If you’re on the hunt for a pancake recipe that’s irresistibly fluffy, naturally sweet, and friendly for gluten-free diets, then you’re in the right spot! This Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe is one I’ve come back to time and again, especially when I want a cozy breakfast that feels a little special but comes together without fuss. I absolutely love how the bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making the pancakes tender and flavorful without needing a ton of sugar. Keep reading—you’ll find this recipe fan-freaking-tastic for weekend brunches or even a comforting weekday treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fluffy & Light: Thanks to the gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and baking powder, these pancakes rise beautifully every time.
- Naturally Sweetened: The mashed overripe bananas bring just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.
- Family Favorite: My kids go crazy for these, and I love knowing they’re eating a wholesome breakfast that’s gluten-free.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily swap milk types or add-ins like mini chocolate chips for even more fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe blend to create that perfect balance of fluffiness, flavor, and moisture. I like to keep the pantry staples simple and rely on ripe bananas for sweetness and texture. Using a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour mix makes it super easy to swap out for your favorite brand without fuss.
- Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: This is the cornerstone for texture here—be sure it contains xanthan gum or a binder for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough for sweetness without overshadowing the banana flavor.
- Baking powder: Gives the pancakes their fluffy lift, so don’t skip it.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Milk of choice: I usually use almond milk, but cow’s milk or oat milk work beautifully too.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- Butter (melted): Adds moisture and flavor—in dairy-free versions, swap for coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle touch that brightens the pancakes.
- Mashed overripe banana: Measure it because the moisture content affects batter consistency; about two medium bananas.
- Sliced bananas, mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, peanut butter: These are optional toppings but trust me, they take these pancakes to the next level.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe is—feel free to make it your own! Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks that my family enjoys, and they might inspire you to get creative too.
- Adding spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with the bananas—my go-to when making these in the fall.
- Dairy-free version: Swap the milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil respectively, and you’ll still get fluffy pancakes without dairy.
- Chocolate chip banana pancakes: Toss in mini chocolate chips to the batter—my kids think it makes breakfast feel like dessert.
- Extra protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an energy-packed morning boost.
How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
Grab a large bowl and mix your gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. I find that whisking these ahead ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, helping every pancake rise evenly.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Bananas
In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, stir in your mashed overripe banana. I always make sure the bananas are very ripe for maximum natural sweetness and that they’re measured accurately so the batter isn’t too wet or too dry.
Step 3: Fold Wet into Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay and help keep the pancakes fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes, and nobody wants that.
Step 4: Heat Your Griddle or Pan
Preheat a griddle to 325°F (or a nonstick pan over medium-high heat). If you’re using a skillet, lightly oil it to prevent sticking. I use a cast-iron griddle, which holds heat evenly and makes flipping easier. Trust me, a well-heated surface is key here!
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Using a 2-3 tablespoon scoop, drop batter onto the griddle or pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until you see bubbles forming in the center and the edges begin to look set, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remember, patience pays off here—don’t rush the flip too soon or the pancakes might fall apart.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings
Serve immediately with sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of peanut butter. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top right as they come off the griddle, letting them melt slightly into the warm pancakes for an extra treat.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Measure Your Bananas: I learned that weighing or measuring your mashed banana keeps the batter consistent and prevents it from being too runny.
- Use a Nonstick Pan or Well-Seasoned Griddle: This prevents sticking which is common with gluten-free batters, making flipping smooth and easy.
- Don’t Overmix: Lumps in this batter are your friend—overmixing makes pancakes tough instead of tender.
- Cook at Medium Heat: Too hot and they’ll burn on the outside before fully cooking inside; too low and they won’t brown nicely.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these pancakes with freshly sliced bananas for that extra fruity kick and a drizzle of real maple syrup. Sometimes, I add a smear of creamy peanut butter or sprinkle mini chocolate chips right on top for a little indulgence. These garnishes aren’t just tasty—they add a fun texture and flavor contrast that my family really enjoys.
Side Dishes
Pair these pancakes with crispy bacon or a side of scrambled eggs to balance sweetness with savory. Fresh berries or a simple green smoothie also work beautifully alongside for a nutritious boost that feels like a full breakfast celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try stacking these pancakes into a tall tower and layering between with thick Greek yogurt or whipped cream and more banana slices. I once served them with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few edible flowers for a brunch that looked as good as it tasted—your guests will think you’re a kitchen wizard!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I have extras, I stack them with parchment paper in between so they don’t stick together, which makes reheating a breeze.
Freezing
I often freeze leftover pancakes by freezing them flat on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag once firm. They freeze wonderfully and thaw quickly when you want a quick breakfast fix on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven to keep them crisp on the outside and tender inside. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—but I prefer that slight crisp from the toaster for that freshly-made feel.
FAQs
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Can I make this Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter and use your favorite dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. The pancakes turn out just as fluffy and delicious.
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What’s the best way to get my pancakes fluffy with gluten-free flour?
Using a good gluten-free 1:1 baking flour that contains xanthan gum helps replicate the structure gluten provides. Also, be sure to add baking powder and avoid overmixing your batter.
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Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can mix everything except the baking powder up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, but add the baking powder right before cooking for best fluffiness.
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How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots. This ensures they’re sweet, soft, and easy to mash, lending great flavor and moisture to the pancakes.
Final Thoughts
I used to struggle finding a gluten-free pancake recipe that didn’t come out dry or crumbly, but this Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe completely changed the game for me. It’s now a beloved staple in my kitchen—quick to whip up, forgiving to make, and reliably delicious. I truly hope you enjoy making these as much as my family and I do. There’s something so comforting about a stack of warm, fluffy banana pancakes on a slow morning, and now you can have that too, free from gluten worries. Give it a try—I think you’ll love it!
Print
Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (makes about 12 four-inch pancakes)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These fluffy, gluten-free banana pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat for anyone looking for a wholesome, delicious start to the day. Made with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, ripe bananas, and a few simple ingredients, these pancakes are lightly sweet with a subtle banana flavor and a tender yet slightly crisp texture. They are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with your favorite toppings like sliced bananas, mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, or peanut butter. This recipe is also adaptable to dairy-free diets by substituting the milk and butter.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 bananas)
Toppings (optional)
- Sliced bananas
- Mini chocolate chips
- Maple syrup
- Peanut butter
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Then stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a griddle to 325°F or preheat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, lightly grease with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Using a 2–3 tablespoon scoop, pour the batter onto the hot surface. Cook the pancakes until the edges look set, bubbles appear in the center, and the bottom side is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the pancakes and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until cooked through and golden on the other side.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm topped with sliced bananas, mini chocolate chips, maple syrup, peanut butter, or your preferred toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- The pancakes have a fluffy interior and a slightly crisp exterior with a light banana flavor.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by substituting the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Use ripe or overripe bananas to maximize sweetness and banana flavor.
- Measure the mashed banana carefully for the best texture and consistency.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and airy.
- Cooking temperature and timing may vary depending on your stove or griddle; adjust as needed to avoid burning or undercooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (3 pancakes)
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 384 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg
