, spiced flavor.

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Nutritional Information

Banana pancakes can be both delicious and nourishing. Here’s a rough nutritional profile per serving (about two pancakes without toppings):

They’re naturally sweetened by the bananas, which means less added sugar is needed. Using whole wheat flour can also increase the fiber content.

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Serving Suggestions

Banana pancakes are tasty on their own, but a few thoughtful additions can turn them into something really special.

• Fresh fruit: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or more banana
• Nut butters: Drizzle almond butter or peanut butter for added richness
• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein
• Maple syrup or honey: Use sparingly to keep things balanced
• Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch
• Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs: Perfect for a dessert-style breakfast

To keep things balanced, pair your pancakes with a side of eggs or a smoothie for protein and healthy fats.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the batter fresh, but you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before cooking.

Can I freeze banana pancakes?
Yes. Cook the pancakes fully, let them cool, and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in a toaster or microwave when needed.

How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the better. Bananas with brown spots are ideal because they are sweeter and easier to mash.

Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or use applesauce or mashed avocado as a binder.

Why are my pancakes too dense?
Overmixing or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough can cause this. Try mixing the batter gently and using overripe bananas for better texture.

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Conclusion

Banana pancakes strike a perfect balance between comfort food and wholesome eating. They’re easy to make, full of natural flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own twist on the recipe, you’re in for a satisfying breakfast that brings a little joy to the start of your day. So the next time you spot some spotty bananas on the counter, skip the banana bread and try this pancake recipe instead. It might just become your new morning favorite.