I absolutely love how these fluffy banana pancakes turn out every time I make them. They’re the perfect balance of soft, airy texture with just the right amount of natural banana sweetness. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special breakfast treat, this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe never disappoints.
When I first tried perfecting banana pancakes, I used to struggle with them turning out dense or soggy. But once I nailed this recipe, I found that the secret lies in the light batter and careful cooking. You’ll find that making these pancakes brings a cozy, comforting vibe to your kitchen and your family will go crazy for them as much as mine does!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened: The ripest bananas bring just enough natural sweetness, so you don’t need a ton of added sugar.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps that you can whip up in about 15 minutes.
- Perfectly Fluffy: Thanks to the baking powder and gentle mixing, these pancakes come out light and airy every time.
- Family Favorite: My kids and friends rave about this recipe — it’s great for breakfast or brunch that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients come together so well to create the ideal fluffy texture with just a touch of banana flavor. I always recommend using overripe bananas—they’re sweeter and easier to mash, which gives the pancakes their lovely moistness.
- All-purpose flour: This gives structure but keeps the pancakes tender.
- Baking powder (aluminum-free): The secret to fluffiness by helping the batter rise as it cooks.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spicy note that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Mashed overripe banana: Make sure the banana is very ripe—spots and softness mean better flavor and sweetness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps create that light texture.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and easy to pour; you can use dairy or any plant milk you prefer.
- Banana slices (for serving): Adds freshness and a pretty garnish on top.
- Maple syrup (for serving): The perfect finishing touch that elevates these pancakes to a breakfast celebration.
Variations
I love mixing things up sometimes depending on what I have on hand. Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe is really forgiving, so feel free to get creative with add-ins or swaps to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Gluten-free version: I’ve replaced all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and it still works great—just watch the cooking time as it might vary.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips: Toss in some chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips for a crunchy or melty surprise inside.
- Use alternative milks: Almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk all work wonderfully without changing the flavor much.
- Vegan take: I swapped the egg for flaxseed meal mixed with water, and it made delicious vegan banana pancakes, a neat trick I discovered.
How to Make Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting or whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key to getting those fluffy pancakes without any bitter spots. I always take a moment here to give it a good stir so the spices and leavening mix properly.
Step 2: Blend Banana, Egg, and Milk
In a larger bowl, mash your overripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Beat in the egg until fully combined, then whisk in the milk. This wet mixture is where the magic begins—you’ll find it creamy and slightly sweet, ready to transform simple flour into fluffy banana pancakes.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently
Now, add the dry mixture into your wet banana mix. Give it a gentle whisk—don’t overdo it! The batter will be a bit lumpy and that’s exactly what you want for fluffy pancakes. Too much stirring develops gluten in the flour and makes the pancakes tough, which I used to struggle with at first.
Step 4: Cook Pancakes Over Medium Heat
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, pour 3-4 circles of batter onto the pan at a time. Cook until the pancakes puff on top and the bottom is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip gently and cook another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
Patience here pays off—if your heat is too high, the pancakes will brown too quickly on the outside before cooking through inside. I like to keep the heat moderate and adjust as needed.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings
Serve your fluffy banana pancakes hot with banana slices and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup. The combination of warm syrup and fresh fruit makes breakfast feel truly special. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Use Overripe Bananas: The sweeter and softer the banana, the better the flavor and texture in your pancakes.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Keep it slightly lumpy to keep your pancakes tender and fluffy—overmixing equals toughness.
- Heat Control Is Key: Medium heat cooks the pancakes evenly without burning the outside or leaving the inside raw.
- Measure Your Batter: Using a ⅓-cup scoop helps make pancakes that cook uniformly and stack nicely.
How to Serve Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these pancakes with freshly sliced bananas and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, but some days I sprinkle chopped walnuts or toasted coconut flakes for an extra texture boost. A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream also adds a lovely richness if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides have become crispy bacon or sausages to balance the sweetness with a little savory kick. Fresh fruit salad or a smoothie bowl are great lighter accompaniments if you prefer to keep things fresh and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or brunch parties, I stack the pancakes like a layered cake and add alternating layers of mascarpone and sliced bananas, topping with powdered sugar and fresh berries. It’s such a fun, impressive way to serve a humble pancake that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I usually separate each pancake with parchment paper to prevent sticking, which makes reheating super easy.
Freezing
One time-saving trick I discovered is freezing the cooked pancakes between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a few frozen pancakes for a quick breakfast any day without losing the fluffy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping the pancakes in the toaster or warming them in a nonstick pan over low heat to keep the edges crisp without drying out. Microwave works in a pinch but can make them a bit rubbery, so I save that for the fastest option.
FAQs
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Can I use less ripe bananas for this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe?
While overripe bananas are best for this recipe due to their sweetness and softness, you can use slightly less ripe bananas. Just know that the pancakes might be less sweet and the texture a bit firmer. You might want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavor.
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What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you want to make these pancakes vegan or just avoid eggs, you can substitute with a flax egg: mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes until gelatinous. It works well to bind the batter without affecting the fluffy texture too much.
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How do I keep my banana pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your pan is fully preheated and use a good nonstick spray or a small amount of butter/oil. Avoid high heat, which can burn and cause sticking before the pancake sets. Also, flipping only when bubbles appear on top helps ensure it’s ready to turn.
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Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter up to a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge covered tightly. However, the baking powder’s effectiveness may decrease, so pancakes might not be as fluffy if you wait too long before cooking. For best results, cook fresh batter.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Fluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe has become my go-to for weekend mornings or whenever I want a comforting, delicious breakfast without a fuss. I love how the natural banana flavor shines through without overpowering the light, fluffy texture. Give this recipe a try — I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it as much as I do!
PrintFluffy Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 pancakes)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy banana pancakes are a delicious and easy breakfast treat featuring ripe bananas for natural sweetness, combined with a perfectly balanced batter to create light, airy pancakes. Served with banana slices and maple syrup, they make a comforting and wholesome start to your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup mashed overripe banana (about 1 ½ large bananas)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
For Serving
- Banana slices
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined to create the dry base for the pancakes.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat the mashed banana with the egg until well blended. Then whisk in the milk until combined smoothly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and whisk gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; do not overmix to keep pancakes fluffy.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, pour 3-4 circles of batter into the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the pancakes are puffed on top and golden brown on the bottom.
- Flip and Finish: Flip each pancake carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until fully cooked and risen through.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with fresh banana slices and drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate pancakes for up to four days or freeze for easy meal prep and convenient grab-and-go breakfasts.
- To reheat frozen pancakes, warm them in a toaster or microwave until heated through.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg